We were lucky to catch up with Jenny Khouly recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jenny, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Over 50 years ago, in the midst of conflict and uncertainty, my father made a life-altering decision—to leave his home country of Lebanon during the war and pursue a better life. His destination was a small Caribbean island called Antigua, a place vastly different from the one he grew up in, yet full of the hope and possibility he longed for.
With little more than determination and the weight of his dreams, my father left behind everything familiar—his parents, his beloved wife, and his three young children. He embarked on this journey not for himself alone, but for the future he envisioned for all of us.
In Antigua, he began humbly as a salesman, working long hours, building a name for himself through integrity, consistency, and a willingness to go above and beyond. Over time, he gained the respect and trust of the local community. His persistence paid off—not in sudden fortune, but in something far more meaningful: the ability to reunite his family.
After four years of relentless hard work and sacrifice, he brought his parents, his wife, and his three children to join him in Antigua. That moment was more than a reunion—it was the realization of a promise he made to himself and to us: to give us a better life.
My mother’s journey was equally powerful. Once she arrived in Antigua with my three brothers, she took on the tremendous responsibility of raising a growing family. Soon after, my fourth brother and I were born. As my father continued to provide financially, my mother was the steady hand and loving heart that shaped our home. Her strength, patience, and devotion were the foundation that kept us grounded. She sacrificed so much so that we could have stability, education, and the chance to dream.
The legacy of my parents’ courage and perseverance is deeply rooted in who I am. From a very young age, I was taught the value of hard work, resilience, and never giving up in the face of adversity. My father showed me what it means to create opportunity out of struggle. My mother showed me what it means to stay grounded, no matter the storm.
Their story is not just a family history—it is a living inspiration. Because of them, I know I can overcome anything. I can endure hardship and come out stronger. I can face life with a bold mind and an unshakable spirit.
Their sacrifices gave me a foundation, and from it, I continue to build. Their legacy lives on in everything I do.
Jenny, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I come from a proud Lebanese heritage and began my real estate journey over 14 years ago in the Caribbean, specifically in Antigua. It was there that I fell in love with the industry—not just for the transactions, but for the transformation that real estate makes possible. Whether it’s turning a house into a home, building long-term wealth, or investing in a future, I’ve always been passionate about helping people navigate that process.
Early in my career, I worked with both developers and international investors, assisting clients from regions as diverse as China, Dubai, and Europe. That global exposure gave me a strong foundation in cross-border real estate and helped me understand the cultural sensitivity and trust required to serve clients well—especially when large financial and emotional decisions are involved.
When I transitioned to the U.S. market, particularly in Florida, it wasn’t easy. Real estate in the States is far more complex than what I had known in Antigua. It was a major learning curve, but I committed myself fully. I studied, trained, and immersed myself in the industry until I gained the confidence and knowledge to thrive. I also earned my Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, which was a longtime personal and professional goal. Education is central to my work—because no matter how long you’ve been in real estate, there’s always more to learn.
Today, I help clients with residential buying and selling, international investment opportunities, and relocation guidance. I bring an international perspective, personalized care, and a sharp eye for both lifestyle and long-term value. My clients often come to me because they need someone they can trust—someone who can guide them through the process with clarity, empathy, and results.
What sets me apart is not just my experience, but the journey behind it. I’ve built my career across borders, cultures, and markets. I know what it means to start over, to adapt, and to turn challenges into growth. I’ve also been fortunate—luck has played a part in my path—but I believe it’s what we do with our opportunities that defines us. For me, every client is a relationship, not just a transaction.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited about what’s ahead. My goal is to continue expanding my international reach—helping more people invest, relocate, and thrive through real estate. I want potential clients and followers to know that when you work with me, you’re not just getting a realtor—you’re getting someone who brings heart, global insight, and a genuine commitment to your success.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I moved from Antigua to Florida to continue my real estate career, I thought the transition would be smooth. After all, I had over a decade of experience, had worked with international investors, and had built a strong reputation in the Caribbean. But I quickly realized that real estate in the United States was a completely different world—far more regulated, fast-paced, and layered with rules, systems, and licensing requirements that felt overwhelming at first.
It would’ve been easy to feel defeated. I had to start over in a new market where no one knew my name. I had to study new laws, pass state exams, build a new network, and prove myself all over again. There were days I questioned if I had made the right decision. But giving up was never an option. I reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place—because I love helping people find homes, build wealth, and create a better future.
So, I committed fully. I went back to the books, attended every training I could, and leaned into learning. I rebuilt from the ground up, client by client, relationship by relationship. Eventually, I earned my Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation—a personal milestone that symbolized not just my experience, but the resilience it took to adapt, grow, and rise in a new environment.
That chapter in my life taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving hardship—it’s about showing up every day, doing the hard work when no one’s watching, and choosing to believe in your purpose even when the path isn’t clear. It’s that same mindset I bring to my work today—because I know what it means to start from scratch, and I know the strength it takes to rise again.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that experience alone guarantees success. When I came to Florida after years of working in real estate in the Caribbean, I believed my track record—helping international buyers, working with developers, closing deals—would speak for itself. I had built trust and respect in Antigua, and I assumed those achievements would naturally translate into success in the U.S. market.
But they didn’t.
In Florida, I was a new face in a crowded industry. The rules, systems, and expectations were completely different. Despite my experience, I found myself starting at the bottom again—relearning contracts, getting licensed, building new networks, and adjusting to a more complex and competitive real estate environment. It was humbling.
That’s when I realized: no matter how much you know or how long you’ve been in the game, you can’t stop being a student. Experience matters, but it doesn’t replace the need to adapt, to learn, and to grow. I had to let go of the belief that my past success would automatically carry me forward. It was a tough but necessary reset.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennykhouly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennySKhouly/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennykhouly
