We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jinette. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jinette below.

Jinette, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I ever took was deciding to start my own businesses, a leap that was both emotional and deeply personal. At the time, I felt stuck in life. I was afraid of not being able to provide for myself and my daughter, and even more afraid of starting over if things didn’t work out. I was already carrying debt, and the thought of failing felt heavy. But one day, I realized something that changed everything: if I didn’t start, I’d never move forward, I’d stay exactly where I was. As the quote says, “If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”

That realization became my turning point. My motivation was my vision for the future, not just for myself, but for my daughter and the family I dream of building. I wanted her to see that courage and faith can open doors fear tries to close. So, I took the leap into entrepreneurship, building my career in real estate and launching programs like Navigate, which empowers young people to learn the basics of entrepreneurship and embrace their potential early in life.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been full of growth, purpose, and transformation. I’ve learned that failure is a valuable teacher, and living too “safely” can sometimes mean not living fully at all. The greatest reward has been the satisfaction of growth, seeing myself evolve, gaining experience, and leaving a positive mark on others. My biggest takeaway is simple: take the leap of faith. Every challenge you overcome reminds you of what you’re truly capable of, and that belief in yourself becomes your greatest success.

Jinette, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jinette Cartagena, and I’m a real estate agent with eXp Realty under The Bascom Group and one of the founder of the Navigate Program LLC. My passion for real estate and entrepreneurship grew from my love for people, I’ve always been inspired by personal transformation and the power of change. Based on experiences I wished I had growing up, I made it my mission to give back to my community and create opportunities that empower others to grow and succeed.

In real estate, I proudly serve clients throughout Massachusetts, helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals. I work with buyers, sellers, and investors, but my heart especially lies in helping first-time homebuyers. I’m known for going above and beyond, offering guidance through every step of the process, helping clients secure concessions, and even celebrating with thoughtful gifts at closing. My creativity, transparency, and integrity make each experience unique and meaningful. I provide FREE consultations, they can contact me by email: [email protected] or by phone (978) 645-1933.

Beyond real estate, me and my partner Antoine Stewart founded Navigate Program LLC, a hands-on entrepreneurship program designed for students ages 12–25. The 8-week program provides young achievers with tools to turn their ideas into real business ventures, teaching them the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and helping them earn a certification of completion. Navigate also offers internship opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience. Anyone interested can visit www.navigateprogram.online to learn more or join our next session.

What sets me apart is my deep connection to the community and the genuine care I bring to everything I do. I believe that even the smallest act of kindness or guidance can leave a lasting impact. What I’m most proud of is knowing I’ve made a difference, whether it’s helping a client purchase their first home or inspiring a young student to dream bigger. During the holiday seasons, I love giving back by organizing community events such as Thanksgiving turkey drives to provide meals for mothers and families in need, and Christmas gift drives to support families who may need an extra hand bringing joy to their children.

I want people to remember me as someone who truly cares, someone who gives, uplifts, and strives to leave every person and place better than she found it.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met my business partner online when I reached out to learn more about life insurance, and what started as a simple conversation quickly turned into a powerful connection. He needed real estate guidance and interior design support for one of his offices, and through helping each other, we discovered that we shared the same vision of giving back to our community. In August 2024, we co-founded Navigate Program LLC and partnered with the YMCA to teach a 6-month entrepreneurship course for youth. The experience changed everything for us, it fueled our passion for empowering the next generation. Since then, we’ve expanded by creating a website, launching internship opportunities, and hosting a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway. I’m truly grateful for our partnership, we balance each other’s strengths and continue to grow while making a lasting impact in our community.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media started with being genuine and consistent about what I love, real estate, community, and inspiring others. I began by sharing my journey, from open houses and client success stories to community events and the Navigate Program. Over time, people connected not just with what I do, but with why I do it. I also make it a habit to post on my timeline every day, celebrating birthdays, sharing inspiring quotes, and posting topics that engage people, not just about my work, but about life, motivation, and positivity. I want people to know I truly care about how their days are going and that they’re seen and valued. My advice for anyone starting out is to stay authentic and consistent. Don’t focus only on numbers, focus on connection. Share your story, show your progress, and be transparent about your wins and lessons. People don’t follow perfection; they follow purpose and personality. When you lead with value, positivity, and sincerity, your audience will grow naturally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jinettecartagena.exprealty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesroyalty_08/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JinetteMCartagena/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinette-cartagena-511923181/
• Other: https://www.navigateprogram.online/

  Heartfelt Holiday Program (Thanksgiving/ Christmas sign up) https://form.jotform.com/242807419872061