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

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey in Los Angeles has been as unique as the city itself. From the moment I arrived, I felt a deep connection to its energy—a place where creativity, ambition, and individuality come together to create something extraordinary. My path to this city wasn’t linear, but every step along the way has been shaped by a deep-seated belief in resilience, hard work, and the power of possibility. These values have been my compass, guiding me through challenges and inspiring me to embrace each new chapter with an open heart.

Real estate wasn’t my first career. My background includes two master’s degrees—one in Linguistics and another in Spiritual Psychology. These fields may seem unrelated to real estate, but they’ve become the foundation of what I do today. Linguistics gave me a deep understanding of communication, while Spiritual Psychology taught me the importance of connection, mindfulness, and being of service.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2007, I was at a crossroads in life. Adjusting to a new country, language, and culture while navigating personal challenges was not easy, but it was transformative. I quickly fell in love with the city’s incredible architecture, its vibrant neighborhoods, and the unique stories behind each home. Over time, I realized that real estate was the perfect way for me to combine my love of design, my passion for helping others, and my ability to connect with people on a deeper level.

What I offer my clients is more than just expertise in buying or selling homes. I strive to create an experience that is personal, thoughtful, and tailored to their needs. Every client has a story, and every home is a new chapter waiting to be written. My role is to help bring those stories to life, whether it’s finding the perfect first home, helping a family move into a space that fits their growing needs, or selling a beloved property with grace and care.

What sets me apart is the heart and intention I bring to my work. I understand that a home is not just a physical space—it’s a sanctuary, a place where memories are made and dreams take root. My clients often tell me they feel supported not just professionally but emotionally throughout the process. That’s something I take great pride in.

I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me and the relationships I’ve built over the years. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy on someone’s face when they find “the one,” or knowing I’ve helped someone take a big step forward in their life with confidence and ease.

Beyond real estate, I’m fueled by a deep passion for art, travel, and nature—each offering its own lens through which to see the world. My love for architecture is rooted in how spaces can shape and reflect our lives, much like the destinations I’ve explored. I’ve been fortunate to climb the heights of Mt. Kilimanjaro, wander through the untamed beauty of the Galapagos Islands, and immerse myself in the rich cultures of Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Morocco, and most of Europe. Each journey has been a profound lesson, shaping my appreciation for the world’s diversity and deepening my understanding of what makes a place feel like home. Lifelong learning and personal development are the cornerstones of everything I do.

Also, for the past two years, I’ve been hosting a podcast called “In the Mood for California”, and it’s been one of the most inspiring endeavors of my life. I am completely and utterly in love with Los Angeles—the city where dreams can come true—and this podcast has given me the chance to explore its magic through the eyes of others who share this love. Every interview feels like a journey into the soul of LA, from its vibrant neighborhoods to the creative spirits who make it so unique.

I like to think of “In the Mood for California” as a spiritual time capsule, capturing the essence of this extraordinary city in a way that goes beyond its physical beauty. Through heartfelt conversations, we celebrate the endless possibilities that LA offers while reflecting on its deeper, transformative energy. Sharing these stories and perspectives has been incredibly rewarding, reminding me every day why I fell in love with this city in the first place. It’s my way of honoring the dreams, connections, and creativity that make Los Angeles so special.

If there’s one thing I’d want clients and potential collaborators to know about me, it’s this: I truly care. Whether it’s helping someone find their dream home or supporting them through a challenging sale, I pour my heart into every interaction. To me, real estate is not just about houses—it’s about people, dreams, and possibilities. That’s the essence of my work, and I feel incredibly grateful to do what I do.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first immigrated to the United States, I found myself in a completely unfamiliar world. I had so little to rely on, yet, deep inside, I felt an undeniable urge to create something meaningful, something that could capture the raw emotions of feeling isolated. That’s when the idea for a short film called “Aquarium” was born.

It wasn’t an easy process. The odds were stacked against me—no resources, no connections, and limited knowledge of my new environment. But I didn’t let that stop me. I borrowed equipment, leaned on the few relationships I built, and poured every ounce of creativity into the project. Every step was a leap of faith. I wrote late into the nights, fueled by nothing but passion and determination. I searched for anyone who would be willing to participate in the project, and scouted locations with the help of people who agreed to drive me around, as I didn’t have a car yet. The process was chaotic and humbling, but it taught me that resilience is about finding ways to create beauty even in the most challenging circumstances.

The story of “Aquarium” mirrored my own feelings of isolation and longing but also carried an undercurrent of hope. When it finally came time to shoot, every moment on set felt like magic—the culmination of hard work and resilience. “Aquarium” wasn’t just a film; it was a testament to my commitment to adapt, grow, and express myself despite the hurdles. Looking back, it was a turning point that reminded me of my strength and ability to build something meaningful from the ground up. It’s a lesson I carry with me in everything I do, whether it’s creating art or helping my clients navigate their own transformative journeys.

That experience taught me that even in the most challenging circumstances, we can find ways to bring our visions to life. This short movie
was my way of saying, “I’m here, and I have something to share with the world. Remember that our minds are like aquariums; unless we step out of their confines, we’ll never discover how much we can truly grow.” To this day, it remains a personal triumph, a testament to the power of determination in the face of uncertainty, a powerful reminder of the strength we can find within ourselves when we choose to keep moving forward, no matter how daunting the road ahead may seem.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There are several books and resources that have profoundly shaped my approach to both entrepreneurship and life. One that stands out is “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl. Its core idea—that between stimulus and response lies a space where we have the power to choose—has been a guiding philosophy in my personal and professional journey. It reminds me to approach challenges with mindfulness and to see setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Another book that left a deep impression is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. Its message about following your personal legend and the idea that the universe conspires to help you achieve your dreams resonate strongly with my entrepreneurial journey. It’s a reminder to trust the process, even when the path feels uncertain.

For practical business insights, “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek has been invaluable. It helped me understand the importance of knowing and communicating my “why,” which has allowed me to create deeper, more meaningful connections with clients.

Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now” also played a transformative role in shaping my entrepreneurial thinking. The book emphasizes the importance of being present and understanding that true peace and clarity arise when we detach from the past and future. This has had a profound impact on how I approach both business and life, reminding me to stay grounded in the present moment, which enhances my creativity and decision-making.

I also find inspiration in TED Talks and interviews with entrepreneurs who emphasize authenticity, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership. These resources reinforce my belief that success is not just about achieving goals but about creating meaningful experiences for yourself and others along the way.

Ultimately, the combination of these insights has shaped my philosophy: to lead with heart, to find meaning in service, and to view challenges as opportunities for personal and professional transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inthemoodforcalifornia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552479962684
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/maria-korpacheva-a02900167
• Twitter: https://x.com/InTheMoodForCA
• Yelp: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jL4kN4uEVn6jK2B49
• SoundCloud: we.fo/1648691957