We recently connected with Marie Elaine Aniboli and have shared our conversation below.

Marie Elaine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

A leap of faith from Jewelry Diamond Manager to Realtor Associate
During the uncertainty of 2020 Covid Pandemic, I was furloughed from my full time jewelry manager job for 4 months. Although I have had my Real Estate license for over 16 years at the time, I was mostly part time since my divorce in 2009 . I had bought a home and new no one else was responsible for the payments. At the time, I wanted the security of a paycheck and a job with medical benefits.
Faced with the scary future of not knowing when this pandemic would end, it was sink or swim for me. I decided to fully commit to my Real Estate careeer. I dove online utilizing social media to connect with potential clients. I started posting videos on Facebook and Instagram reminding everyone that I was a Realtor and still doing business with added health security measures . I made phone calls to everyone I knew and asked them how they were fairing with regard to the pandemic.
I ended up pick up clients and with in that time I had secured 5 closings and was still doing business. When I was called back to my full time position at the Jewelry store, I knew that I was going to end that. I realized how much I enjoyed the flexibility of being my own boss , making my own hours and controlling my income.
Not only was I surving with out the stability of a paying job, but I ended up having one of my best income producing years.
This business is not easy , I am now heading into my 22nd year and this year wasa challenging one for me. The income is not stable , there are constant expenses wheather you are making money or not, the same as any business. The biggest reward for me after working crazy Retail hours for over 40 years , is the ability to take the time to go to all the family get togethers and parties that I missed ove the years and being able to take off on the most beautiful day to enjoy it. I feel I have a better balance in life and am a happier person. You can’t put a price on that.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve dedicated over 40 years of my life to a career in sales, predominantly in the high -end markets. My journey began right after college in the men’s custom clothing business, where I honed my skills in personalized service and client relationships.
From there I transitioned into Bridal gowns, prom dresses and bridal party gowns the restaurant business, Men’s Big and Tall clothing, selling cars, Vitamins and then finally exquisite jewelry with a consentration in Bridal and engagement rings. Each of these expanded my experience in customer service across a diverse sector.
With both this rich background in customer service and constant continued education , I am able to provide knowledge and a unique approach meeting the needs of my clients and ensuring they have an exceptional experience in every transaction.
I am most proud of the strong connections I build with my clients who often become friends and that I take time to truly understand their needs and aspirations, guiding them toward their goals.
Navigating the ups and downs of the market can be challenging, but I thrive on problem-solving. My approach is steady and composed, ensuring that we work through obstacles together in a calm and efficient manner. I’m committed to making the process as smooth as possible, turning potential difficulties into opportunites for success. I look to making each relationship a life-long client.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My side hustle is now my full time business. I attained my Real Estate license in 2003, mostly keeping it as a side hustle. I did a few transactions a year while working a full time job. I never put my license in referral because I always wanted to work my own clients, not pass them off. When it was my side hustle, I did not prospect for business. I received my business from mostly friends, family and also connections from my other jobs. Most of the time, it came out of a conversation just trying to get to know my client to better assist them. They would often like the way they were treated and were looking for the same experience in one of the largest purchases or sales of their lives. I was petrified to rely on a straight commission business after I got divorced. I needed a steady paycheck with health benefits. One big milstone that helped me trasition, was after working in car sales, I realized that this was very close to being paid on straight commission. There was a small draw but really your income depended on you making it happen. Another large milestone for me other than the uncertainty of the pandemic was what was happening in my life at the time. I had just had a break up of a long relationship, I was on my own my kids were grown and in their own careers and thought , I’m only responsible for myself so what’s the worse that can happen? I knew that with my strong sales background I could always get another job so it was time to make the leap into creating my own full time Real Estate brand.

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

Having had my license since 2003 , I have seen this market in its ups and downs and survived. I learned new skills along the way. I did a lot of short sales in 2009 when the bottom fell out of the market and I made great money before that when the market was booming. Changes are eminent in my business. Recently our industry had the lawsuits regarding seller and buyer agent disclosures and commisiions . There is always a learning curve to adapt to new conditions, new rules, laws, and regulations. Our industry is always changing. This year was a particular challenging year for me. I broke my Tibia and injured my PCL in January, I had no weight bearing for 12 weeks, making it impossible to show property. After that hiatis, I needed to bounce back , get my head together and get business. You must wake up each day with a smile, Thank God for what you have , be positive and muster through. You learn to live meagerly when the business isn’t there and to save for a rainy day when it is there. It is also important to be abreast of all the changes relating to your industry such as mortgage qualifications and rates, home inspection items etc. Surviving in this industry for over 21 years to me says resillence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marieaniboli.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marieanibolirealtor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marieelainerealestate
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marieaniboli/
• Other: I have an old You Tube channnel under Marie Elaine Bagarozza , let me know if you want me to include it.

Image Credits

Francesca Anello
Melecia Llewellyn
Dwayne Llewellyn
Aaron Liller