Money was always tight, and I started working at a young age. If it weren’t for my greatest role model, I wouldn’t be half the woman that I am today.

My brother and I were raised in East Los Angeles by our single mother. Our neighborhood was predominately Hispanic, and we lived humbly. Our parents divorced when we were very young, and we spent most of our time with mom. My dad worked as an executive chef in hotels, restaurants and country clubs and the time we did spend with him was usually in the kitchen. In fact, I credit much of my cooking ability to him.

Looking back, I realize that money was tight, but I never really noticed at the time. I remember going with my mom to the grocery store one day and seeing her pay with weird looking money. When I asked her what it was, she brushed it off by saying it was monopoly money – I know now that they were food stamps. She didn’t want us to feel poor – poor is a mindset.

Mom always worked multiple jobs to provide for us. After working through the lunch and dinner shifts at a nearby Mexican restaurant, she also bartended in the evenings. With such long work hours, we grew up as your typical latchkey kids. We didn’t mind it though – my brother and I always found ways to have fun with our chores thanks to our endless sock fights!

Doing chores around the house was the beginning of me learning responsibility and time management. My mother believed in the importance of taking care of our belongings and our home. Beyond the regular vacuuming and dusting, we were expected to clean out the refrigerator weekly and wash the baseboards! Of course, I didn’t particularly love doing chores in those days but now I really appreciate the lessons they taught me. Thanks to my mom we learned hard work at a young age and my heart was full.

Even in my youth, I appreciated my life. I had loving parents and a terrific brother, good friends, a roof over my head, and a sense of pride. By the time I was in high school I was involved in the cross country and track program. As busy as my mother was, she always made time to attend my meets and ultimately set my standard of hard work and accountability.

My childhood undoubtedly shaped me into who I am today. Thanks to the role model that my mother is I strive to be the best I can be for my own children, Olivia and Sean. She gave me the tools to be successful in life and I continue to do the same for them. I believe it has made a world of a difference that nothing was handed to me on a silver platter – I had to work for all that I received. Instilling that same work ethic in my children has already put them on a path to finding their own success and joy in life.

I am incredibly grateful for the triumphs and trials I’ve experienced throughout my life. They have led me to the happiness and success that fills my heart today.

When I decided to get my REALTORS® license in 2005, I immediately put that same frame of mind to work in my business. There is nothing I want more than to help my clients get from where they are to where they want to be. I am your consultant, your advocate and am committed to working tirelessly to help you achieve your dreams. Think of me as your pilot – we will hit turbulence on our flight through our real estate transaction, however you can be assured I will land us safely on the ground – without spilling your drink!

Thank you for taking time to learn more about me today. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve you and become your REALTOR® for life!

With gratitude,

Kelly McLaughlin
REALTOR®