I am a native of St. Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia, where my upbringing was deeply intertwined with the vast expanse of the ocean. This connection to the sea remains a significant aspect of my life, serving as a grounding force that continually reminds me to embrace the present moment.
My father, a diligent individual, instilled in me the importance of a strong work ethic through his own business in house painting, primarily focused on new construction projects. Visiting his job sites, witnessing the creation of impressive homes, fueled my passion for all aspects of house building, sparking a love for DIY and renovation endeavors.
At the age of 26, my husband Dennis and I undertook the ambitious task of designing and constructing our inaugural home, personally clearing the acre-plus lot. This experience further solidified my dedication to the intricacies of home construction.
The idea of a career in real estate first crossed my mind after high school. Although initially deemed too young, my journey eventually led me through a three-year undergraduate program at Dalhousie, followed by earning a Bachelor of Education at MSVU, mirroring my husband's career path. Despite enjoying working with students, I found myself constrained by the curriculum and the confines of a traditional classroom setting. A revelation during a summer course on teaching Entrepreneurship propelled me towards my true calling. In 2000, I obtained my real estate license, fully aware of the challenges, having witnessed my father's struggles in business.
My professional trajectory includes several years dedicated to real estate, with a significant tenure collaborating with one of Halifax's premier builders, specializing in new construction while concurrently serving resale residential clients. Throughout this period, I personally designed four homes in the Westwood Hills subdivision, garnering invaluable insights that I now apply when assisting both buyers and sellers.