We’re looking forward to introducing you to YUi Ueno. Check out our conversation below.
YUi, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I believe that the energy I put out into the world is the most important thing. It’s the currency of life, and what you give out, you get back. Every conversation, every action, and every moment is an opportunity to send positive energy into the world.
For me, that means being a good listener and offering a helping hand whenever I can. I find joy in connecting with people and making them feel heard and valued. I’ve learned that a simple act of kindness or a genuine word of encouragement can create a ripple effect of positivity that comes back to you in unexpected ways.
By being mindful of the energy I put out, I am building a future filled with abundance—not just in material things, but in meaningful connections, personal growth, and a profound sense of purpose. I trust in this process, knowing that what I give today will create a more abundant tomorrow.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Yui Ueno, and I’m a local realtor here with Estate Properties in the Los Angeles/South Bay area. I’m passionate about helping people find their perfect home in this incredible area.
I believe that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant moments in a person’s life, and I’m dedicated to making that journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. My approach is simple: I prioritize my clients’ needs, listen carefully to what they want, and work tirelessly to help them achieve their real estate goals.
What makes my work special is the genuine connections I build with my clients. I’m not just here to close a deal; I’m here to be a trusted advisor and a supportive partner every step of the way. I love sharing my knowledge of the diverse and vibrant neighborhoods of LA, and I get so much satisfaction from seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they walk into a home and know it’s “the one.”
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I look back at my journey, there’s one person who saw me, truly saw me, before I could even see myself: my husband. He’s not just my partner; he’s my best friend, my greatest supporter, and my mentor.
I used to think that being a good realtor was just about knowing the market and closing deals. My vision was limited, and my confidence wavered. But my husband saw something more in me—a natural connector, a compassionate listener, a person who could build genuine relationships and guide people through one of the most important decisions of their lives.
He encouraged me to stop focusing on just the transaction and instead focus on the human connection. He’d tell me, “Yui, your energy is what makes you special. You listen with your heart, and that’s what people will remember.” He pushed me to embrace the qualities that I saw as just “being myself” and helped me realize they were my greatest strengths as a professional.
Because of him, I’ve learned to see my career not just as a job, but as a calling to serve others. He saw the potential in me to be more than just a realtor—he saw the potential for me to be a trusted guide, a community builder, and a source of positive energy. And for that, I’m forever grateful.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I used to meticulously track my time, viewing it as a finite resource to be carefully budgeted. Every minute I spent with a client, whether it was a long coffee chat or an extra visit to a potential property, felt like a measurable expense. I would mentally calculate the hours and wonder if I was getting a good return on my investment. It was an exhausting way to live and work.
Then, one day, I had a fundamental shift in perspective. It was a realization that hit me after a client called, not about a house, but just to say thank you for how I had helped them navigate a difficult time in their life. In that moment, I understood that my time wasn’t a cost—it was an investment in people.
I decided to stop calculating and start trusting. I stopped tracking the hours and instead focused on the quality of the connection. I began to truly believe that the energy and time I pour into my clients would, in turn, create a ripple effect of abundance. I realized that building a relationship, offering a listening ear, and going the extra mile without keeping score wasn’t a waste of time—it was the very foundation of my business.
This change in mindset was one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made. It transformed my work from a series of transactions into a series of meaningful connections, and it’s brought me more business and personal satisfaction than I ever could have measured.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
It absolutely is!! In a world that often encourages us to wear different masks—one for work, one for friends, one for family—I’ve found my greatest strength in not having to. The person you meet in a professional setting, the one who’s open, straightforward, and honest, is the exact same person my family and friends know. There’s no public version of me that’s different from the real me.
I believe this transparency is what sets me apart. I don’t believe in sugarcoating difficult conversations or hiding behind jargon. When I’m working with a client, they know they’re getting the truth, delivered with fairness and an open mind. This approach builds a foundation of trust that’s invaluable, especially when navigating the complexities of the real estate market.
My clients often tell me they appreciate this direct style of communication. It helps them feel secure and confident in the decisions they’re making. They know I’m not just telling them what they want to hear; I’m giving them the full picture, always. This authenticity has become the cornerstone of my brand, and it’s what allows me to build not just business relationships, but genuine connections based on mutual respect and honesty. The public me is the real me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I think about the legacy I want to leave behind, it’s not about the number of homes I’ve sold or the awards I’ve won. It’s about something far more personal and precious. I hope that when people remember me, the first thing that comes to mind is a smile—a genuine, hearty laugh.
I hope they’ll say, “Yui always laughed.”
I believe that true happiness isn’t about everything being perfect; it’s about finding joy in the small moments and facing challenges with a light heart. I strive to bring that energy into every interaction, every negotiation, and every conversation. It’s my way of making the world a little bit brighter, one laugh at a time.
I hope my story is one of unwavering optimism and a belief that you can approach life’s biggest decisions—like buying a home—with both seriousness and joy. The best compliment I could ever receive is for someone to say, “She looked happy all the time,” because that would mean I succeeded not just in my career, but in living a life that was truly full of light.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yuiuenorealestate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuiuenorealestate/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuiueno/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yuidreamhome/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yui-ueno-estate-properties-rancho-palos-verdes
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yuiuenorealestate
Image Credits
Yui Ueno
