Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Ibranossian.
Hi Sara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story starts from 2009. I was graduating University with a Liberal Studies degree with plans to become an elementary school teacher, but given the recession at the time, layoffs and sheer panic, I decided to pivot. I pivoted straight into politics and government. That summer, with no other professional option or plan, I landed on an internship opportunity on my University’s career portal and joined an LA City Council campaign as a volunteer. That led to a full-time campaign staffer position which later led to full-time employment in the victorious candidate’s office in City Hall. I started as a constituent caseworker in our field office, and within a few months, promoted to Scheduler. Ultimately, I became Scheduling Director/Executive Assistant and Coordinator of the Elected’s fellowship program and spent ten years with this office. I truly loved my role and all the people I met along the way. In 2014, however, I felt a calling to explore my creative side and pursued an interest in makeup artistry. On a whim, and 8.5 months pregnant with my second daughter, I decided to take a makeup certification course, and as a hobby, would practice on friends and family. Word spread quickly and people began offering to pay me to do their makeup. Within a couple of years, this hobby grew into a serious side business. When I wasn’t a full-time government employee, I was an occasion and bridal makeup artist. Later earning the nickname “government makeup artist.” By this time, my oldest daughter had just started elementary school and I desired a more flexible schedule and balance. The years were fleeting and I wanted to be able to spend more time with the girls – while still working part time. So on March 3rd, 2020, I decided to take a leap of faith and leave City Hall to pursue makeup full time. I’m sure you can guess what happened next. Covid. Two weeks later, the pandemic hit and we went into lockdown. The lockdown essentially destroyed the bridal industry and outright interest of anyone to have their makeup done. I was devastated. With schools shut down and loss of normalcy as we knew it, my career took a pause. But it was this unpredictable moment in life that led me to where I am today. After a lot of soul searching, I leaned into something I had always wanted to do and that was real estate. I knew my love for makeup would always be there, but I needed to pivot – again – into something more stable and predictable. I grew up watching my parents invest in real estate and rehab homes as a kid and was always fascinated by the industry but never had time to take the courses. Again, with my husband’s encouragement and support, I decided to take another leap and start from scratch. I took the courses, passed the exam and joined the number 1 brokerage in volume and units in the City of Los Angeles as a Realtor. It’s truly been a rollercoaster getting here, but when I look back on the trajectory of my professional and personal journey, I know it was all meant to happen this way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been the roughest road imaginable. I left the only career I ever knew to start another that didn’t hold a chance against a worldwide pandemic. This has always been my journey though. Nothing has ever been handed to me and I’ve always had to play the long game. It’s something I’ve accepted at this point in my life and am grateful that through these hardships, I learn so much, meet the best people along the way and can always find a silver lining. In every career, hobby, business I’ve ever had, it’s always been a “learn as you go” process. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and failed more times than I’d like to admit, but it was through this trial and error that I learned in the best way possible. I’ve never had a blueprint to follow and in a lot of ways, that’s been a greater blessing. I’ve been so fortunate to meet mentors along the way, in every industry I’ve been in, and I owe them a debt of gratitude for seeing potential in me and giving me opportunities to learn, sometimes fail, and ultimately succeed – with their faith. Success isn’t a linear path and the sooner we can accept that the sooner we can reach our goals.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Real Estate Agent in Los Angeles. I specialize in single-family residences and serve the Valley and greater Los Angeles region. I’m known for my integrity, ethics and perseverance. As an agent who uses intelligence, kindness and strong communication over chicanery to get the job done, I like to call myself a dolphin in an industry of sharks. We are not all cut from the same cloth and I pride myself on having a strong moral compass, showing respect to my colleagues and using teamwork and transparency to meet the goals of my clients. This is what sets me apart from others. I don’t stoop to cheap tricks and aggression to close a deal. Kindness and transparency have always persevered over ruthlessness in allowing me to help my clients meet and surpass their goals whether buying or selling. Upholding a fiduciary duty to the client and maintaining unwavering integrity with all parties involved in every transaction is truly what this industry comes down to and the key to successful transactions.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is my family, friends and my clients. My husband is my biggest fan, and I his, and my two little girls are the light of my life and my big WHY. My home base is my priority and my biggest accomplishment. As long as my family unit is happy, healthy and thriving, I can bring my best self forward and provide the best service to my clients and best version to my friends and social circle. My friends are my tribe. My mom, who’s my best friend and sounding board. They all keep me grounded and humble. They’re the ones I turn to during the biggest successes and worst pitfalls.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://saraibranossian.equityunion.com/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sara-ibranossian-north-hollywood-2
Image Credits
Mher Vahakn
