Meet Trailblazer Michelle Harding

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Harding.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to LA to sing and act, I certainly never thought I would become a real estate agent and aerialist. I grew up on a farm 30 mins north of Toronto, Canada. My mom was a school teacher and my dad was a Glazier. We certainly had a very creative and encouraging household and I’m pretty sure that’s why myself and all of my siblings are self-employed. Quickly after moving to LA, I discovered I had the right specs for fit modeling. I stumbled upon the job and dove in head first making my way into every California grown clothing company. After 15 years, I thought I should begin to transition into something I could make last forever. Real estate is tumultuous and certainly tough but there is something about WINNING that is downright addictive. I recognize you need to have the right personality type to enjoy this type of work and I am just grateful my sister and fellow realtor was the one who said I should do this. I enjoy the challenge and I love that I can make my business my own. There is nothing more rewarding than handing keys to a new homeowner. I truly love what I do in both real estate and the performing arts world.

Has it been a smooth road?
There is no straight line or clear path to either real estate or performing as an aerialist. Anyone with their own business will tell you there are bound to be roadblocks. I have to say, every time I close a deal or take the stage I am flooded with gratitude. My best advice to anyone starting out in their own business is to KEEP GOING. All of my failures along the way are simply reminders of how much I love what I do. Having a passion for your work makes it easy to hustle in that field so the roadblocks just become part of the journey but they never derail you. If you are not passionate about what you are doing, then find out where your passions lie and dive headfirst into that field. Life is too short to become robotic or stagnant.

We’d love to hear more about how Image Defy Entertainment has affected your real estate business?
I am most proud of getting people into homes when they never thought they would be a homeowner. Especially here in California where it is certainly expensive. Almost all of my clients and referrals come from my natural sphere in fashion, music and fitness. Most creative types have random income from multiple sources making it more difficult to get a home loan. They also make their income in spurts so they find it tough to save 20% down for a property. Luckily 90% of my buyers are only putting 3.5% down so the numbers are far more manageable. As an artist myself, I can speak the same language and educate buyers pulling from my own experience as a homeowner and investor. It feels really good to guide my clients through one of the biggest purchases they will ever make.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Find out what you are passionate about and work in that field no matter where you need to begin. The time is going to pass anyways so start NOW. A lot of my mentors didn’t find their paths until their 3rd or 4th career choice. The key is to simply begin and dive IN. It’s not too late, you are not too old, YES you are good enough. Ignore the fearful voices that don’t like change and take the leap. Change is less uncomfortable when you are changing all the time. Change is the only constant and true element of life. Get used to that and business management becomes a lot easier.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6621 e Pacific Coast Highway Suite 150 Long Beach, CA 90802
• Website: www.michelleharding.com
• Phone: 323-251-9019
• Email: Michelleharding@kw.com
• Instagram: Michelle_Harding_Real_Estate

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