Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefany Gonzalez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for interiors and homes began early. My mom loves to tell the story of how I used to pore over magazines as a child, styling my room to look like it came straight off the pages. When it came time to choose a career, architecture felt like the natural choice—it combined everything I was passionate about.
After earning my Master of Architecture, I dove into the world of real estate development in New York City. The work was hands-on and fast-paced, exposing me to everything from permits to final construction sign-offs. It was the perfect foundation for understanding the inner workings of real estate and construction.
Over the years, my career has evolved in exciting ways, through various facets of design and real estate. I’ve owned a brick-and-mortar home furnishings shop, launched an online home goods store, and now, as a real estate agent, I get to bring all these experiences together. What I loved most about my store was connecting with people—listening to their needs and helping them create spaces that felt personal and meaningful. Today, I carry that same philosophy into real estate.
I love every aspect of being a Realtor—seeing homes, transforming spaces, and guiding people through their unique homeownership journeys. Real estate is endlessly fascinating to me. It’s like solving a puzzle, understanding each client’s needs, and finding the perfect fit for their vision.
Being part of ACME Real Estate has been a game-changer. The boutique brokerage feels like home, and the team’s commitment to design and innovation is unmatched. Courtney Poulos, our founder and broker, is a powerhouse. She’s constantly ahead of design trends and pushing the boundaries of what a brokerage can achieve. The signature “ACME look” of our client’s renovated homes and unique marketing has set a standard in the industry that others often try to replicate—but Courtney always reinvents and raises the bar.
I’m proud to be part of a team that consistently leads, evolves, and inspires. We don’t just sell homes—we create lifestyles that resonate with people. For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping clients transform their lives through the spaces they call home.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Obstacles are inevitable, but they serve a purpose. Every stumble is an opportunity to learn and grow. Success isn’t about having a perfectly smooth path—it’s about resilience and the willingness to adapt. I’ve had to pause, reassess, and pivot countless times. Looking back, it all feels interconnected, but in the moment, starting over was often overwhelming.
Closing my home furnishings store after a few challenging years in New York’s competitive market was a moment of reckoning. It felt like a failure at the time, but that experience taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and what I truly wanted to pursue. It propelled me in a new direction, allowing me to take what I’d learned and apply it in meaningful ways. I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today without that experience.
Every setback I’ve faced has acted like a switch on a train track, redirecting me toward the right path. Each turn, no matter how unexpected, has added to my toolkit of resilience. I wouldn’t be the real estate agent I am today without the journey—I needed to study architecture, chase my retail ambitions, and weather challenging markets to grow into this role.
I know there will be more curves in the road ahead, but I’m constantly trying to improve how I handle them. To me, success is about embracing those challenges, learning to get back up faster, shortening the downtime and moving forward with greater clarity.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When I’ve asked my current and past clients what sets me apart, their responses have been overwhelmingly heartwarming. Words like *listener,* *helpful,* and *stress-free* come up repeatedly. They tell me I make the process easy to understand, taking the stress out of what can often feel daunting. For me, that’s the highest compliment. I love helping my clients, and knowing they recognize and appreciate that is truly rewarding.
What makes me most proud is the steady stream of referrals I receive. There’s no better validation than hearing someone love my work enough to recommend me to their friends, family, colleagues, and strangers. This kind of trust and recognition fuels my passion for this business. I genuinely love every aspect of real estate, and that enthusiasm translates into being a full-service agent. From marketing and staging to design consultations and closing the deal, I thrive on guiding my clients through every step of the process.
Working at ACME Real Estate amplifies this. I can offer my clients the best marketing, top-tier design assistance, and access to incredible photographers, stagers, and designers. We pride ourselves on being a team of design-forward agents who deliver exceptional service without the constraints of a big corporate structure. It’s a hands-on, full-service approach that allows me to provide personalized attention from start to finish. Whether it’s transforming a property for sale or helping a client envision their dream home, I’m proud to be part of a team that consistently raises the bar for client care and creativity.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky to have incredible people by my side—mentors, colleagues, and supporters—each contributing uniquely. Ultimately I think it’s my clients who deserve the most credit. They are the foundation of my referral-based business, and their trust and support mean everything to me. A referral from a friend is the ultimate vote of confidence—it reassures people that I’m not just a professional but a dedicated advocate for their real estate needs.
I want to take a moment to shine a light on one client and friend who has been an absolute beacon in my career- Michi Maruyama. Michi has been my champion from the very beginning, always advocating for me and spreading the word about my work. As a creative professional and artist, she truly understands and values the personalized service and innovative marketing approach I bring to every deal. Her vibrant personality lights up any room, and it’s impossible not to feel drawn to her energy.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have someone like Michi in my corner. Her unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping my success, and I’m deeply grateful for all she’s done for me in my real estate career. Thank you, Michi—you’re truly one of a kind!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acme-re.com/agent/stefany-gonzalez/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thearchitecturalagent/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stefany.e.gonzalez
Image Credits
Tina June Malek
Sam Wadieh
