Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Velazquez Rodriguez.
Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a child of a broken home, I never felt like I had a place to call home. Growing up between Puerto Rico and Florida, I moved back and forth so many times that I never felt like I had roots anywhere. This instability caused me to struggle with anxiety and depression from a young age. In fact, I was diagnosed with both conditions as an adult, but I later learned that I had been experiencing symptoms since I was 12 or 13 years old.
My mental health struggles reached a low point when I was involved in a serious car accident at the age of 21. For two years, I was in and out of unemployment and therapy sessions, barely able to keep my head above water. That is until my therapist noticed my passion for art, architecture, and helping people. She suggested that I become a real estate agent, and even though I thought it was an interesting idea, I failed the course twice.
At that point, I felt like giving up, and those dark thoughts started to resurface. I was in such a low place that I confessed to my younger brother that I wanted to end my life. But he wouldn’t let me give up. He forced me to apply for his job, and within a few months, I was promoted to the center supervisor.
Although working full-time helped keep me distracted and mentally stable, there was a need inside of me that wanted to help people who were in my same position with mental health. That’s when I moved to LA and started a small podcast about mental health. It was a way for me to express my thoughts and help others who were struggling.
But it wasn’t enough. I wanted to make a more direct impact on people’s lives. That’s when I moved to Salt Lake and realized how important stable homes are for children. I decided to pursue a career in real estate, helping families find their forever homes and individuals find investment properties to secure their financial future.
Looking back, it’s clear that my struggles with anxiety and depression were a driving force behind my decision to help others. I know what it feels like to be lost and without a home, and I want to do everything in my power to prevent others from experiencing the same thing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Despite my strong desire to help others, I faced my struggles alone and trapped in my own mind. Accepting help from others was difficult, as I had always been the one to take care of my mother’s mental health while growing up, and was responsible for maintaining our home and looking after my younger brother. As my mental health deteriorated, I found myself drowning in a metaphorical puddle of water, until my younger brother stepped in to help me.
Speaking openly about my struggles was an important step, but unfortunately, I ended up giving the wrong people power over me. Seeking a fresh start, I made the bold decision to leave everything behind and move away with just my boyfriend. However, just a month later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, leaving me feeling unsure of how to help others from the confines of our small studio apartment.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I take great pride in being a Realtor who specializes in helping individuals and families establish roots in the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding areas. Through my social media presence and personal brand, I strive to inspire others to open up about their struggles and focus on personal growth before helping others. My work in real estate allows me to encourage this mindset, as those who invest in property are taking an important step forward for themselves and their loved ones.
What I am most proud of is my ability to speak up about my own struggles, as it has shaped me into the person I am today. I believe that by sharing our own stories of overcoming adversity, we can help those who are currently struggling to find hope and motivation to keep pushing forward.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I had a unique high school experience attending two different schools simultaneously. Three days a week after 2 PM, I went to a performing arts school in Puerto Rico called Escuela de Bellas Artes. As a theater kid, I enjoyed learning how to embody new characters and emotions to take my focus away from my own feelings.
Despite the added workload, I managed to maintain good grades in both schools. However, I eventually dropped out of the performing arts school, although my passion for the arts never faded. To this day, I love to study characters and enjoy pointing out set mistakes, kind of making a game out of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/realestatebyjessy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realestatebyjessy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jessica.V.Rodz/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/7yoJlPnrBYAJbrT15gi6tv?si=2d65017b58ae4ca2
Image Credits
Angie Papanikolas, Francisco Avila, Marcia McConnelee, and Jessica Velazquez Rodriguez
