Meet Ana Carreño | Real Estate Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Carreño and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, how do you think about risk?
I think risk is a very important factor for success in all aspects of life. I feel that we grow in the uncertainty. If we don’t take risks in life we will always be stuck – stuck in a relationship, stuck in a job – stuck. It is through taking that leap of faith that we breakthrough and have the opportunity to grow, learn and truly shine.

Risk was a foreign term for me growing up. I am the youngest of 4 children, went to the same school for 13 years, had the same friends and was very comfortable in my familiar routine. When graduation came, I had the choice to either push aside what I really wanted to do because I was afraid to be different or take that risk and follow my dreams. Fortunately, after many tears and sage advice, I leapt and graduated with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. I was terrified but was forced to find my voice and become the leader I consider myself to be today. After a few years working in the luxury goods industry, I took another risk. I quit my incredible job that took me all over the world living out my dream and decided to give my other passion (and other degree) a try. I started my new career in advertising, marketing and PR which would take me over the course of 15 years from the US market agency side to the international client side in the television industry.

But the biggest risk I have taken to date, was when I decided to once again leave the comfort of a world I knew well and thrived in and start my own business as a Real Estate Professional. This, by far, has been the scariest, most challenging and most incredible leap of faith I have ever taken in my 42 years of life. Granted, I struggled a lot for the first 2 years. But as I approach my fourth year in this industry, I can truly say that I am stronger, more confident, more independent, more free and more sure than ever, that where there is risk, there is reward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart are my abilities to relate to my clients, communicate and negotiate effectively and my extensive experience and knowledge in marketing and sales. I am most proud of my personal growth. During the course of me life, I have gone from introvert to extrovert, from insecure to confident and from worrying about what others think to worrying about how I feel and making sure I am whole and completely in love with myself and my life. Without that, I don’t think I would be as successful as I am today.

I am a big believer that if is is easy, it doesn’t change you. That doesn’t mean I want daily hurdles, but I welcome the occasional bumps, twists and turns. Challenges – I’ve had many. From very difficult bosses that caused me health issues to getting in my own way. I’ve had to learn to sit with my own silence and be OK with it, and to travel the world alone for work and take advantage of it rather than give into the fear and loneliness.

I want people to know that anything is possible, that there is opportunity in everything if you choose to see it and that it is important to take all those life lessons with you and really apply them. Take the leap and try all the things you want to try. Find your passion(s) and give it your all. There is no way you won’t be successful if you do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To know me is to know I love food and drinks! Miami has so much to offer that it is hard to summarize it, but I’ll try. I’m a sucker for a good happy hour where you can try the food and have great drinks at a reasonable price. And if you like what you try, you can stay for dinner!

Some that stand out are Uchi, Mamey, The River Oyster Bar, The Key Club (just started their happy hour), Fiola, Chug’s Diner (they have $0.99 martinis!), Tur Kitchen and Public Square to name a (very) few.

Other great spots for dinner are Sushi Garage, Meraki in the Grove, Luca Osteria, Mandolin Aegean Bistro, Redfish Grill, and of course, the ever classic Joe’s Stone Crab.

If they are into working out we would most definitely pop into Soul Cycle for a class or two, since that is what keeps me sane! A visit to Miami Beach is a must, though I tend to prefer mid beach to south beach for a day on the sand. I’d also drive them through Little Havana to give them a taste (if they haven’t already tasted it) of my Cuban heritage. I am a daughter of immigrants and am very proud of it. If the Miami Heat, The Miami Hurricanes or (dare I say) the Miami Dolphins are playing, we’d catch a game.

I also like to wing it and explore. Pick an area and see what we find!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people who, unbeknownst to them, have been instrumental in my growth and success. Many because of their support but also many for being hard on me. In those moments I learned to never give up, and to them, I am forever grateful.

But the honorable mentions go to my parents. My supporters from birth, my teachers in life and the ones who instilled in me the morals and values I proudly carry with me every day. They continue to challenge me to think for myself every day, to look within myself and to God for the answers and to always follow my gut and my heart. Words cannot describe my gratitude.

Instagram: @anacarreno.realtor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-carreno-2582282

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anacarreno

Image Credits
Corporate Headshot Miami