Meet Jessica Fernandez | Luxury Real Estate Agent

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

Hi Jessica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Everything you do in your life is a risk. It’s a gamble. There’s no doubt you’ll grow through the process and become more resilient, providing a monumental teaching lesson. When people hear the word risk, they think thoughts of negativity, uncertainty, but when I think of risk, I think of success, growth, and confidence.
If you don’t take risks, you won’t grow, and you’ll never know the possibilities of what can happen.
Risk can be a leap of faith, but sometimes you must trust your gut and go for it.
It’s important to know that laying a foundation is key for taking risks. Continue to educate yourself, surround yourself with smarter and more successful people. Weed out the negativity, manifesting in a life of happiness in all aspects of your life.
I come from a generation of family risk takers who came from Cuba to the United States with nothing. Through vision, hard work and striving for the American Dream, these family qualities instilled a direction in my life that has made me what I am today.
Personally, I decided to take the risk of moving from Southern California to Miami when I was 24 years old to build a new life. There were ups and downs, resulting in new friendships, new routines, and more importantly, it taught me the purpose of life. Taking risks will create the playbook of your life.
I also took a risk on love. I got married in 2020 to an amazing, hardworking man with two children. This risk of being a stepmom, transformed my life. My husband and his two daughters completed me and we’re looking forward to growing our family…
I received my masters from University of Miami. I had several jobs before I landed a career at the Miami Heat. My family questioned if I should take a risk interning in the premium sales, when in 2009, The Heat was not at its height, and I knew very little about basketball. A year later, The Big 3 Era arrived, and I remained with The Heat for 7 years.
Fast forward 6 years later, with time spent with the Dodgers in Los Angeles and iHeartMedia in Miami along with post COVID work/life reevaluation. I decided to take yet another risk and enter the real estate market at its height of agent saturation. With every risk I’ve taken, I’ve built the confidence to be successful and happy in all aspects of my life.
In summary,
You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.
– Paulo Coelho

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
With all the places I’ve worked (good and bad), I’ve finally found my purpose. I love what I do. Real estate will never go away. It’s a business that will continue to thrive and the experience can push you in all sorts of different directions (flip, renovate, invest, etc.).

What sets me apart? I’m an observer. I listen and watch intently and have a knack for knowing immediately what my clients like and don’t within the real estate realm and then I connect them with the home of their dreams. It’s important to me that people feel like I am their trusted friend, but with the utmost in service and professionalism.

I am proud of how far I have come and am proud of my fortitude. My goal is to continue to leave a legacy, just like my family has. I want to make an impact on people lives. I’m thankful I get to do that by finding them their dream home.
Determination has played a key role too. Of all the highs and lows, the lows are what has given me the vision to reach the top. More than ever, it’s important to keep your mental health, healthy. When challenges arise, sit back, take a deep breath, come up with a plan and tackle it. If you need a break, take a break! Shop, spend time with family, etc., and then go back to the challenge and face it dead on.

Everyone in this world has a story – it’s your choice how you want the script to be written.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My itinerary would include some of the ideas below: • A workout at my husband’s gym, Legacy Fit, in Kendall
• A walk on the Key Biscayne Bridge
• Cuban coffee at Versailles
• Breakfast at Puda Vida (design district)
• Green Street or Cecconi’s for Brunch
• Soho House for a day at the pool and beach
• Visit Ocean Drive in South Beach
• Shopping at Brickell City Center and/or Design District
• Explore art galleries around Wynwood
• Calle Ocho
• Rent jet skis or a boat
• Visit The Keys
• Dinner/cocktails at Casa Tua, Komodo and/or Mandolin
• Liv for dancing

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?
The two people I would like to thank are my father and my Uncle Mike.

My Father…
I’m 100% daddy’s girl. I am who I am because of my father. My father is retired, but he was a successful businessman. He has the IT factor and infectious charm that makes anyone from the guy next door to the president of a company feel at ease. My biggest strength is that I build long lasting relationships. I’ve seen how my dad is with people and I am the same. I thank my father every day for the life he provided myself and my family.

My Uncle…
When I moved to Miami, my uncle took me under his wing as if I was one of his own. I owe him my life. He pushed me to continually educate myself. He taught me structure, discipline, focus and showed me another world and a different perspective and I am forever grateful.

Instagram: @jessmstempien

Linkedin: Jessica Fernandez, MBA