What was your first job in the realty industry?
As a sales associate at Bernstein Realty.
Where did you grow up?
In the cathedral city of Amiens, in northern France.
What is your favorite free-time activity?
Photography. I have been practicing since I was about seven and have exhibited my work a dozen times.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
I listen to humorous French radio podcasts, or I grab some chocolate!
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I remember telling my grandparents that I wanted to be an air hostess, but that idea didn’t hold for very long.
If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be?
Marie Curie so that maybe I could finally find out if she is really related to me.
Where is your favorite place to hang out?
I wish I had more time to spend in little cafes that serve great pastries and cakes, such as Foody’s Bakery or Ooh La La Dessert Boutique.
What do you love most about the industry?
The support and friendship I get from my colleagues at Bernstein. I like the team spirit and the fact that I am never alone.
How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents?
I am an expat and specialize in helping other fellow expats and relocation clients. I offer a free life coach service to my foreign and relo clients to help them through their transition time.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Finding that elusive, very special property that some clients are after. It takes time but we eventually get there!
Where do you go to network and meet new clients?
All sorts of expat events, from evening outings and bookclubs to mum and toddler groups.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Building up a completely new career in the US. I have a PhD in art history and used to work in a museum in the UK. It was my dream to work in real estate, and so when I arrived in Texas I wasted no time studying for my license and finding a broker. No regrets whatsoever. I just know I am in the right job and it is a wonderful feeling.
What was the last good movie you saw or book you read?
“The Buddha in the Attic” by Julie Otsuka. A moving account of the hard lives of the Japanese women who emigrated to America in the early 1900s.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Right now it is Etoile at Uptown Park. Their mussels are just amazing.
What is your favorite building in Houston?
Not just one, but most of the colonial-style homes. I have always wanted to live in one and am not giving up on that!
What kind of car do you drive?
An SUV for the school run and to be able to drive lots of people around in comfort.
Smartphone, or paper?
Smartphone, definitely. And tablet. And digital signatures. How did we even manage to sell anything without these? 🙂
What is your favorite city after Houston?
It has to be somewhere in Italy. Either Venice or Rome.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Keep going, and network. Your efforts will eventually pay up.
What is your favorite iPhone/Android app?
The HAR app. Invaluable when on the go with clients.
Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter?
Well I have Ricky Gervais, the Pope, Time Vine and my mother-in-law so take your pick!
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