In this Episode we dive into the captivating journey of Paige Nguyen, a former nurse who found purpose and success in the real estate industry. Raised by a single parent, Paige shares how independence became a defining trait in their life. Paige shares a touching story of her trip to Vietnam, where she connected with her mother on a deeper level and embraced their heritage together. This experience reminded her of the importance of leaving behind a positive legacy and inspiring others, especially as a woman of color. We hope Paige's story inspires you to pursue your passions, overcome challenges, and seek growth and fulfillment in your own lives. Remember, every conversation and every decision has the power to shape your future. Join us on this episode of the Here to UPLIFT podcast, as we explore the power of self-reflection, mentorship, and the journey to self-acceptance and success. If you receive this the way I did while hosting, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to pursue your own path with confidence.
In this Episode we dive into the captivating journey of Paige Nguyen, a former nurse who found purpose and success in the real estate industry. Raised by a single parent, Paige shares how independence became a defining trait in their life.
Paige shares a touching story of her trip to Vietnam, where she connected with her mother on a deeper level and embraced their heritage together. This experience reminded her of the importance of leaving behind a positive legacy and inspiring others, especially as a woman of color.
We hope Paige's story inspires you to pursue your passions, overcome challenges, and seek growth and fulfillment in your own lives. Remember, every conversation and every decision has the power to shape your future.
Join us on this episode of the Here to UPLIFT podcast, as we explore the power of self-reflection, mentorship, and the journey to self-acceptance and success. If you receive this the way I did while hosting, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to pursue your own path with confidence.
We'd love to know if anything in Paige's story speaks to you. Join our conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. Your support means a lot! Please like, share, and subscribe to help us keep the content coming!
Pod Navigation:
0:00 Intro
04:14 Person reaches a dead end, seeks help from mentor to find direction, decides to pursue real estate, faces challenges but finds personal growth and success.
17:47 Seek out like-minded people to unlock opportunities.
23:23 Transformation and growth are ongoing processes. Seek help and mentorship. Not everyone will understand or support you. It's not about you, it's about their own issues. Everyone has their own starting point. Share your journey and support each other.
32:50 Raised by single mom, learned independence. Hardworking and ambitious.
37:57 Trip to Vietnam with mom transformed relationship.
43:36 Choosing emotional maturity to rebuild family bond.
52:58 Reluctant at first, she became a leader.
58:12 Sharing my journey to inspire one person.
Connect with Paige on Instagram @thedailypaiges.
Connect with Lolo on Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube @UPLIFTbyLolo.
About the Pod: Hosted by Lolo Fisher, the Here to UPLIFT Podcast centers the stories of women entrepreneurs, community leaders, business owners, and change makers who have forged their way through adversity to reach their current success and now positively impact, influence, and uplift others. Thank you so much for watching! More coming soon...
Lolo Fisher [00:00:01]:
Hello. Hello, and welcome
Lolo Fisher [00:00:09]:
to the Here to Uplift podcast where we center the stories of impactful changemakers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who have done the hard work of uplifting themselves through adversity to get where they are today, and now uplift others along the way in their journeys. I'm Lolo Fisher, your host, lover up all things wellness, healing, and empowerment, and I would greatly appreciate If you show us your support by liking, subscribing, and sharing this podcast with others. Let's get into it.
Lolo Fisher [00:00:44]:
k. Let's do it. Alright, y'all. Welcome back to the here to Uplift podcast. I am here with my special guest, Paige Wen, and we are gonna have some great conversations,
Paige Nguyen [00:00:53]:
not just about the amazing success that she has now, but how she got there. So I'm gonna turn it over to Paige to introduce herself. Thank you so much. Hi. My name is Paige Nuan. I'm currently a realtor with Forte Real Estate. We are powered by Salahomes Realty And Development. I'm currently one the team leads. I also have my own home staging company, Great Enterprise Holdings. And I also serve as a past president for the Vietnamese National Association of Real Estate Professionals. So much. Not there. Thank you.
Lolo Fisher [00:01:23]:
Did you have a a different career before real estate, or did you get into real estate right away? No. So my I am surprised.
Paige Nguyen [00:01:29]:
My background initially was nursing. Okay. Yeah. So growing up, I've always wanted to help people. And I thought, you know what? I I'm gonna try the nursing route. Mhmm. So I actually need to Sacramento was going to the do the nursing prereqs was volunteered at the hospital, and about 3 years in -- Mhmm. -- is when I started this was really early twenties when I realized I didn't know how to disconnect so. And that's something that even till this day, a lot of people don't know that about themselves. They're just like they're just programmed to just, like, wake up and go to sleep in That's kind of robotic. Yeah. And at that point where I was like, I wanted to help people, but I started realizing it wasn't the best state. And I commend people who are in the health care industry. but it starts taking a toll on me -- Mhmm. -- mentally, emotionally. -- for taking a burnout. For all of that. And I at that point where I start checking myself and say, is this something I could do for the rest of my And I was scared. And because I said, this is the only lane that I knew. Right. I didn't know what else I was good at. So I thought this is in for me. Okay. You know? So it was certain that fear where it's like, what what what else I'm gonna do? I'm just gonna try to stick it out. Yeah. But it gets to a point and not just to win your career, but also relationships when you're like, figure checked out. It does. When you wake up and you're dreading, go to work when you're dreading doing something. And is this is you just have to take a step back in in order to make a move a step forward. It's so true because it creates ripples in your life. Like and you don't even realize it. I always, like, say that phrase hurt people, hurt people. Yep. Yep. And the same thing goes with fatigue, I think. When you are just fatigued and burnt out and you have nothing to give, then those things that you value most, people, relationships, family, they don't get, like, care and love that you wanna give either. Yeah. That's why nowadays too like, it sounds too cliche, but all these things that we see older adults go through. We didn't think we would suffer. Right? We the term says you can't pour from empty cup. Like, It's such a simple statement, but it holds so much weight because we're trying to take on so many things. We're trying to do everything for everybody. But then when we are fulfilling our own needs, and our own needs aren't being met. It's just, like, we're not giving a 100% to anything. And it becomes, like, a ripple effect where you're doing 10% here towards that there, you're not is this is this a good you know, it just gets out of control. Yeah. Yeah. So how old were you when you switched over to real estate? And and part 2 of that would be were you supported in making this decision. Yeah. So I think after 3 full years of fully committing, you know, do the nursing prereqs.
Lolo Fisher [00:03:51]:
And -- She's outside. -- how did you pronounce that? How did you pronounce that? I know. I was on your phone.
Paige Nguyen [00:04:01]:
Okay. I was like, where is that? Okay. Going back to how long did it take me When did you start
Lolo Fisher [00:04:08]:
switch switching over in a sense to real estate and were you supported in making that decision? So I think after a while, when
Paige Nguyen [00:04:14]:
it's point where I was dreading waking up. I was dreading going to work, dreading, you know, going to the hospital to do my volunteer hours. I think I was at point I was 4 4 years in. Okay. And I was probably in my early mid almost mid twenties -- Okay. -- about 2324. And I really had to I was working, you know, a regular job. I was a banker in a car group just to get by. It wasn't something that I was passionate about, but you're here trying to go to school. You know? And then he was trying to get a job just to to make sense to me. Yep. At the point where just, like, I was feeling I was just hitting a dead end. Mhmm. And so when I decided that, you know, nursing was it for me where I cannot continue like this -- Right. -- actually seek out a friend who was also my mentor where I was like, I need help. Like, I have no sense of direction right now. I have spent the last, you know, 4 to 6 years thinking I would go this route. Now if I were to leave this, like, this this the unknown. Yeah. What else am I gonna do? I don't know if I'm gonna I moved out of San Jose to go to school to in the Sacramento to make something out myself, and I'm not gonna be, like, at the ground, like, bottom. Like, woman's gonna get sucked over. So it was just like anyone else is, like, the fear of the unknown, and I didn't know I was good app. Yeah. But when I talked to him and we started diving deeper, he was like, well, we'll start something new. I was like, where am I gonna start? It's just, like, all these questions. Right? So then he asked me one very important question that I always tell every single person to stay when they're trying to or want to make a move. Mhmm. And they're aired, he asked me, what is it that you want for yourself? Mhmm. I said, I want personal growth. I don't think I've ever had that in any areas of my life because in -- It was always giving. It was always giving. It was just like, you know, I worked jobs. Yep. You know? And I was there. I was clocking in and out. There was no nothing there that was, like I wasn't really adding value. I was just a worker. And then the employers are just like, we weren't connecting and on any level. And then with my peers, it was just I was just trying to figure out, you know, I was so comfortable So when you're comfortable, there's no growth. You know? And it says that termites and Saturdays doing the same thing over and over again -- -- over again. -- expecting change. I was just like, So at that point was I want personal growth. I wanna be able to challenge myself. Mhmm. I know I have potential, but I haven't been around in a environment where I was able to, like, unlock that. Yeah. So when he said, you're gonna get that real estate. I'm like, no. Automatically, I immediately said, no. Because he was in real estate. So I so the thing that I was, you know, more leaning in towards for his advice because he had I saw him transform because I've known him since our teenage years? -- already modeling it. Yeah. So I've seen him since our teenage years, I've seen him grow to this, you know, amazing businessman -- Mhmm. -- and saw him be more comfortable with himself and speaking. So I was at the point where I, you know, I know who I was, but I also want I also had an an image of who I want to become. So at that point, he was the only person in my circle that I was able to, you know, have a role model, I would say. Mhmm. So when he said real estate, I'm like, no. But then he kind of, you know, pills it back. He's like, well, no. I was like, I'm not a salesperson. I'm not good at this. I'm not good at that. I I cannot do it. that was literally limit like like, listing all these things that I was not good at. Yeah. And he kinda just laughed at me. He was like, no. He's like, in real estate, you're gonna be challenge, you're gonna grow in so many different areas. And think about it. Like, you're a people person. Real estate is a relationship business. People get to know you like you. They wanna do business with you. I'm like, it was, like, over my head. But at that point, at that point, I was thinking what? I have nothing to lose. Right. So we were saying you went in full for Yeah. Just really went in head first. And at the point where I was like, if I'm gonna do this, I wanna figure it out as soon as as possible if this is for me. So I went in a hundred miles per hour. I literally, you know, gave my 2 weeks to my current job because I really it was just a job for me. Yeah. And I was ready to just dive dive in, study for my license -- Right. -- and start, you know, working under somebody. Mhmm. And then at that point where I was just like, okay. I was looking at my financial aspect. I was like, what? because Real Estate's commission only -- Right. -- before I was living paycheck to paycheck. But even though I wasn't making anything, but it was stability and security in a sense where, you know, I knew exactly what was happening every 2 weeks. Well, see, and that's probably gonna ask. So if you if you quit and went full force, did you already have a saving so I had backed up for you. I had a little bit of savings and, luckily, for my previous job, I used to be a teller to as I used to be a teller to bank. Okay. So I have some, like, 41 k reserves. Okay. Good. So it was one of those things where I knew -- Still safe enough. Yeah. It's a little cushion. It wasn't a lot, but it was nothing that I mentally already knew I was gonna go in. Okay. Real estate should be commission only. Mhmm. But the possibility of making so much more money is is there. You know? So I was like, okay. I'm gonna give it my all. And at this point, it's like we'll see where it goes. Right. So I literally gave my 2 weeks to my job. I quit. And then I went in and I took 3 months. I focused I took now deactivate all my social media, and I didn't want no to strap study for 3 months past my exam on the first try. Yes. So from there, I was like, okay. I'm ready. Like, what's next? So I actually worked as an assistant. for a really top producing realtor in the area. She was, you know, solo agent, so I latched on. And this was something I learned early on that, you know, you gotta be reflective. Mhmm. I was just like I wasn't so excited that I got licensed. I just kinda went with anybody. Gotcha. But so that was short lived. I was only there for 2 weeks. And then luckily after that, I had marinated at a different brokerage where they were very special they specialize in new agent training programs. Okay. So there that's where okay. Now what? Going back to stage 1. Yep. I'm gonna start for the ground up. Right. And going back to my mentor, I never he had his own brokerage and own office, I never want to join his, and I tell this to, especially young women or anyone that wants to, you know, step out and have their own identity, is I I having a mentor and role model is amazing. But for me, personally, because I was jumping into a new career, a new space, I wanted to see if I can make it on my own. Yeah. That way when I know that one day, I'm someone comes up to me and they want to follow my footsteps or, you know, do whatever that I've I'm I'm doing. They can learn I can authentically tell them that I started from bomb too. Yeah. That I did this all my own, but, you know, you could have mentors and a support group. Right. But I want to truly see if this was something I can build from the ground up. So I joined a completely different brokerage and learned the basic fundamentals of building my own business. I didn't you know, being a real estate I was like -- I feel like so many people miss that. Yeah. Because it's like, oh, I'm just selling homes. They don't realize you're running a business. You're running a business. And so imagine me being from this comfortable, you know, working hourly employee -- Mhmm. -- having, you know, a paycheck every 2 weeks. Now, like, I'm thrown in this about this time I was 26. Okay. Still very young. not realizing, okay. Real estate, I am a I'm a business owner now. Yeah. I was like, what is went over my head that, you know, there's, like, I would be having to wear so many hats. Yeah. And in just like, now people who get to real estate, they see one side of it -- Mhmm. -- they don't realize they actually have to work. Okay. So but I think that's why it was able to help me become so strong mentally because I it's not made for everybody. Right. Real estate has a huge turnover because everyone gets in, and then, you know, they're in the good times. And then when they're not, you know, getting money or making money or whatever, they they exit. But it's a long term. You know? It's a long term career because you gotta plant your seeds in order to see, you know, it your the relationship grow. But, yeah, it would just I went head first, I went full time. My, you know, was at the new brokerage train doing all the new agent training for about 6 solid months. Okay. Learning the basics. like learning how to cold call, how to road play, how to, you know, write no cars, like, literally just all these little, like, no foundation tips to build that book of business -- Yeah. -- how to remain in constant contact, and then I joined the team. Okay. So my first brokerage at 2 or my amazing mentors, it was REMAX gold. Okay. I was on the Samantha Judy team. Amazing. I was with them when I was one of 4. Okay. Now they have over 50 agents. Yeah. Yeah. So it's amazing. And, you know, to this day, like, they are just so so amazing people to look up to. So and then after that, after I so this is the big pivotal moment for me because I was very adamant on the web. My mom was, like, at the point which I told her, she was worried for me when which I told her I'm not doing nursing anymore. she was like, oh my god. Like, real estate, really? Like, you're not gonna be able to -- That's why I was curious. And so but I stood up for myself. You know what? Like, I know you're scared. I know, like, before you're just, like, You know, being super supportive about the whole nursing route. But now Jeffrey's commission only, as a mom, she doesn't understand, like, my 1st generation. she didn't understand what remission only meant. Like, you're, like, you're working for what? Right. You think you're working for free. You don't have a regular paycheck. Like, you're you don't know where next paycheck coming from. But I thought just to, like, just let me do my thing. Mhmm. So when I did real estate for a full year in Sacramento, that's what I really do. I actually do really enjoy this because it came back to my core values where I am helping people. Yeah. But it's just in a much different state. Yeah. And I was learning and growing and I remember in the beginning was I wanted personal growth. I was growing so much, and I was becoming this version of myself that I didn't know was in there. So I would see these amazing women like Barbara Cochran. You know? Yep. I I look at her and, you know, she's so well spoken, so articulate, so business savvy, where I was like, I wanna be, like, here one day. But with, of course, my own little twist -- Yeah. -- but it was those type of women that I wanted to those are my role models. Absolutely. And then so over the years, I had transformed to be more vocal, to be a little more aggressive in a in a good way. Yeah. being able to stand up and use my voice and, you know, and over time having, you know, different platforms to share my journey. But yeah. So when I did real estate for a full year in Sacramento, realized this is thing I wanted to do for my career. Like, I left San Jose for a reason, but coming back with a purpose. Yeah. So -- I like that. Yeah. I like that. Came back to San Jose, had a partner for 3 years. Yeah. We were on the same real estate team. And then 2018 is when I went solo. Okay. So that was that big going back to now is, like, step you know, having the confidence, the experience. And this is something I was telling new agents too. It's, like, right off the bat, like, you know, because real estate's a very lonely business. You're not here and not you don't have, like, coworkers in a sense where, like, you go in it and collaborate. Everyone's kind of like, you are on your own. Yeah. They have their set teams, and they have their own you know? because you're building this is your book of business. Yeah. So I always recommend anyone that wants against your real estate to join team -- Yeah. -- because you're gonna get to where you wanna be much faster. You're gonna have the support and leverage, everything. Because if you're trying to, like, figure this out on your own, It's gonna take forever, and that's when it becomes like, it's it's gets very lonely. It's gonna be very challenging. And it's like and the real estate market is changing all the time. You can't keep up Exactly. -- everything. So I you know, my whole plan was, like, I did the assistant route, which, you know, did it last me. But I at least joined a team -- Yeah. -- where I was also going to do this. Yeah. Like, aka, like, I was also, like, an assistant slash team member because I was learning at the same time. Yeah. And then from there, when I was able to you know what? After my 1st year, I had a partner, we're now working you know, she had tons of different experience. She was doing, you know, investments, and she was doing insurance. She was more you know, had more experience in business than I did. Right. But I was the more I was at the face. I was the person that was with the relationship. -- each other out. I balanced each other out. And she I was learning so much from her and vice versa. And then 2018 was when Azuqua, I think I am ready to to go solo. Yeah. And then after my 1st year, I was like, no. What? After my 1st year, after I start, you know, being able to get a little more comfortable, building a little bit of business, and then have more competence, like, you know, coming out, like, as a solo agent, I wanted to get my first assistant. Okay. And then, you know, just like the law of attraction. Like, I literally just, like, said that one day, And then literally 3 months later, I got 2. And it was 2 interns, which is the best it has an intern. -- better. You don't have to pay. But any exchange, like, you They wanna learn from you, and then they're just like, you know, they're -- And if they're willing to invest in, like, their wisdom, your time. And then for them, it was, like, they're really, like, their college students. And then asked, I was like, what is it that you wanna learn from me? They're like, because for them, it's like they also want to try to find their voice. Yeah. And because they solved me as being someone that was, you know, at that point, I was really, you know, in a part of a nonprofit organization. I was really leading. And they wanna that I was ready to run my business. It's something that they were curious about. And, I guess, at that point too, I was more relatable -- Mhmm. -- because the average real estate agent is about fifty years old and above. Okay. So for someone to see a much younger female, you know, leaving the space, it was someone they were just like, hey. Like, I wanna, you know, inter for you. I wanna do marketing, and and those are things that I needed help with anyways. Right. So it was a a great exchange because I was, you know, investing my time with them. sharing my knowledge, and then they were also learning so much from me. Yeah. Yeah. This is so great. I get through I have, like, ten questions in my head right now, and I'm like, okay. Which direction are we gonna go? because because you're feeding so much into
Lolo Fisher [00:16:57]:
not just the piece of how you developed your career. Mhmm. But the mindset that go behind it, because you're talking about this piece of personal growth and having to break out of being stagnant. Yeah. And then there's also these pieces of mentorship and giving back the way you're being fed into. So, you know, at the start of it, you were talking about the transition into the unknown -- Yes. -- and, like, not really knowing. So this is something I'm curious about personally, but I also know I've had lots of conversations with people about this. Yeah. When you feel like you're out of alignment -- Mhmm. -- which it sounded like that's where you were with nursing, like, just dreading the days. Mhmm. But you don't necessarily have idea what's coming next. Mhmm. You gave that example. But in this case, you had a mentor. Yeah. For those people that might be listening that this maybe their only form of mentorship is listening to podcasts going on YouTube. What would you recommend in terms of delving into that unknown without mentorship?
Paige Nguyen [00:17:47]:
No. Absolutely. For me, it's like being in the space, like, you don't know. We don't know. So at the point where I was, you know, when I was not aligned anymore with my nursing plans, And then I luckily had you know, my in my my stage, it was, like, luckily, I had a friend who's also a mentor who, you know, helped guided me. But I think for anyone else out there, if you're in a rut or you're stuck or don't know what to, you know, to do for your career, seek out people or, you know, that are in the space that you wanna get into. Mhmm. And this is something as, you know, there's tons of meetup groups. There's ton of, like, Facebook groups or, you know, in person meetings, just find 1 or 2 people that are, like minded or that same boat you are -- Mhmm. -- because you're gonna be able to unlock Totally different conversations because I fucking well, you're, like, one conversation away from completely different life. That's true. So I told both, like, if you even now, no matter if you're stuck, you don't to do, you're unhappy. But there's because so we think about words that you wanna be next. Right? Yeah. And then so you just I would seek out I would, you know, suggest to seek out the people that are where you wanna be at. Mhmm. because even for me, I always tell there's this the saying that when I first got to real estate, people in my people were also very negative because they they were putting me down saying, oh, you're not gonna make it. It's gonna be very challenging if you're very competitive. Like, they're so so that's doing it to this and that. At that point, I looked at them, and this is something I I I remember sharing. I said, you know what? I'm at an appointment life where I'm I'm ready to transform. Yeah. And I have an amazing group of people that I've gotten to know over the years who are success fault who are where I wanna be at one day. Yeah. So on the other side, it's like this there's that that metaphor. There's two lines. Who do you feed? Right? So it's like one one side goes up. I had this amazing support group who -- Yeah. -- were in the business, who were in the industry that I wanna be in, who are living a life by design that I hopefully want to be one day. Right? Yeah. But then there's a other side where there was very negative comments and just toxic, you know, people that were just trying to drag me down. And I know that's I was just looking as, like, you're not you're not even where you wanna be at in life yet. So am I, at this point, I have to be very selective on who I surround myself with? So I just, you know, I just kind of I let them say what they need to say, but, solely, I would withdraw myself because it was a feeding. It wasn't fueling me in the way I want it to be, and I Like, at this point, if I wanna grow and prosper and just have this clear and just have peace of mind that do what I wanna do, I'm just gonna focus on where I wanna be, to keep and surround myself with people who are living the life that I wanna live one day. Mhmm. So I just had to beginning with this, I'm very sensitive. So I don't really let it, like, just ups consume me. All these negative comments, all these thoughts were I started down in myself. But I don't really just check myself real quick. And you know what? You cannot please everybody, and this is your life, you know what you went through. You know -- Right. -- you know, no one knows. Outside looking at it, people think, oh, you know, it looks you're so good at this and that. No. But at the end of the day, you know what's gonna be best for you. Yeah. So I just was, like, you know, coming back, I just have to be very selective -- Yes. -- on who I choose to be around because there was a type of people that's gonna either drain me -- Alright. -- you know, or or we're gonna put the fire under me to do more things. Right. So I tell anyone that, you know, is in that space just to seek out people that are doing what you wanna do, ask questions. You know, in turn, you know, volunteer, whatever it is. Right. especially there's so many yeah. And especially right now, we're in a an amazing generation where people are very willing to share. There's so many communities. true. And then they will welcome you with a, you know, warm embrace, but you gotta put yourself out there. Yes. You gotta put yourself there because no one's gonna, like, break down your door and, like, pull you out It is you have to take that first step. Yeah. And then once you start putting the work and you start, you know, saying it out loud and surround yourself with people who, you know, are thinking the same way you are, you're gonna have this open warm community
Lolo Fisher [00:21:46]:
that you can just collaborate and and support each other. Yeah. I'm really glad that you bring up the negativity to your experience because especially with social media nowadays, which I know you said you took a little break, but I think when we have these big growth phases, what other people see looking in is expansion. Yes. And it's attractive. Yeah. But in that growth phase, it can be so painful. So, like, I'm also sensitive. Like, emotions are real. Absolutely. But especially when it's coming from who we've had existing relationships. We love. We we care about them and hope that they care about us in the same way. But when they can't see our perspective of wanting to expand -- Mhmm. there's always gonna be that pushback. And I think that's the same thing with relationships and making those decisions for your future, but also just with business itself. Mhmm. Like, I know you're making a lot of mansions right now. And for me, making the move to the Bay Area has got so much pushback about it -- Yeah. -- at first to where I would just started keeping secrets. Yeah. And it wasn't necessarily about, like, I don't wanna tell people this. It was you know what? I know where I'm being led. Yeah. And I almost wanted to avoid the pain of loved ones, like -- Yeah. -- negative perspectives, negativity, whatever that might be, even though I know it was always coming from a good place and then wanting to care -- Yeah. -- on the safe side. Like, just wanna make sure you're safe and secure. You know, when you know there's something bigger for you -- Yeah. You can't let that negativity stop you, but it hurt Yeah. It hurts to hear it. And that's something we were talking about mindset and, like, transformation. Like, the person that I was, like, even 5 years ago, 7 years ago, I would have not been as vocal or as been able to, you know,
Paige Nguyen [00:23:23]:
know how to express myself or even have boundaries. A lot of the things that yeah. A lot of things now, even, like, no even having a more bigger platform. If I were to have been the person I was, you know, 5, 7 years ago, would have completely destroyed me. Yeah. And it was now having to create those boundaries and being firming your actions and knowing who you are as a person. Mhmm. And what is it that you're trying to do? Not if he's gonna understand that. Yes. And that was something that it doesn't happen overnight. and it's something it's a work it's always a work in progress. Right. And, I mean, it's it's it's work. It's it's it's never easy. But I think that's the whole beauty of transformation. Yeah. Because it's like no. I just like, I love to use metaphors. It's like, you know, the whole cocoon and butterfly effect. Right? Yeah. It's just it's just a beautiful transformation. Right. And and I just love seeing people grow. I love, you know, pouring into people. And because that was what was done for me. Yeah. Had I not reached out? If had I just stuck to my corner and just continued working my job that I hated, I was still probably been doing something similar. But I knew there was just something burning inside of me. That's why I I want more for myself. I know I'm capable of more, but what is it that I'm gonna do? So that's why I tell people, don't be afraid to seek out for helps, but for a mentor, a role model. Believe it or not, we all, at one point, was where you're at. Yeah. Exactly. We all start somewhere. And because We don't know when we don't know. You need to have that one conversation -- Yeah. -- that's gonna inspire and spark you, and it's gonna lead to another conversation. Right. So and then over time, it's like, you know, we're gonna have I you can't please everybody. Not everyone's gonna be on the same page as you. Right. But I also -- -- to look at yourself. Yeah. And you also learned that it's not about you. Yeah. That's that's the biggest thing. My learn is is not personal. I used to think it was about being I thought that when did I do, like, what's how am I I realized because I hate to say it, but it's just the reality is, like, they're probably not happy where where they're at. So they're just trying to bring you down. -- protecting it. But reality is just like it has nothing to do with Yeah. So in life, people are gonna go through so many different hardships and struggles. We don't know what anyone's going through. So at that point, we're having a conversation or you're trying to spark or you're trying to, like, inspire them, maybe it's something had happened in their life that they're just not gonna be receptive. Exactly. Right? I have people where I've tried to preach and wanted like, oh, I'm doing this. I want you to be, you know, independent. I want you to do the but then at the pool, they weren't ready. they were in this box or they're they're they're living in. But I kid you not. 5, 6 years later, they reached out. And then they would tell me I was not ready back then, but I I get what you're talking about that. Yes. So I had another person. One of one of my guy friends tell me that, you know, you want to bring everyone with you. Yes. But you have to really not everyone's on the same page. Right? Because I wouldn't have a different level of understanding ever to be at different levels of their at different stages of their life. Yeah. that is it might come to them at a better time when they're ready. Yeah. But everyone's going through something. So that's what our rule is of you're right. Because I was at a stage where I was ready to be a blank canvas. We're not everyone's was ready to be like that. Not everyone had, you know, the green to go full on, commission only, and and run a business. Right? Yeah. Everyone had different starting points. So that was, like, if you live more compassionate, Right. But in reality is what what we're doing now is just sharing our journey, sharing our growth stories, and just letting everyone know that, you know, it's it's we're more like and we're different -- Mhmm. -- is, you know, at I it's just a community
Lolo Fisher [00:26:54]:
of people that just want to empower and lift uplift each other to do great things. Exactly. And it's interesting because when you wanna uplift others, it's kind of people say reach back. Right? So reaching across, reaching back to, like, pull someone with you, But the idea is once you reach back and you extend -- Yeah. -- that help, you extend, like, hey. Who's coming with me? You can't start grabbing. No. You can't turn around and start grabbing. You'll have to wait somebody to grab that hand and, like, come with you, and it's that willing mindset that will take you far. And, you know, as you're saying this too. I love the idea of just getting in the space, getting around people when you know there's something bigger for yourself and being selective about it. I think there's this layer of it too, and please feel free to disagree. But I'm thinking there's a lot of folks out there who know there's something bigger, something better that they're being drawn to, but they don't know what. Like, is it real estate? Is it this? Is it that? Is it whatever it might be? So they don't go into these spaces because they don't have that clear point of, like, which one do I go into? My best and biggest recommendation is have those conversations. And if you're drawn to something, try it. It is so much better to try it and realize it's not for you than to be stuck and not try a thing. Yeah. Like -- No. I told myself, like, you know, before I got to real stage a whip, If this is
Paige Nguyen [00:28:05]:
I wanna go in, take a leap of faith, I'm a go all in, and if it doesn't work out, okay. At least I tried it. At least you've Hi. And you build something in yourself. And then other than that because I'm like, can I was so invested in going one route if I can to pick myself up and change course. I'm a dive into something completely different. Yeah. And at that point, it was just it goes back to having that mental strength. Yes. And because not everyone it's it's hard. You know? It's not something you teach -- Mhmm. -- but it is having to have faith -- Yeah. -- in yourself and and what you're doing. And I told myself at the end of the day, if it doesn't work out, at least I try it, and we'll figure it out. But it's been over 8 years now, and I love what I do. And it is that one conversation where I never wanna see myself in this space, being a businesswoman, I thought I was gonna be wearing scrubs through the rest of my life. And now all of a sudden, like, I do, you know, I get to travel. I do, you know, investment conferences, and All these things were just like, I would never would have imagined it for myself. But is it because I wanted more -- Yeah. -- that I started seeking out more, And then that's just the window of opportunities this came. Right. I love it. So you've talked a little bit about how you did wouldn't have imagined it for yourself. Right? So I kinda wanna, like, draw back to, like, where it started. I haven't known you that log, but whether it's on social media or even, like, just walking into your office and talking to them, I'm like, Okay. I'm a little intimidated because Paige is, like, perfect.
Lolo Fisher [00:29:24]:
And I know, like, there's no such thing as perfect. Right? Would you come off as pretty darn close to perfect. Oh my gosh. So I kinda just wanna know, like, what does that actually feel like? for you? Do you feel like people perceive you that way? And what what got you to this point? It's funny because so my my full time assistant She actually told me this was in back in 2020
Paige Nguyen [00:29:48]:
21. So pandemic, and she was, you know, had corporate life. You know? She was working corporate and then got laid off, and then she was like, no. I want to explore real estate. Yeah. So she actually was referred to me. So in the past, when I went solo, I had interned. So they're about 3 months short. And then so she actually, at this point, where I was in a stage where I was I'm gonna take off first time hire. Right. So I was, okay. I'm ready for it. Let's see what it's all about, and it was just the timing. So she was actually referred to me, and then she told me that she actually looked me up on social media, and she was intimidated. She was like, I don't wanna work for her. Like, she is president of this. She's doing state. And I was like, I don't wanna meet her. And then it's such a small word because her husband -- Yeah. -- oh, they a fiance at the time. We actually went to elementary school together. Wow. So it was just weird, like, how we're all connected. and it was a mutual friend that referred us, but it was just we're all new to each other somehow. So she still, again, she said that if I want to, you know, explore real estate, I wanna go with someone who's at the top of their game. Yeah. Of course, in the beginning, just looking at, you know, my social media, you have to realize social media. You'll listen to the highlights. It's it's the things that we wanna share, but there's behind the scenes. There's a lot of struggles, and tears. But, you know, same thing. You're not the only one who is like, oh, man. It's just so polished that I laughed that when she first met me, coming off, I was just afraid, but we had a 3 hour interview. Because we just we would just like just talking. We're just needing to know each other and realize that we were just so similar. And, you know, it's been over two and a half years in she's still she's, you know, my one of my team members, and she's got license, and she's a realtor now. And, you know, we're just, like, work best Oh, I love it. But having that perception the very beginning, you're not the first one. I get that a lot. And it also comes I guess it's, like, the territory. because I have to you know, I was I served as a leadership for a nonprofit. I had a platform. I am, you know, a team lead now. And So -- The way you present yourself matters is a little bit great. And then for me, it's just like, you know, being a role model now because a lot of my teams aside from my my full time. It is just, you know, everyone's much younger than me. Mhmm. So it's yeah. I'm very beginning it because I I tell you, I'm not your average real estate agent. Like, you know, I'm not your because I do so many different things. Yeah. I am very community focused and driven, so I do a lot of community events. So you see me a lot more often -- Yeah. -- versus just a regular realtor who just posts houses. For me, it's like, I'm out there. I'm here. Yeah. Find my community. In Dallas, I'm doing you know, workshops. I'm doing all these things. So I'm not your average. So when you see my, you know, my stuff on social media, it's a lot. Yeah. It's because I do a lot.
Lolo Fisher [00:32:27]:
Well and I would take that as people who are truly involved in their community and and doing this work. It's usually because that community sense of belonging matters. So You said struggle, blood, and tears. Can you tell me about it? Like, what -- Oh, man. Yes. Where do you come from? What is the struggle that brought you to where you are? Mindset wise that you're willing to work so hard. Yeah. So I think for me is,
Paige Nguyen [00:32:50]:
you know, growing up, I was raised by a single parent. k. And so my mom, we talk about women in leadership. She was first person that led in my life. Okay. I know coming to America, didn't speak the language, how to raise 4 kids on her own. I still don't get she did it because I can barely hear my And I have all the resources that I and and all that. But it was just looking at her. I didn't understand her until I got older. Yeah. because as a kid, she was, you know, believe it or not, mother daughter. I was I'm the only girl in my family, but my mother daughter, I was like, we're like enemies. It was just like, I felt like because we also had such a huge age gap. happy, which is 35. So she's much older. No. I guess -- So we just didn't have that connection. So growing up, I was very you know, I was alone a lot of time. So my that's where, I guess, my independent side comes from because I also grew up here in the Bay Area. I grew up in the Bay Area. Yeah. Came to American Wells too. So I was born in Vietnam, Cant to American Wells too. And then right at the bat, seeing my mom, you know, growing up just like, I didn't understand all the hardship and sacrifice she had to do until I got older. So I started working and I started living on my own. And I realized, you know, where my independent side came from because I didn't have she didn't have anyone to lean on. So then for me, it's like, that was no excuse for me -- Yeah. -- to rely on anybody else. So I guess that's the root of where me being so driven and ambitious and just being such a, you know, go getter is because I didn't have anyone to rely on growing up. You know? Every time just had to fend for themselves. Right. My mom worked 3 jobs. My brothers had to work. I had to work at, you know, at a very young age. So I just had that mentality. It's like, you know, if you want to do something, you're gonna have to get go out and do Yeah. And so that was just my whole mentality where even as an a strong independent woman and when you do have a partner -- Yeah. -- you have a partner ship. Because, I mean, this would be real because I've seen so many women be very dependent on their their their husbands or their spouse that when, you know, just the fan, they're left, you know, to to back to phase 1. And looking at my mom, you know, how she had to work through a job and then just had to fend for her self. I was like, no. I don't ever wanna struggle. That was what they I don't wanna struggle, and I don't want to have another person think they can take anything away from me. So that's why I wanna build and -- Wow. -- knowing that if I am coming to, you know, a partnership or relationship that I have something to bring to the table -- Mhmm. -- that that's something they cannot take away from me. Yeah. Girl, you brought the whole table. I know. So I mean, to see my mom over the years, I guess, like, you know, being raised like a single parent -- Yeah. -- we're I I I just feel like we're built different because I, for me, is, like, I didn't have anyone to line growing up. Like, my my like, going up to television was, like, my parents. You know? They're the ones watching me while the mom was at work. Yeah. And so over time, it was just, like, growing up. I want I always want I was always been very independent. Also, as the one of the rare people that's actually in solo travel. Because it's like it was just normal for me. I've always was left alone as a kid. Yeah. So growing up, I didn't do any different. You know? I I can I thrive, in solitude. And a lot of times, you know, that's the opposite for a lot of people. So it was, like, all these things I was learning as I grew up because I didn't know I needed to charge. I didn't know I'd be sad. I didn't know that I needed time alone. I was always, like, burnt out because I was just around so many people all the time. And then growing up as an adult, it's just like, what? I need to to take a step back. I need to just, like, you know, reset, recharge. Then that way, you know, it can come back at my my best self. Right. But, yep, you know, humble beginnings, working, you know, seeing my mom in that space, and I just always told myself I didn't wanna struggle. Mhmm. So I wanted to have a life that I designed. Yeah. And, you know, when I go back to real estate, when my mentor told me that you know, the potential. Yeah. The growth potential is limitless. And that was something that was just like it just opened my eyes because I knew, you know, at the stage where I was at, gonna be very I wasn't able to grow anywhere, but I needed another opportunity. And to know that I can provide for my family, I'd be able to live, you know, beyond my means that wouldn't have to, like you know? because financial stability is is a scary thing. It is. And and if we are in a space where we can create it, that's where I want to be at. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You know, first, I appreciate you sharing this. Thank you.
Lolo Fisher [00:37:11]:
I think it's so powerful for us to be able to share the stories of our families as well, because it builds us into who we are, whether we want to talk about it or not. Right? because those struggle pieces, it's still part of us. Yeah. I find it interesting. Like, the juxtaposition of how you're telling me, like, you had this independence naturally because you grew up alone so much at the time. Yeah. But at the same time, what you're doing is constantly building connections for people now. So, like, always making sure people don't feel alone or out of place. And that that's really beautiful that you're able to do that now and, like, intersect that. So you know, now coming into right childhood all the way to adult life doing well, what is your relationship like with your mom or family and and being back? Yes. where you would call home now? So I think
Paige Nguyen [00:37:57]:
one of the most amazing and pivotal points in my life was when so I moved back to San Jose in 20 team. Okay. And and then about 2 about 2 I'm sorry. 20 I'm sorry. 2015. Okay. 2015 is when I move back, and then but curious after my grandmother actually was on her death then. So we literally my my mom and I had to, like, make a quick decision. We literally had to fly out that that day. Wow. Went back to Vietnam. And this was a point where I knew I no one else in my phone could have gone with the hurt because I wasn't working jobs. I was the only one that was self employed. But I knew that I had to be there for her, so it was that trip. where I saw my mom in a completely different space where it was you know, this is her grieving her mom. And my mom also always had to put on this this strong facade. And this is the first time ever that I've ever seen her being vulnerable, her breakdown, and as far as a human being. Yeah. And now was that point where it sucks that I had to get to that point. But now I know why because being strong and having to, like, fend for herself, you know, for so long, she also had to put this armor on. Survival. Survival mode. And she had to put this armor on for her kids and for her family. But at that moment, I saw everything just shed she was just this little girl, you know, in front of her mom's eyes and just and I just I was just I saw her different light. And so that trip And she brought us closer because now I was like, you know, was just being there for her. And then so the following year so for the past 30 years, every since every time my mom came back to it, I shoot her a village. Okay. So we still live in the countryside. It's about 5 hours down from Saigong. Still very rural, very than the country. So before my mom for the last 30 years, always went straight back to the countryside. She didn't sport anywhere else. So for me, no, not realizing you know, my privilege because I get to travel the world or wherever I want. And then she looked at me, and she said, well, I am actually ready to floor of Vietnam. I was like, really? She can't because this whole time, she felt bad because every time she the time that she has, she always just went back to school with her mom. She didn't do anything But then now that, you know, our grandmother my grandmother passed, she's like, I'm ready to explore, but no. So I've made a goal for myself. So this was 2018. I said, what? next year, I'm gonna take a whole month off, which is I would have not been able to do this at any any other job. Yeah. But I'm gonna take a month off. We're gonna do our first mother daughter trip. And then so I the following year in April 2019, We did our first mother dollar trip and took a whole month off. We went back to our village, I took her to Da Nang, all the amazing places and we, for the first time, we got to hang out as friends. And I learned stories that I've never heard of in my life. Oh my god. It it was just like and I got to share with her my struggles growing up as a kid. Because growing up, I was never she was never so I could confide it because it was this mother daughter relationship where she was trying to survive her own. She couldn't she had trauma. Yeah. She didn't have the capacity. -- had capacity. So for her trying to raise me in America, being a single mom, and I just felt like there was just this huge disconnect between us. Mhmm. So we always were just we were just our relationship was very you know, it was it wasn't there. There was this it was I it wasn't good. And then so after realizing, you know, that life is very precious. And, also, I forgot to mention, my mom had knee surgery the year before. So when she wanted to do that mother daughter chip, it was, like, the clock ticking. Yeah. I am I unfortunately, I waited this long to travel with you, but, like, let's make something -- Yeah. -- out of it. And then so I took that into consideration she also had eye surgery. So there's all these things -- She's like, things are happening. Like -- -- these eye surgery. She's like, you know, if anytime I was we gotta go. So I took a whole month off, and from there, it just our relationship bloomed. Wow. And it was just this huge amazing transformation where people look at us now, They thought we were always like this. We thought we were always as close. I said, no. It was just only the last 5 years. Because growing up, we were we were never on the encaged. Yeah. And then as an adult now, as a OneMain myself, realizing the hardship, the trauma, the things that we go to the daily basis, I was like, Man, I gotta be easier on her because I'm here struggling as a single woman -- Yeah. -- but for her to have kids, on top of trying to, like, put food on our table. Right. I was just like, man, I I had to give her a big hug. Like and so from there, it became an annual trip. a mother daughter. So I take care of we always go back to you know, we did Thailand together, then we explored other areas of of Vietnam. -- goals right now. We did shoulder shoots and everything. So it became, like, now we talk as girlfriends. Like, we joke around. I tell her everything. And she's, like, my she's my best friend now, and I -- Wow. -- it's unfortunate. we had to start this late, but it's also never too late -- Yeah. -- that we were able to manage our relationship. This is amazing. Yeah. So when people looked at me, I was like, no. I was never this close to It was only the last 5 years because you see our bond now. Yeah. You just thought that we were just, like, always this way. But I was like, no. We've we've been through it. And I'm just glad as now as a woman and, you know, growing in my own space that I look back at her and just, you know, look at her stack prices. Yeah. She had dreams and goals too as a young girl. Yeah. But she had to she wasn't able to fulfill them. because she had a different path in life. Mhmm. So for me now living the life that she could have lived and having the privilege of being America. And then, you know, doing things that I wanna do, I just looked at her with just so much gratitude. Yeah. And for the the sacrifices that she did, for us to live the life that we can live. And I'm sure she's gonna have the baby girl just amazed.
Lolo Fisher [00:43:32]:
Like, amazed because that,
Paige Nguyen [00:43:36]:
1, you 2, both being at a different emotional maturity level to be able to rebuild that bond. But, 2, the pieces, if you didn't take that choice for your self in the first place when everybody else was speaking negatively or doubting you. You wouldn't have even been able to create that path, not just for you, but now for your family to dream again. She looks at me because now it goes back if she was so fearful of, like, my career choice. Because as a mom, she was like, wait. You're going from know, paycheck to paycheck, but, like, you're living on commission. She was, like, being real estate for her growing you know, coming to America, they didn't have financial literacy themselves. Right? So for her to fathom commission based, it's just like, she thinks I'm gonna be, like, a car salesman, like, just standing outside trying to, like, sell something, but it was completely different -- Yeah. -- that was slowly just seeing me build -- Yep. -- and having financial means and being able to, like, you know, do things that provide for her and our family. Right. That's why she was just beaming with pride. Yep. But at again, same time as, like, she had it was hard for her to see it because there was no one around us Yeah. In my family or anyone that she knew that was in the real estate space. Mhmm. So, you know, so for her me I was the first one. Yeah. So right now, like, she is, like, my number one fan. Number one fan. And yes. So we're in a a amazing space right now. It it it's there's just so many decisions that led me to where I'm at. So that's why I tell people you're just one conversation away -- Mhmm. -- from a completely different life. And had I not wanted more for myself? this will have not happened. Mhmm. But that's the thing to a lot of people are comfortable. And and that's okay. But it's just when you are that person that know you want more and don't know what to do, Yes. Seek guidance. Yes. Talk to somebody. Yeah. because at that point at the beginning, I didn't know anything. I I didn't know anything. I just had one person -- Yeah. -- and He was luckily headed, you know, resources. But yeah. I mean, nowadays, there's tons of resources out there. There's tons of people who are stepping out Yes. And and finding their passion and doing what they wanna do. So right now is the best time to
Lolo Fisher [00:45:38]:
Do what fulfills you. Yes. Absolutely. And, you know, the thing that's raining over and over and over in my head from this conversation, what you said is to me, the phrasing of the person I was -- Mhmm. -- the person I am and the person I'm becoming. Yeah. I feel like if each of us just took I don't even know how often, whether it's monthly, you know, quarterly, just regular reflection time to just write those 3 out and see, like, The person I was recognizing the strengths, you know, because even when you're in survival mode, you build so much that helps you get to where you are, including these mindsets and these what I would call the heart traits. Right? The heart that pulls you through is the person I was. These were the things that took me to the person I am. Yeah. and, like, really writing that out. But the person I'm becoming is where that personal growth comes from. And if you can't reflect and actually write on who am I becoming? Who do I want to be? It's not about do I want to be a real estate agent. But do I want to be wealthy financially stable? Do I want to be family centered, like, whatever
Paige Nguyen [00:46:38]:
community built, like, whatever that looks like. I don't think enough folks really think about who they wanna become. They're stuck in This is where I am. Yeah. And a lot of times, we are our own worst critic where we don't realize how far we've come. Yes. So I think for me too, whatever people -- -- a good point. Yeah. Lots of people always just like, you know, you we we we are so hard on ourselves even for me when people oh, I've seen so much you've grown so much. You've done me things. I was like, uh-uh, I am not where I wanna be at yet. But then I had to take a step back. And you know what? Me, 5, 7 years ago, I would have not had been able to do the things I did today. I'd not be able to say the things I would able to do to say the day. And it's just one of those things where, like, I did grow a lot. Like, you know, I was not this vocal. Yeah. I was not this expressive. I was on this, you know, person that would be able to speak in front of people. Yeah. But because of my journey and being able to over become so many of my own personal challenges. Right. And knowing that it's non isolated events that we -- Right. You know, everyone's in the same boat. We're all trying to figure it together. Mhmm. But the more that we share, the more we realize how connected we are, and we're all going to the same thing. maybe at different paces, but we're all just trying to figure it out. No one I I tell you, no one has it together.
Lolo Fisher [00:47:50]:
No one to figure it out, and no one has it all. It's so true. I love that. You know, you, like you just gave me the reminder I needed to next person. So I know somebody else out there is gonna be, like, Yes. That part. Yeah. Okay. I have, like, 2 more questions for you. Okay. So the word that just keeps coming to mind from our conversation now in terms of looking forward is home. Mhmm. Obviously, you work in real estate. Yeah. But what I'm seeing in your work between the staging company and owning your own staging company, coming back home as you talked about, like, to San Jose, the Bay Area, Obviously, being a realtor and building this and the other piece of actually, before the podcast started, we talking about why your office is here in Vietnam.
Paige Nguyen [00:48:35]:
Right? What is home to you now? Yeah. I mean, it's it's crazy. My journey of you know, I left San Jose for a reason for a completely different career path. And my my my my life model was, like, when people are like, oh, you know, like, come back to San Jose, but I know at that point when I left San Jose, I wasn't just gonna come back because I felt like I would have failed myself. I left because I need to figure out my my myself. I need to figure out what was that was I doing because at that point where I I wanted to get back on track. I need to focus on -- Yeah. -- what's that I wanna do. And the best part I needed to get out of my comfort zone. Sandoz at that time was my comfort zone. So I needed to get myself out of that space, really go through hard times. Yeah. And then come out of it, and then when I fell into real state. As you know what? I I think I I wanna do this as as a career. So coming back home with a purpose, I have I have to reintroduce myself to my friends and my network. Now I'm a real estate agent now. For a long time, people were like, oh, I thought you're still a nurse. I thought you were trying to be a nurse. I had to disassociate myself for that for a long time because how do can I be taken seriously? It's a new identity. Yeah. It's just like, oh, how are you gonna try to sell me a house? if you were trying to go for a nursing, whatever. So I had to really double down on putting myself out there to for people to be confident Yeah. And to know that I can represent them in if whether they're buying or selling and being, you know, that trusted adviser. Yeah. So it would take some time. Moving back was a just like it wasn't just like you know, I was green light on the go. I I really mentally prepared myself. It's gonna take 6 months to a year. Mhmm. Just to build my name and my brand out there, and I was I was prepared for it. But I knew the bigger picture, that I knew that this was long term, and I I was gonna put my all into it. Yeah. And then so after after that, And, you know, I worked as worked with a partner, and then I went solo. I was, you know, working in a different area. And then on the nonprofit side, you know, I I'm a board member past president for v NARP. And then homecoming for me was, you know, now that I switched brokerage, and our board meetings is in the sales office. Couple of our other past presidents also is in Vietnam. And in the sense of community, this is for the first time ever that I felt like this is my homecoming. And being, you know, now a public figure of being a community leader, to have a face and represent patient here. Yeah. It it just it just it was just very comforting. Yeah. And now I can empower other, you know, females and other you know, real estate agents or anyone in this space that what is it that means? Like, you don't have to be confined into one sleeve. you it's it's real estate and career space, you're go out there and explore. Yeah. Do, you know, talk to as many people because, you know, when you're switching offices, it's not the end of the world. It's one of those things where as you grow and evolve, you're gonna have to align yourself with people and teams in and systems that are where you're you wanna be. Yep. So me, after 5 years, realizing what I'm ready for a change. And -- Right. -- you know, why is it that I chose at Nam Tan? Everything just kinda fell into place. Mhmm. And then I have a new community here who I'm able to help in different ways. I would not have been able to help 5 years ago. Mhmm. But because I've been you know,
Lolo Fisher [00:51:53]:
doing working in different areas. And now that I'm home and I caught my homecoming, I'm just more prepared, and I'm just just be able to help service everywhere here, have a presence here. So it's the timing as this could have been up better. Yeah. And I'm glad you said this last piece, you are community leader. Absolutely. You're a figurehead, you're a community leader. And you are handling your own business and making it happen for others. That's huge. And that kinda leads me to my last question, particularly thinking about women of color entrepreneurs who maybe the 1st in their family even taking a risk in, like, going for these goals -- Yeah. -- you're setting an example, you're modeling, and you kind of gave some examples of how you see other women do it, whether it's on social media, YouTube TV, or whatever, We get these examples -- Yeah. -- in different places. So if there's a woman out there who's trying to make a change for herself and for her family, but is feeling so lacking in motivation, lacking in support. What would you tell her when it comes to go into the dream? No. Definitely. This is something that has been really
Paige Nguyen [00:52:58]:
I mean, at the very beginning, it was very heavy on my heart. I actually was for Veenar, the 1st female president. Mhmm. And I'm also the one the youngest president. And at the very beginning, I was very reluctant. Yeah. I did not wanna take any leadership girls. I was very I was happy being on the back end, being the supporting cast. I didn't wanna step into the Like, I didn't wanna lead. I didn't wanna do all of that. Yeah. But then goes back to, you know, this one conversation. It's like, people we have to be the change that you wanna see in the world. Mhmm. So if I wanna see more women leadership, more women in leadership, more, you know, women of color, it gotta start somewhere. Yeah. And especially in this real estate space that we're really leading, how do I empower others to step up and lead? Someone gotta do it. So over time, it's because I had so many years of experience observing in the nonprofit sector. and it was the support of my community that say, what? You can do this. Yeah. And as many times as I said, no. Is this one day where I realized, you know what? I gotta start leading the path. Right? If I I wanna see more women step up, I gotta be that first person people. Mhmm. And so that was when, you know, the light switches hit me. It's like, well, I'm gonna take take that challenge And because I was so comfortable being in the back end, I'm not gonna step up -- Mhmm. -- and lead to the best of my capabilities so that that way I can empower -- Yeah. -- someone else to be in my my shoes as well. So back in 2019, I was supposed to serve a 2 year term. But because of pandemics, I had to do extended 3 years. So -- No biggie. Yeah. So I was I mean, I learned so much because talking about the pandemic, there was no playbook. Yeah. And so for me, a ray having a challenge of being, you know, serving as a young leader, being a woman of color, you know, we were the one of the youngest organizations out there. Other owners who were very established. So if they're looking at us as the the new one, say what we're all about, I had a lot of pressure. Yeah. And then so now, also, trying to throw in the fire a pandemic and how to try to navigate out of that. But I think from the very beginning, me you know, I remember I actually shared this on social media as well that if I wanted to see more women in leadership, I had to set the example And and one of my favorite quotes is, like, no be the change you wanna see in the world. So then from a year after I got installed, there's also this very important gala that I which one from the card, which is California associate realtors, which is we have the local associations, then we have the state. And then so this one, I had a very it was a very touching moment for me because we're talking about women in color. Yeah. So that that time, that night, that evening, they were recognizing they actually, for the first time, this has been around for, like, over a 100 years. Right? But only the first 3 like, the last recent years that they have trying to be more inclusive. They are finally including the diversity groups. So this was the first time in over a 100 years that they started recognizing us as a seat at the table. Wow. So that evening was very special for me because there was a woman. And I also seen her eighties. Mhmm. She was the 1st woman present in the city of Compton. Oh. For the Compton associate of realtors. And she had to serve twice because it was such a -- Small group. Right? -- group and not Everyone wanted to lead because imagine you're you're in a a rough area. Mhmm. And then so I just listened to her talk and her passion, and she's in her eighties now and she's still involved. you know, still volunteer her time and still trying to educate and empower the younger generation. So I just remember her to speak because I'm here in my first year as a woman in leadership. And I remember when she got down through stage, I went up to her, and I wanted to thank her because it's it's not easy. It's not easy. And I told her, like, you know, what I was doing that I had just you know, it's my 1st year as president. If any advice that she could give me, and she said something to me and said, Be the voice for those who don't have one. Mhmm. And when she said that to me, it's just like it hit me so hard because, again, it's just that if you're not seeing representation in your community, And you're you're looking around like, oh, who's gonna do it? You might you might be that person. Yeah. Right. So I remember looking at her, and I said that, you know, everyone has a calling And for me, I would I never would have saw myself in this position, but I said maybe it there is something there. Yeah. And I didn't know I had it in me, but the more I'm that got, the more I saw that there was a void. And, you know, even in television media, like, we don't see a lot of our faces out there. Right. So -- Right. -- for us we someone gotta start. And I'm just now looking back very proud to say that I took that initiative, I took on that challenge and I met amazing people along the way, and I met amazing leaders who serve, you know, just just selflessly towards the community. And because it's not that in days, it's not about you. It's about the legacy and the and what you're leaving behind and the people that you touch and you can inspire. So I remember that conversation to this day, which is be the voice for those who don't have one. And it goes just back to representation and being a woman of color. because we're a minority group. Mhmm. We need to stand taller than no. More taller than ever.
Lolo Fisher [00:58:06]:
It's true. I love that. You're driven by purpose. Yeah. You can hear it. You can see it. It's really beautiful.
Paige Nguyen [00:58:12]:
Is there anything else you want viewers or listeners to know about page? No. I mean, I think this is think again think you again for having me. This has been such a fun conversation, and I just love sharing because these topics aren't, you know, talked about enough. And I think yeah. I think it's a because I know in my dark hours and when I'm struggling, these type of conversations actually help me. Yeah. So I just hope that whatever, you know, we talk about today that I could at least help one person that's watching. It would just mean the world to me. And, of course, if there's anything I can do, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me, but I just love sharing my journey because reality knows that we all have to start somewhere. And, you know, to see imagine yourself where of who's it that you wanna be. Yeah. And it just takes little steps to get there. Yes. And then people will say, you know, when you have this big goal, right, you have this big vision and people get are so afraid of of doing something. And I was telling people, again, another metaphor, but it's like, how do you eat an elephant?
Lolo Fisher [00:59:10]:
Exactly. -- bit.
Paige Nguyen [00:59:11]:
Yep. One bite at a time. So when you have this goal where you wanna do something or you wanna change, you know, something about your life, it doesn't have to be, you know, something drastic Yeah. You just had to change little habits throughout your day, and you just have to, you know, work towards the bigger bigger goal, and it just take one step at a time. Yeah. And if you look back a year later, if you're doing those little changes, they become big changes in your life. But if you're someone who doesn't do anything, you can't blame anyone else for the outcomes.
Lolo Fisher [00:59:42]:
for the results they didn't work for. Very true. Oh, so good. Okay. So if somebody wants to connect with you and find out more of the juiciness behind your story or get some mentorship maybe. Yeah. How could they connect with you? Yeah. So my Instagram handle is the daily pages .com. You can also find me on my website at patientawind.com. Perfect. And we'll have that all linked in the description both on YouTube or if you're listening to this on Spotify Apple, so on and so on. Paige, you're amazing. Thank you so much. for sharing your story, and I know we're gonna have a lot more to come, a lot more success to see in your journey. So good luck to you. And that's all y'all. Bye.
Lolo Fisher [01:00:26]:
Thank you for tuning in to the Here to Uplift Podcasts. new episodes are airing every week with some bonus episodes in between 2. So make sure you stay tuned by subscribing, following liking and engaging with us, so let us know what topics you're most interested in, and what might inspire you along this journey. We're gonna keep working hard on our end because we are here to uplift not only ourselves, but our community too, and that includes you. So I can't wait for you to hear the next episode. But for now, Do your thing. Let's get it, and let's keep moving forward. uplift yourself, friends. You got this.