What does it take to go from running a sewing business to building a thriving career in real estate? In this episode of *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission*, we sit down with **Tayissa Gabreski**, a former artist and business owner who completely reinvented her career in her 40s—and quickly found success as a Keller Williams agent in the Seattle-Tacoma area.

Tayissa shares:

* How she balanced running her own business, raising a toddler, and earning her real estate license
* Why telling *everyone* she was getting licensed landed her a client right away
* The biggest challenges of proving herself as a professional in a brand-new industry
* How she turned her first client’s home into a \$200K profit story with the right strategy
* The keys to building long-term client relationships and avoiding being a “secret agent”
* Why coaching and mentoring the next generation of real estate agents has become her passion

If you’re considering a career change, or you’re a new agent looking for inspiration and a roadmap to success, Tayissa’s story proves it’s never too late to start—and thrive—in real estate.

Video Chapters:

00:00 – Intro: From artist to agent
02:00 – Balancing business, school & family life
07:00 – Landing her first client before licensing
08:30 – Building credibility as a new agent
10:00 – Marketing with authenticity & social media
12:00 – The leap to full-time real estate
14:00 – Overcoming early career challenges
15:30 – Learning through mentorship & assistantship
16:40 – Lead generation & “no secret agents”
20:00 – Staying connected with clients long-term
23:00 – The \$200K remodel success story
26:00 – Coaching, leadership & future goals
27:00 – Tips for aspiring real estate agents
28:30 – Lightning round: books, advice & mentors
32:00 – Community involvement & giving back
33:00 – Where to find Tayissa online

Connect with Tayissa Gabreski:

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tayissablue

Want to Be Featured?

Are you a rookie real estate agent with a great first commission story? Apply to be featured on *Unlocking Real Estate: My First Commission* by reaching out to us at **[UnlockingRealEstate@ColibriRealEstate.com] or fill out this form: https://share.hsforms.com/1o4DbEqKvQwSzoMTSnrznZQ8ish