Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Camacho.
Jackie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I came to the states when I was five as an undocumented immigrant and like many kids had to learn the language and assimilate to the culture. I was a pretty good kid at school but what got me through was a mentor who was my 1st-grade teacher. I keep in contact with her to this day. She helped guide me through life in the USA and always pushed me to want more and do more. I went to college after high school but realized it wasn’t for me so I went to cosmetology school, but just before that, I bought a house with my brother and during the process, I decided I would get my real estate license too. So, I was studying and applying for my cosmetology license and my real estate license at the same time. I ended up getting them both at the same time and pursued real estate over beauty. I struggled at in the first six months, I didn’t close any deals. I eventually moved to a brokerage with the right mentorship program led by a badass Latina, that jump-started my career in real estate. I started closing deals averaging to one a month. The average first-year agent closes maybe three deals. I’ve worked my butt off in this career. I’ve now been doing this for five years, I held the 2018 Chair for the YPN (Young Professionals Network) an organization that strives to empower young agents in the business.
I currently sit at the 2019 President for the North County NAHREP (National Association for Hispanic real estate professionals) NAHREP is a purpose-driven organization that is propelled by a passionate combination of entrepreneurial spirit, cultural heritage and the advocacy of its members. Our mission is to advance sustainable Hispanic homeownership. NAHREP accomplishes its mission by: Educating and empowering the real estate professionals who serve Hispanic home buyers & sellers. Advocating for public policy that supports the trade association’s mission. Facilitating relationships among industry stakeholders, real estate practitioners and other housing industry professionals. All of this while having a top producing team at our company Windermere (not the one I started with). Servicing my clients to the highest level, maintaining a social media platform that encourages home ownership, positivity and to live a good life. All of this came with a lot of hard work and hardship.
I became documented in 2004 but before that, it was quite the struggle. I lived in a one bedroom apartment with my parents and at the time three brothers and sister. We eventually moved up by living in low-income housing in San Marcos. It was the first time I had my own bed and didn’t have to share a room with anyone. My parents struggled financially for some time, working low paying jobs but still managing to put food on the table no matter what. I was a parent to my siblings all through their childhood and as my mom recovered from a life-threatening medical issue I took my role as an older sibling even more seriously. In the mix, my parents added a new little sister who is now 14 and I’ve had to pave the way as an example for my sibling who all have achievements of their own. I am now working on building a legacy for myself and my future family. I find great importance in giving back to my community and showing the youth that you can achieve anything you set your heart to no matter your circumstances. I’ve spoken at middle schools about what I do. I’ve sat on panels discussing my success in Real Estate but at the end of the day, I’m fighting for the ones around me and showing them what immigrant from Mexico can achieve in a land of opportunity.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I feel like I answered a lot of this in my previous answer but a big struggle for me was being so young in this industry and a female and a minority. I struggled with being taken seriously, the median age is 54. I was 24 when I started. I also struggled with getting business, I didn’t feel like I knew people who would want to buy I mean I no one at my age was buying, but then, I realized none of this matters. If I want to succeed, I had to find clients so I started posting on social media a lot, just about what I was doing and programs available to first time home buyers and it just has created a huge amount of success for me. I also have a partner who I work very closely with he’s like a brother to me Lazaro Castillo, he has a similar background to me. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with. He is a big part of my success, he encourages me and pushes me in ways that create growth. Besides posting on social media about what I do I also keep it very much honest and true to myself. I think to run a business you can take bits and pieces from others but you have to be yourself. People will love you for it and they will know what to expect when you are working with them. So, just be yourself. Another thing is that this is not a 9-5 job. You are responsible for your income. If you want to succeed, you have to willing to work and be open to learning.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a real estate agent. I help people achieve their dreams of home ownership and I also help clients sell their homes. I specialize in first time home buyers and sellers, we are known for our charismatic nature and go-getter attitude. I am proud that I am able to facilitate homeownership to those who didn’t think it was possible. I am proud that I truly take care of my clients and I am proud that I am able to give back to my community through my career choice.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My first-grade teacher Deborah Merrill- Teachers are very selfless people but she went out of her way to make me feel special to make me feel like I can do anything I set my heart to. She continues to serve the underserved community and volunteers for different organizations. Teachers are so important.
My Mom- Elena Camacho, it takes a lot for a person to leave their country, work shitty jobs, take care of a large family and a household. She motivates me without pushing her expectations on me. She has shown me what hard work can create, what being loving and patient mean.
All the woman who sacrifice a lot to be someone, to take care of their families, who work the low paying jobs, who push their children and believe in them and guide them with love and patience. Women who are entrepreneurs who take care of the home but work all the extra time necessary to see their business succeed.
Contact Info:
- Address: 830 W Valley Pkwy Suite 330
Escondido, Ca 92027 - Website: www.TeamCastilloCamacho.com
- Phone: 7608770404
- Email: camachojackie.jc@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/realtorjackiecamacho
- Facebook: facebook.com/jackiecamacho89
- Other: instargram.com/teamcastillocamacho
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
