Today we’d like to introduce you to Guènaël Oristel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name’s Guènaël, G for short.
I’ve had quite a journey. My family was born in Cap-Haitien, a small coastal village in northern Haiti, but I was born in the capital; Port-au-Prince. I relocated to New York City at twelve years. And I’ve been working ever since. Living in Haiti was a joy, yet challenging. We didn’t have much – no TV, no radio, no electricity. The absence of modern distractions
meant that we truly depended on our family for companionship, support, and even entertainment. My family shared stories from their past – tales from their own childhoods or from lessons they had learned over time. These stories were more than just entertainment; they were life lessons, values passed down through generations. My grandmother, for example, often told us, “Your good morning is your passport, and hope makes one live.”
Those words became a cornerstone of how I view the world and the challenges we face in life. When the sun was low, we’d gather outside to play marbles or hopscotch. The neighborhood was our playground, and every nook and cranny became an opportunity for exploration and adventure. I remember the early mornings when I would climb the trees in our yard—coconut, mango, and avocado trees—and pick fresh fruit, tasting it right there on the branch. The excitement of reaching the fruit, the sense of achievement, and the satisfaction of eating something so simple yet so sweet, stays with me even today. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and a minor in Child Psychology from CUNY, The College of Staten Island in New York City.
Alright, 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’ve had a whole lot. First, I overcame cultural and language barriers. I managed to survive in New York City for 15 years on my own. I recently relocated to the beautiful coastal life. Many times, I thought I wasn’t going to make it. But I had hope. I knew if I kept going, I would eventually reach a light at the end of the tunnel. I joined real estate. But, at first time, I didn’t know I would become a realtor. Actually, I never knew real estate was a profession. In a Haitian household, it was drummed into my head that I had to be a nurse, or a doctor, or an attorney. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to afford a living. So, I enrolled in a nursing program at the college. And as part of the curriculum, I was required to volunteer at a nursing facility or clinic. I decided to intern at a nursing home where a Haitian friend worked.
I witnessed how some of the residents weren’t crying out of pain, but from loneliness and despair. It hit me hard. I knew right then that this wasn’t the path for me. By the time I hit junior year, I pivoted. I focused on becoming a school teacher, with the hope that I could provide the guidance, support and mentorship that I didn’t have growing up in New York City.
But just as I was about to graduate, a defining moment came. I volunteered at a Hurricane Sandy Relief program, where I met a real estate broker who immediately saw something in me -something I hadn’t recognized in myself. He encouraged me to explore real estate, and that moment set me on the path I’m on now with Epique Realty. Looking back, it all makes sense.
We’ve been impressed with Real Estate, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I approach my work with integrity, honesty, and transparency, along with a lot of empathy and laughter. This work is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
My days tend to start early and end late, not because I feel obligated, but because I genuinely enjoy what I do. Real estate isn’t just a job for me—it’s a practice that requires constant attention, learning, and presence. I enjoy working closely with my community and being involved in such pivotal moments in people’s lives.
I recently joined First Team Real Estate, and it’s been a really important step for me. Being part of a collaborative, well-supported brokerage allows me to focus even more on strategy and client advocacy. Having a dedicated team behind me means every detail is thoughtfully managed, and my clients benefit from that depth of support.
There are so many moving pieces in a transaction, and my role is to stay ahead of all of it. I manage the details so my clients don’t have to carry the stress. I’m present—I’m their eyes and ears throughout the process—so they can feel informed, protected, and confident every step of the way.
What matters most to you?
To me, a home is wherever you stop running, where you feel anchored. And I realized that in real estate, I could provide people with just that: a place to truly call their own. A home isn’t just where we live… it’s where life happens. Where milestones are celebrated, and memories are made.
Contact Info:
- Brand: Guènaël Collective
- Phone: 805-695-6330
- Email: Guenaelsummithomes@
gmail.com - Instagram:https://www.
instagram.com/ guenaelcollective/ - Website: https://
guenaeloristel.firstteam.com/ - Address: 4500 Park Granada, Suite 202, Calabasas, CA, 91302
Image Credits
Epique Realty Photographers
