Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Jane Torio.
Hi Barbara Jane, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My San Diego adventure began in the summer of 2019, when my husband and I swapped the chilly winters of Montreal, Canada, for the sunny beaches of Southern California. Initially, I was set on pursuing my career in hospitality and management. But then, the pandemic hit like an unexpected plot twist, and with restaurants closing their doors, I had to think on my feet.
Always a social butterfly, I thrived on meeting, helping, and connecting with people. My mother-in-law had once suggested I’d be a natural in real estate, and with the world on pause, my curiosity was piqued. The lockdown provided the perfect opportunity to dive into uncharted waters and learn a new skill: real estate!
Of course, venturing into this field wasn’t a walk in the park, especially for someone who didn’t grow up in San Diego. I arrived knowing no one, so I had to build my network from scratch. My journey started with connecting with peers from the restaurant industry, meeting new faces at the dog park with Winston, my loyal canine sidekick, and joining countless hobby groups on social media. Along the way, I uncovered the hidden gems of San Diego and became an expert on this vibrant city.
And that’s how my San Diego story took shape—a tale of resilience, community-building, and the joy of connecting with others in the sunny paradise I now call home.
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?
No story is complete without its share of hurdles! While meeting people from various walks of life is truly inspiring, I found forming a close-knit group of friends to be quite the challenge. Back in Montreal, I had a trusted circle of friends with whom I could share my deepest thoughts and feelings. Moving to San Diego meant starting from scratch, and opening up to new acquaintances was harder than I imagined. It was tough to fully embrace who I am when I’d only known people for a short time.
It took numerous meet-ups and hangouts to eventually forge a circle of genuine friends. We even found companions with whom my husband and I can chat in our familiar, comforting mix of Franglais (French and English) reminiscent of home in Montreal. Throughout this journey, I kept reminding myself not to settle for relationships that didn’t resonate with my true self. The key was to surround myself with like-minded individuals who support my growth, rather than those who compete against it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Moving to a new city like San Diego can be both exhilarating and daunting, but finding a sense of community can transform the experience into something truly special. As a full-time realtor with Compass, I’m committed to not just finding you a house, but helping you discover a home within a thriving community. Embracing life as a transplant in this stunning, sunny city, I can personally attest to the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to forge genuine connections.
One of the most rewarding ways I’ve built a tight community here is through my passions – cooking is one of them. Every month, I meet with my Cookbook Club, a member hosts a dinner where we dive into a new cookbook, each choosing a dish to prepare. This gathering isn’t just about food—it’s about savoring the flavors of friendship and discovery. Through this culinary adventure, we honed our kitchen skills and have transformed the tribe into friendships who share a love for exploration and learning.
The beauty of creating your own community lies in aligning it with your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s through cooking, hiking, painting, or any other passion, asking yourself, “What do I enjoy doing?” is the first step in meeting like-minded individuals. This approach can lead to meaningful connections and lifelong friendships, allowing you to resonate with people who share your interests. So, when you think about finding your niche in a new city, remember that your interests are the compass guiding you to your people.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I truly believe that keeping an open mind is a key ingredient to success. When you venture beyond your comfort zone and dive into the unknown, you’re forced to adapt and grow. It’s not always smooth sailing, but over time, you’ll gather a wealth of experiences that make adaptation almost second nature. Success, in my eyes, is this very journey—it’s about embracing change and learning to ride the waves.
I imagine it as a roller coaster ride, full of thrilling ups and downs. There are moments of effortless flow, only to be followed by the exhilarating climb towards the next peak. It’s this dynamic, ever-changing path that keeps life exciting and fulfilling. So, strap in, keep your mind open, and enjoy the ride—because success is all about being ready to navigate each twist and turn with courage and curiosity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/barbara-torio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajane.torio/?hl=en
Image Credits
Photos taken by Angie Huang
