Where were you in life when you decided to pursue your career path?
Looking back 9 years ago, I decided to launch my real estate business out of a space of faith and a vision to be of a different kind of help and service to others. Prior to this, I was blessed with a career caring for children with special needs as an early childhood special educator. My twins were nearing the end of their elementary school years so I switched gears and transitioned out of my volunteer work at their school and stepped out in faith to get my real estate license and launch my real estate business.
My background in psychology and teaching empowered me to transition into the real estate industry. I fell in love with focusing on service and caring for people in a different light, yet one that is most important these days. Today I enjoy walking alongside my clients to help them feel loved, supported, and empowered to make smart and responsible financial decisions in real estate.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me means having a caring heart for others. I think having character and integrity matters so much, and I'm highly motivated by living my life with a servant's heart for others. I value building strong relationships with my family, my friends, my community, and my clients.
What quotation inspires you and motivates you to be yourself and do what you love?
I recently walked into my favorite, local home decor store and fell in love with a piece of artwork that had this quote written on it, "Life takes us to unexpected places...LOVE brings us HOME." This quote exemplifies my inspiration as a Realtor, to come alongside my clients and walk with them on their journey of home ownership and buying/selling a home. I find that how I express caring for my clients matters so much during the real estate journey. I show it in simple actions like bringing a warm meal to their home, helping with simple cleaning tasks, and listening to their fears/frustrations during the process.
Life gets hard sometimes and we are faced with a new season of life. Loss is followed by big life decisions and change can knock at your doorstep. A home is oftentimes someone’s largest investment and people need to know that someone is watching out for their physical, emotional, and financial needs during the process of buying or selling that home. To me, it isn't about the home to transact, but rather how I care and love my clients through the process that matters most during that journey! I'd like to think that my clients think back to their time working with me and remember that I truly cared, that I came alongside them, and that I helped them feel supported in this season of their lives.
What’s your favorite thing to come home to after a long day at work?
My family is my most favorite thing to come home to after a long day at work. You can find me cooking up a delicious meal for my family many nights during the week, as I feel passionate about health and wellness. I've learned to cook from scratch after having food allergies for years. I love to provide nutritious yet delicious meals for my family and enjoy teaching others how to cook and eat for optimal wellness, especially gluten and dairy free. "Breaking bread" with family and friends around my large farmhouse table matters so much to this Southern girl! I'm originally from Texas and providing Southern hospitality to my friends, family, and clients makes my heart swell!
What is your personal or professional motto?
My personal and professional motto is "Kari Cares" which was given to me as a gift by my first real estate client. She unknowingly established my brand motto by thanking me for going "above and beyond" to sell her home and move her family out of state by giving me a one-of-a-kind, needlepoint artwork. She made it herself, months after she moved out of state from CO to CA. That became my logo and my mission to remind myself of my true purpose of caring for others. The best part of this story is that years later, she and her family moved back to Colorado and called me again to help them put back down roots in the same neighborhood!
"Kari Cares" keeps on giving because treating others with the utmost respect, care, and love matters so much in this world! This artwork hangs in my home office today as a reminder to give my best self, to my community each and every day. I am most thankful to this client for giving me a reminder of my purpose in life!
What’s the first thing you do every morning to start your day off on the right foot?
My first step to productivity is a cup of coffee with vanilla creamer. Then, I'm off thinking about how I can help and serve others, whether it is in my real estate business, my family, or in my community. I remind myself that big impacts are made in the simple, small acts of service to make others feel seen, valued, understood, and cared for. I seek ways to show up and help! I remind myself often that time marches on quickly so knowing how I can show up and be available to care for others matters so much in this life!
Kari Smith is a Realtor and broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty and serves the Denver metro areas. She can be reached at Denver Homes by Kari.
Would you like to be our next featured Boss Babe? Hello, I'm Rachel Sorbet, a portrait photographer in metro Denver, Colorado and founder of Boss Babes Magazine.
Boss Babes is a celebration of women, their grit, grace, and career achievements. I’d love to help you share your story and create a library of beautiful images that celebrate YOU! Whether you're launching a business, killing it in someone else's business, leading a corporation, or building a side hustle - all career oriented women are invited to participate! Learn more here.