What it really takes to build something meaningful — and why your ruby slippers already fit.

When I started in real estate, I assumed the people who knew me best would be the first to cheer me on.
Some did. Others didn’t.

Maybe they weren’t sure how to see me in this new role. Maybe I was still “Hayden’s mom,” “Billy’s wife,” or the familiar face from around the neighborhood — but not the person they imagined negotiating their biggest investment.

There’s a version of this story I could tell that’s polished and curated, but if you’re here reading The Ruby Slipper Report, I’m guessing you’re not looking for fluff. So here’s the truth:

Building a business from scratch — especially one that depends on relationships and trust — is not for the faint of heart. It takes more than just showing homes and writing offers. It takes resilience.

And let me tell you, behind the listings and lockboxes, there were days when it felt anything but easy.

Not the “everything’s going great” version — but the part no one posts about. The behind-the-scenes struggle. The doubt. The rejection. The fear of failure that kept me awake at night.

But over the years, this journey has become about more than learning the ins and outs of real estate.
It’s been about learning to be resilient. About trusting in God and reworking my beliefs. About showing up, even when I wanted to hide. About growing in forgiveness, self-awareness, and taking small steps that didn’t always look like success at the time.

Looking back, this whole thing has felt a bit like my own trip down a yellow brick road — full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours. There were times when the path felt unclear, and all I could do was put one foot in front of the other, trusting I’d eventually find my way.

I’m not sure I’ve reached the Emerald City or the path of polished success yet — and that’s okay.

Because real success — the kind that means something — isn’t about perfection.
It’s about showing up, even when you’re not sure of the outcome.
It’s about trusting that it will all come together in time.

If you’re in a season of struggle, wondering if anything you’re doing is making a difference — I see you.
You’re not alone. Keep showing up. Keep doing the hard things. The resilience you’re building now will matter later — even if it doesn’t feel like it.

I’ve learned that growth often doesn’t look like success.
It looks like persistence.
It looks like learning to trust yourself and others when it’s hard.
It looks like being real, even when it’s uncomfortable.
And it looks like understanding that the journey — not the destination — is what shapes you.

So if you’re here, reading this, and struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel, know this:

It won’t always be like this.
What you’re learning now will matter later.
Keep going. I promise — you’re doing better than you think.

Thank you for being here.
You belong. You are stronger than you know.
And as we begin this journey together with The Ruby Slipper Report, remember this:

You don’t have to wait to feel “ready.”
The strength, courage, and wisdom you’re searching for?
They’ve been with you all along — just like your own pair of ruby slippers.