When people ask what first sparked my interest in real estate, the “right” answer is usually something about wanting to help people, not just loving houses. But if I’m being honest, the very first spark came from being a Trading Spaces kid. I was glued to HGTV and TLC as a child, fascinated with how spaces could be transformed, and I loved being inside homes. That was probably the first sprinkle of an idea… even if I didn’t realize it back then.
As I got older, my path into real estate became less about houses and more about what I wanted for my life. I craved the chance to build something of my own… something I could be proud of from start to finish. Real estate gave me that opportunity. It let me shape the brand I wanted to represent, the kind of experience I wanted clients to have, and the impact I wanted to make in my community.
Before I found real estate, I spent nearly 10 years in the optical field, working my way up from the bottom to an area manager role. I learned a lot in that season, but I also saw how damaging a negative environment could be. I remember one day in particular, standing in the back room in tears after seeing how a boss treated other employees. That night I told my husband, “I think I’m going to quit.” The very next day, I did. And that same week, I signed up for my real estate course. That leap was the start of everything.
Getting started wasn’t easy. Like every new agent, I didn’t have experience yet, and I was jumping into the unknown of a commission-based career. It was scary and, at times, overwhelming. The financial stress was real. The fear of messing up was real. But what got me through was consistency… showing up every day, even when it felt like nothing was happening. I also learned how important it is to have people around you who believe in you and who will pick up the phone when you call. That kind of support shaped me in a big way, and it’s why support is such a core part of the HomeGrown brand today.
Over the years, I’ve built my career on three big pillars: collaboration, communication, and community. They guide how I show up for my clients, for my agents, for my family, and for the Shenandoah Valley. Those values are what inspired me to open HomeGrown Real Estate… to create the kind of supportive, collaborative space I wished I had when I was brand new.
The name “HomeGrown” grew from that same vision. Whether you’re moving here from across the country or you’ve lived here your whole life, we want you to feel like you belong. We want you to feel rooted… like this is a place where you can build your life and your future. For me, HomeGrown isn’t just a real estate company. It’s about creating community and connection in a way that feels genuine.
If I could share one piece of advice with someone just starting out in real estate, it would be this: take time choosing where you hang your license. Brokerages aren’t one-size-fits-all, and the right fit matters more than you think. And once you land, just keep showing up. Even when it feels like nothing is moving, even when the phone is quiet, even when the closings aren’t coming… keep showing up. Consistency will always pay off.
Looking back, I’m so grateful for every leap of faith, every challenge, and every person who has been part of my journey. Today, HomeGrown is more than a brokerage. It’s a team, a community, and a reflection of the values that guide me every single day. And I can’t wait to continue planting roots and growing together here in the Shenandoah Valley.
-Ashley