We had the good fortune of connecting with William Covarrubias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work-life balance has changed drastically since I made the decision to become a Real Estate Agent earlier this year. I have been running my own vintage clothing company for the past two to three years. I decided to create my own clothing company during the pandemic when I was laid off. I decided to follow my passion in fashion and create my own clothing brand. Since 2020, I’ve held pop up events twice a week while selling online as well. I’ve had to transition from giving my clothing brand 100% of my attention to now giving it half that. I have trouble balancing my Real Estate profession and Clothing business. Over the weekends now I have to choose whether to host an open house or sell at a flea market. It’s a tough decision because as much as I’d rather host an open house, I still have many bills to pay. Real Estate is fairly new to me and is still not my main source of income. Throughout the week I take multiple Real Estate courses. I want to be well informed and educated. The market is always changing and I have to stay on my toes and be ready to adapt. I am very passionate about both and find it difficult at times to prioritize one over the other.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career in Real Estate requires me to communicate with many different people from all walks of life. To be able to market myself to the masses. I feel running my own clothing company has set me up for success in the Real Estate world. I learned through my clothing business how to market myself on social media. How to run my own website. How to engage with customers online and in person. Meeting and talking to all types of people at my pop up events has prepared me for Real Estate. I have sold at multiple flea markets all over Southern California. I love meeting new people and engaging in conversations. That’s a huge part of being a Real Estate Agent. It was an easy transition since they both require similar skills. Being a salesman comes naturally to me. I want the world to know that I am dedicated to help our planet become a better place. I fell in love with vintage clothing because it saves the planet. Fast fashion has created a huge problem for our environment. The fashion industry produces over 100 billion garments a year and 87% of that will end up in a landfill. Sustainable fashion is the way of the future. Sustainable Fashion refers to a clothing supply chain that is ecologically and socially responsible. I upcycle used clothing that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill. I give them a second life. I convert vintage Harley Davidson shirts into dresses, tank tops, bikinis, crop tops, etc. If a shirt has a stain or rip, I find ways to work around it and still make a dope piece. I am always thinking of new ways to create unique one-of-a-kind clothing. Sustainable fashion is what I stand for. My Real Estate business will help Guatemalan families in need by giving money for every deal I close. To provide food, clothing, and shelter to those in Guatemala who are less fortunate, I will dedicate $1000 for each completed transaction. I have traveled there many times and seen firsthand the kinds of struggle people face on a daily basis.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My perfect itinerary with a friend visiting would be to start the day with a couple bicycles and take a ride along the beach. I’d start at Marina Del Rey and ride down to Santa Monica along the beach path. Along the way we would grab lunch in Venice beach at Teddy’s Red Taco. They have the best birria tacos in LA! I would catch some of the best skateboarders at the world famous Venice skatepark. I would then ride through to Santa Monica and pull over by Will Rogers beach to soak up the sun. The beach down there is less crowded and can really get some relaxing quality beach time. On the way back, I would stop by and grab an afternoon coffee at Menotti’s cafe. They have one of the most delicious drinks I’ve ever had. It’s called the Spanish Latte. It is an Horchata inspired drink. At night time, I would grab a beer at Hermosa Pier. They have a great variety of bars for whatever mood you are in. My personal favorite is The Lighthouse which offers live reggae music on Sunday nights.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely have to give my parents a HUGE shoutout! They have been supporting me through this journey of life and entrepreneurship. They’re there when I need words of encouragement. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, they always know what to say to calm me down. They are my biggest support system. My parents have always believed in me no matter what path I’ve chosen throughout my life. I am lucky to have such great parents. My mother and father are the hardest working people I know. Growing up, they both worked long hard hours to support our family. There was never a day without food on the table or clothes on my back. I Love them both very much and appreciate their sacrifice to raise me and my siblings. They currently live in Central America but I know they are just a phone call away. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: WilliamCovarrubias.KW.Com

Instagram: @WilliamCRealty & @RetroFittedLA

Other: Email: WilliamCovarrubias@KW.com

Image Credits
@AfterhoursMarket

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