We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria (masha) Korpacheva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria (Masha), can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is by Viktor E. Frankl: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
This holds such deep wisdom. What I love about it is how it highlights the importance of that pause—the space between what happens to us and how we react. It reminds me that no matter what life throws our way, we have the freedom to choose how we respond. It speaks to personal responsibility and empowerment, and it’s in that mindful choice that we find the opportunity to grow. For me, this quote is like a gentle reminder that I can shape my life moment by moment, by choosing to respond with awareness, compassion, and strength. It’s such a beautiful testament to the resilience of the human spirit!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is in real estate, but for me, it’s about much more than buying and selling homes—it’s about helping people find a place that resonates with their soul, a place where they can truly feel at home and connected to who they are. When working with those ready to move on, I honor the stories their homes hold and guide them with care, making the transition as meaningful as the space they are leaving behind.

Growing up, I never had a room of my own because my parents couldn’t afford a larger house, so our family of four lived in a small one-bedroom home. That experience strengthened my desire to create a life where I could provide for myself and cherish my own space, making me very grateful for what I’ve accomplished.
As a teenager I would wake up at 5 a.m. every day to commute to a specialized school to study English, determined to get a good education and gain financial independence. That dedication paid off when I eventually graduated from Linguistic University with honors. It was a journey built on resilience, and that same spirit guides me in my real estate work today.

When I moved to Los Angeles in 2007, I was going through a difficult emotional time, but studying Spiritual Psychology at the University of Santa Monica (USM) helped me open my heart, find strength, and embrace who I truly am. As part of that journey, I took on climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania as my second-year project at USM, a profound experience that pushed me to new heights, both physically and spiritually. It taught me how important it is to show up for myself, and in doing so, I realized my passion—being of service to others. Holding space for people, being present with them, and helping them make the best decisions is what truly makes me happy.

What sets me apart in real estate is my ability to truly connect with the people I work with, seeing beyond the transaction to understand their deeper needs and desires. I believe every space holds an energy that resonates with its future owner, and my role is to help my clients find a place that aligns with their vision and values. Whether they’re buying or selling, it’s about guiding them through an experience that honors who they are and where they’re headed.

It hasn’t always been easy. Perseverance and a positive attitude have been my pillars through the challenges. Every failure has been a blessing in disguise, teaching me patience, humility, and the power of acceptance. I’ve learned that we are all in this together, and accepting what is, without judgment, is the most liberating and strong position in life.

At the heart of my business is my commitment to creating a journey for my clients that feels meaningful, personal, and deeply connected to their story. There is truly nothing more fulfilling for me than witnessing this transformation and being part of their path.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they experienced all the magic LA has to offer! We’d start with a trip to the Getty Villa to soak in the art and history, followed by a sunset dinner at Geoffrey’s in Malibu—there’s nothing like dining with that ocean view. Another day, we’d visit the Huntington Library and Gardens for a peaceful stroll, finishing with happy hour at the Langham Hotel.

We’d take in the stars at the Griffith Observatory, then have brunch at the iconic Chateau Marmont. Magic Castle is a must for some enchanting entertainment, paired with dinner at Yamashiro for that beautiful hilltop view. Summer calls for a night at the Hollywood Bowl for the Tchaikovsky Spectacular with fireworks, or in winter, we’d head to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for some breathtaking performances.

A day at the Getty Center is perfect for exploring art, architecture, and gardens. Roaming the Venice canals to glimpse Abbot Kinney’s dream to build Venice of America. We could catch a classic movie at Hollywood Forever Cemetery or watch Shakespeare in Griffith Park under the stars. A visit to Greystone Mansion park would add a touch of mystery, capped off with dinner at the Polo Lounge at the magical Beverly Hills Hotel.

For a different view, dinner at Castaway in Burbank offers the most spectacular cityscape. If there’s time, we’d journey out to Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara, or even Hearst Castle in San Simeon. Honestly, there’s so much to see and do that my friend would definitely need to stay longer than a week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful to several people who have been pivotal in my journey. First, my mother Raisa who recently passed away. A long time ago she set me free, allowing me to follow my dreams—her love and belief in me are gifts I carry every day. My brother Alexander helped pay for my tutors so I could prepare for the entrance exams to university, and I’ll forever be grateful for his support during that crucial time. Marynell Maloney has been a beautiful inspiration with her kindness, intelligence, and creative spirit. Ken Ashe taught me everything I know about this incredible country, and I’m so thankful for his wisdom. Constanze Heynold saw something in me early on and knew I would succeed in real estate, which gave me the confidence to push forward. And finally, the love of my life, Artem Egoyan—he’s always been my biggest cheerleader, supporting me through every step. I am also deeply grateful to my numerous friends all over the world! Their love, guidance, and encouragement have been invaluable in shaping who I am today.

Website: https://inthemoodforcalifornia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthemoodforcalifornia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-korpacheva-a02900167

Twitter: https://x.com/InTheMoodForCA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552479962684

Other: Podcast: https://in-the-mood-for-california.simplecast.com/

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