Meet May Nguyen | Empowering dreams and building communities as a visionary entrepreneur, real estate expert, and advocate for meaningful change

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

Hi May, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking is the secret ingredient in the recipe for any entrepreneur’s success. As a real estate entrepreneur, Airbnb owner, and founder of a 501(c)(3), I’ve learned that risk is less about diving in blindly and more about calculating the leap—but sometimes, you have to take that leap anyway.

One of the biggest risks I ever took was uprooting my entire life from sunny San Diego and moving to Kailua, Hawaii. Picture it: I was leaving everything and everyone I knew behind to start a new business venture in unfamiliar territory, surrounded by stunning beaches but completely out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t just a career gamble; it was an all-in bet on myself.

And then the pandemic hit. Let me tell you, nothing tests your resolve quite like wondering how you’re going to pay the mortgage in a new and uncertain environment. There were sleepless nights, imposter syndrome, and moments where I asked myself, “What on Earth am I doing here?”

But I stuck with it. Because deep down, I knew that growth comes from discomfort. I doubled down on building connections, embracing the local culture, and pushing myself to be not just a loan officer but a community-builder. Fast forward to nearly six years of living in paradise: not only have I built a thriving business, but I also found the love of my life. And fun fact? My first-ever client on Oahu is now my fiancé. (Yes, I’ll be taking the ultimate risk—marriage—next year!)

Taking risks isn’t about being fearless; it’s about moving forward despite the fear. It’s about trading comfort for potential, security for opportunity, and routine for a chance at something extraordinary. Every leap I’ve taken has taught me that when you bet on yourself, even the “risks” that don’t pan out lead you somewhere worthwhile. And sometimes, they lead you to everything you didn’t even know you were looking for.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
You have to think outside the box and be creative. You have to be some kind of crazy to get into real estate—especially the loan side. Most people are enamored by the bling and lifestyle; they watch the reality shows and think to themselves how glamorous it is. But let me tell you, real estate isn’t easy, and only 5% of people truly make it. Nobody wants to go through the tough times and sometimes wonder where your next check will come from. That’s why setting myself apart from the rest is important, because now in 2025—about 75% of my colleagues have left the industry due to higher interest rates and the market doing worse.

The most important thing is thinking on your feet, creating value, doing what’s best for your client, and being willing to have tough conversations. You need to stay adaptable and proactive—whether it’s coming up with creative solutions for buyers or helping them see beyond the challenges to find their dream home. Now more than ever, a successful transaction requires transparency, problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to your clients’ happiness and success. This isn’t just a job; it’s a passion, and I’m here to make sure every client’s story ends with them living happily ever after.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was coming to Oahu and visiting Kailua, I would show them the best of the islands. I’d start with happy hour at Merriman’s in Kakaako, where the food and cocktails are as vibrant as the atmosphere. From there, we’d catch sunset views on the rooftop deck of Sky Waikiki—because nothing beats watching the sun dip into the Pacific while sipping something tropical.

The next day, we’d hike the Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail for stunning coastal views, followed by a delicious lunch at Maile’s Thai Bistro in Hawaii Kai. To wind down, we’d have an outdoor family-style dinner under the stars at my home, which is right across the street from the ocean. There’s nothing like enjoying a home-cooked meal under the stars while listening to the soothing sound of waves crashing at night—pure magic.

Throughout the week, we’d explore Kailua’s gorgeous beaches, grab breakfast at Over Easy, and maybe even take a paddleboarding session in the calm waters of Lanikai. For a dose of culture, I’d take them to Bishop Museum to dive into Hawaii’s rich history, followed by a visit to a local farmers’ market to sample island flavors.

The goal? To give them the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and an authentic taste of life in paradise.

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 want to thank God first and foremost for this journey and being my savior. There were dark times that I faced in my journey and He showed me the light. I also want to thank the close friends and family that supported my charity May We Give 4 Love in our golf tournaments & bowling events to give back to the community. Recently, I was involved with King Oahu Church in feeding 41 families full Thanksgiving meals, and the love and outpour from my community here on the island was truly heartfelt. Lastly, I want to thank my mom, my sister, and close family for loving me and always answering my calls even though we are almost 3,000 miles away. Sometimes all it takes is a loving voice to make your problems feel less.

Website: https://www.mortgagemay.com

Instagram: @themaymay

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/may-nguyen-60295450/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maythemaymay/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/may-nguyen-alameda-mortgage-company-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mortgagemay

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