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

Hi Jessica, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?

I know this much is true by Wally Lamb. I read this book for the first time many years ago. It’s a complex story about a man attempting to find his way through the dimensional and fascinating past of his family’s trauma and understanding how it’s shaped who he has become.

Every few years I reread this book when I feel like I need to attempt to understand the human condition. I truly believe the meaning of life can be found in the pages of this book. It’s dark, uncomfortable, honest and so deep it hits you to the core.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My motto in life is to always find the humor. Even in the worst of situations. I say that because when you work a ton of hours and are constantly on the move you have to always search for some levity. This is something that has served me well. Working in the world of beauty for so many years people hand you their insecurities and vulnerability on a silver platter. Being the person to be able to say to someone “I see you. And you’re beautiful!” Is something that comes from your soul. It’s like showing someone a map to a destination they’re always wanted to go to and explaining step by step how to get there. Feeling your best physically can do wonders for one’s confidence. But finding a way to make a person laugh and see the joy in any given situation is the most disarming and welcoming gesture you can provide to someone. And if you can make this part of your professional working style, it can make even the most stressful situations feel more manageable.

About 7 years ago I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclorosis. The most terrifying and uncertain time of my life. I thought my career was over. Was told I should prepare for disability and accept this as my new normal. The rage that I felt in my gut for this condition that hit me actually helped me find a way to live with it. The formula is if you truly hate something you will never allow it to get the best of you. So I’ve chosen to hate MS so I can focus all my energy, love, positivity and joy on everything else life throws at you. Things may be a bit harder for me than they used to be, but finding the humor in the worst of situations gives you power over them. I find myself taunting and laughing at my condition because only then can you remove the scariness of a condition and begin to find ways to overcome.

Venturing into the world of real estate has given me fresh perspective. It’s allowed me to see what can be achieved by being of service to others. A home is a refuge and a safe space. A place that reflects who one truly is. Often times it’s the living embodiment of all that you have worked for and achieved. Being able to help people achieve this goal feels like winning. Seeing the excitement in a clients eye during any transaction is the best part of any deal. Whether it’s working in the world of beauty or real estate if you show up with a fighting spirit and determined to find the humor and joy in every challenge,  success is soon to follow.

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.

As cliche as it sounds Hollywood Blvd. There is something about that crazed somewhat generic energy that kind of encapsulates what every aspect of this city is. It’s loud, in your face, kind of tacky but my god it’s so colorful and wild! The walk of fame and Grahmans Chinese theatre are a must. So many people come to Los Angeles to peruse a dream. And I think those that have never been imagine Hollywood Blvd to be a glamorous, elegant destination. The irony of what it is actually is,is how I see the world. It’s multi dimensional, diverse, brass, colorful, and never what you anticipate it to be.

The Huntington Gardens in Pasadena. So much nature and beauty in one place. A garden oasis that almost makes you feel like you’ve landed in what I imagine most would imagine to be the afterlife.

The magic castle. A place where magic still exists. You can feel the history within the walls. It’s everything I love about this town in one building. You never quite know if you can believe what you are seeing. But it allows you to suspend reality and believe in the power of magic!

As an East side or die Los Angelino I have to shout out my neighborhood of Highland Park. A neighborhood that is as diverse as it is ecclectic. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles you can live next door to a family that has been here since the 1970s and across the way from an aspiring writer looking for inspiration among the hipsters and OGs that make up this neighborhood. Endless choices of restaurants, bars, outdoor hangouts to have a drink. Johnnys on York is a great place to have a cocktail and listen to some great music. You have to make a pit stop at Donut Friend for dessert! Living here feels like the quintestal Los Angeles experience. Rich in history, diversity, and bringing the old with the new in a way that only So Cal can do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Professional success isn’t possible without the support of your tribe. So that being said I would like to shout out the people that are constant sources of support and encouragement. My best friend Selena Hira. My spirit mother, babysitter, unofficial business manager and stabilizing force. Erin Achstein and Deann Reynolds , Childhood friends who are a constant in my everyday existence. I cant remember my life before them.  My fiend Chan who always gets the joke and most importantly laughs at all of mine. Stephanie Evans my wine drinking buddy and dear friend, Iris Navarrette my mentor and above all the woman who is always searching for the meaning of life and sharing wisdom and love with others. John Stapleton my brother from another mother and in many ways my spirit mirror. Shannon Van Horn my friend who cheers all my success and cries for my challenges. James Cummins my forever childhood neighbor and constant in my life.

It’s one thing to believe in your own ability but when it comes to what you do to make a living for yourself on the daily, having people in your life that are constant supporters, and advocates for you is invaluable. Starting a new career in real estate has been such a learning experience. In order to build success and momentum it relies on references and recommendations of others. Trying to find success in a career that is only possible with the help of others is truly something new to me. I’ve always had my own hustle. But this element of the business has opened me up to what it means to be vulnerable and in some way reliant on others in order to achieve my goals. Never underestimate the power of the  referral!!!

Instagram: @athomewithjess13

Facebook: Jessica Khan

Image Credits
Shawshank Redemption Bob Marley

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