Meet Karen Versace

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

Hi Karen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business came from the desire to create my own strategies to genuinely help others. When you work for someone else, you’re limited by their approach, and I had so many ideas I believed could make a real difference. I also wanted the freedom to work on my terms, manage my own time, and, on a lighter note, ditch the uniform and be stylish every day!

Coming from a different country with little money but a big dream, helping my family was always a priority. My family lived a comfortable life in the Philippines, and I felt a strong responsibility to help maintain that lifestyle with them. It made me realize that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. The idea that no matter how well you flip burgers, you’re still paid the same really resonated with me. But when you work for yourself and build your own business, the better you get, the more you earn—and the more people you help, the more fulfilled you become. That’s what drives me.

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 rooted in the belief that real estate is not just about buying and selling properties, it’s about creating strategies that truly benefit my clients. What sets me apart is my ability to think outside the box—whether it’s launching bidding wars to drive up property values or crafting personalized approaches to meet each client’s unique needs. I’m most proud of my commitment to helping people, especially when it comes to guiding them through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

Getting to where I am today business-wise has been anything but easy. There were countless hurdles, from competing with cash buyers to navigating market fluctuations. But what got me through was persistence and constantly investing in my personal growth. I learned that challenges are opportunities in disguise, and if you have the right mindset and strategy, you can overcome anything.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success comes from staying true to yourself and your values. In real estate, you have to be adaptable but also authentic. My brand is built on trust, integrity, and results, and I want the world to know that no matter how tough things get, I’m here to deliver for my clients. My journey is a testament to the fact that with hard work, a clear vision, and a strong support system, you can achieve anything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to give them the ultimate experience of the area. Here’s a week-long itinerary packed with amazing places to eat, drink, and explore:

Day 1: Beverly Hills Glam

• Breakfast at The Ivy – It’s a classic LA spot with great ambiance and celebrity sightings.
• Stroll down Rodeo Drive – Window shopping and soaking in the luxurious atmosphere of Beverly Hills.
• Lunch at The Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge – Perfect for a glamorous meal in a historic setting.
• Afternoon at the Getty Center – Amazing art and breathtaking views of LA.
• Dinner at Spago – Wolfgang Puck’s iconic restaurant for an incredible fine-dining experience.

Day 2: Beach Vibes

• Breakfast at Great White in Venice – A trendy spot with a laid-back vibe.
• Bike ride along Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier – Perfect for people-watching and enjoying the ocean breeze.
• Lunch at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney – One of the best spots in LA for fresh, seasonal dishes.
• Afternoon at Malibu – Enjoy some beach time, or explore El Matador Beach with its scenic rock formations.
• Dinner at Nobu Malibu – The ultimate spot for sushi with an ocean view.

Day 3: Hollywood Glam and LA Culture

• Breakfast at The Griddle Café – Known for its massive pancakes and Hollywood clientele.
• Visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a tour of the TCL Chinese Theatre.
• Lunch at Musso & Frank Grill – A Hollywood institution since 1919.
• Afternoon hike to the Hollywood Sign or Runyon Canyon for sweeping views of the city.
• Dinner at Catch LA – A rooftop hotspot with great food and a fun crowd.

Day 4: Art & Culture

• Breakfast at République – Set in a historic building, they offer an incredible pastry selection and a beautiful atmosphere.
• Morning at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – Walk through the iconic “Urban Light” installation and explore the galleries.
• Lunch at the Original Farmers Market – A historic spot with plenty of options to choose from.
• Afternoon at The Broad – A contemporary art museum that’s both fun and immersive.
• Dinner at Bestia – One of the most popular spots in LA for Italian food, located in the Arts District.

Day 5: Downtown LA Adventure

• Breakfast at Bottega Louie – Beautiful bakery and restaurant with great pastries and coffee.
• Explore Downtown LA – From The Last Bookstore to Angels Flight, there’s a lot of quirky and interesting things to see.
• Lunch at Grand Central Market – Endless food options, from tacos to gourmet sandwiches.
• Afternoon visit to The Walt Disney Concert Hall – Even just a tour of the building is worth it.
• Dinner at 71Above – Located on the 71st floor of a skyscraper, the views are absolutely stunning.

Day 6: Day Trip to Wine Country

• Head to Santa Ynez Valley for a day of wine tasting.
• Brunch at The Gathering Table in Los Olivos – A charming spot with great farm-to-table food.
• Spend the day exploring wineries like Sunstone, Bridlewood, or Fess Parker.
• Dinner at The Hitching Post II – A favorite for classic Santa Maria-style BBQ.

Day 7: Relax and Recharge

• Brunch at Malibu Farm on the pier – A laid-back spot with delicious organic dishes.
• Spend the afternoon at a spa, like The Spa at the Four Seasons Westlake Village for a day of relaxation.
• Dinner at Providence – A Michelin-starred restaurant that’s perfect for a grand finale to an incredible week.

This week would be packed with everything that makes LA special—beach, glam, culture, and incredible food. It’s all about showing the best balance of relaxation, fun, and the unique vibe of Southern California!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I first started in real estate, my coworkers were really into Tony Robbins, and once I tried it, I never looked back. His teachings helped me become better in my personal and professional life. As I started buying homes and turning them into rental properties, I faced challenges like competing with all-cash offers. During that time, I was reading Napoleon Hill, which really helped me push through. Today, I’m reading even more books, especially on personal development, which has been a huge factor in my growth.

I also owe a lot to my broker Teresa, who guided me through the complexities of real estate transactions, and to the coworkers I’m surrounded with, who continue to support me. My mom has been there for me since the beginning, and my sister and brother-in-law keep me grounded. Of course, my husband, my best cheerleader and constant source of support, and my biggest inspiration—the one who fuels my drive—is my daughter.

Website: www.karenversace.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/KarenVersace

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

Yelp: https://yelp.to/cHisGi81gc

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@karenversace?si=038euP7zSq4zVYQn 

Image Credits
Credits to socialnetworx on some of my photos