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

Hi Naomi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting a business is always something I’ve wanted to do. My aunt has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so I feel it rubbed off on me. I will always remember helping sell her flower arrangement and baskets on Valentines Day and Easter. Seeing how much she enjoyed what she did really peaked my interest in entrepreneurship. I made the decision to go into real estate, because aside from all the popular real estate shows on T.V. and how awesome they make this industry look, I figured real estate would be a good first business to start because of the low barrier to entry. I also had some real estate industry experience/ knowledge from working for a Title and Escrow Company, which was my first job after college. Another thing that attracted me to real estate was the earning potential. Let’s just say student loans are no joke.

I really enjoy the freedom that entrepreneurship offers. From the outside looking in, the entrepreneurial life looks very attractive because you get to “be your own boss,” but It also requires a tremendous amount of discipline and consistency, which I myself am still working on. You do get the luxury of being your own boss, but that comes with a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Especially in real estate, where you have to work around your clients schedules and be flexible. You also have to wear many hats, which include managing your own marketing, finances and admin. Yes, you can pay to delegate these task, but in the beginning often times you don’t have much to start with. Yes, there are pros and cons the starting a business but I believe that if you truly enjoy what you’re doing the pros will far outweigh the cons.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My name is Naomi Johnson and I am an experienced real estate professional. I work with buyers and sellers, and I am passionate about helping homeowners who are Motivated and Serious about selling their home. Helping my clients win in todays real estate market brings me joy and drives everything I do! Live the Valley Life is my personal brand which I use to connect with others who share a love for restaurants, real estate & The San Fernando Valley. My license is held with Remax One, which is the #1 Independently Owned Real Estate Company in California and the #1 Franchise in the World. I choose to be a part of the Remax One network because they are a well-known and a trusted name in the community.

Creating and maintaining a successful real estate business is not easy. It takes a lot hard work, consistency & thick skin. I am still in the growth phase and continuously working on growing my business. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was a lack of confidence. A lot of times imposter syndrome can kick in and it can become easy to compare your success to others. But one thing I’ve learned is that real estate is just like any other brick & mortar business and It take time to grow your business to what you want it to be. I feel it is also important to seek mentorship. Surrounding yourself with people who you admire is a great way to learn and grow.

I want people to know that building a business is possible. It’s not going to be easy and there are no short cuts , but you can do it! There’s a quote that reads “The key to success is not giving up.” There will be set backs and you may take a short break here and there, but you must not give up! Whatever you have to offer (whether a product or service) is needed by someone somewhere you just have to find them!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a foodie at heart, so my tour would mostly include food places.

The Front Yard in Studio City has a great brunch and mimosa pitcher and the patio atmosphere is great! Café on 27 in Topanga has a really cool atmosphere that makes you feel like you are enjoying a meal in a tree house. The Restaurant Versailles in Encino has some delicious Cuban Food! I love their Garlic Bread, Garlic Chicken, Plantains, Beans and Rice need I say more? My favorite food is Italian food and H.O.M Italian Eatery has some great Italian food that they make from scratch. Literally delicious, you can taste the Love they put in it!

When It Comes to Activities … Melrose Rooftop Theater in West Hollywood is a great place for Drinks and a Movie. Grand Central Market in Downtown to Explore all the cool food stalls.
Malibu Wine & Beer Garden in West Hills for a nice picnic and wine tasting. The Getty Villa in Malibu to take in some beautiful art and scenery. And last but not least Universal Studios/ City Walk because well its just a great local classic.

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?
First, I want to thank God for helping me get to where I am today. My business is very much still in the growth phase, but I’m making progress and I am very blessed and grateful for the business he has blessed me with thus far.

Secondly, I want to thank my Family and Friends for the supportive environment they provided along with my church family. I am thankful for every referral sent my way, because I would not be where I am today without it.

Lastly, I want to thank my colleagues at my brokerage for their mentorship and encouraging words. This business can get hard at times and it helps to be surrounded by experienced agents that don’t see you as competition and are supportive.

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Website: NaomiLynneJohnson.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-johnson-19682a51/

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

Other: Live The Valley Life Links Web: LiveTheValleyLife.com Insta : https://www.instagram.com/livethevalleylife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiveTheValleyLife

Image Credits
These photos were taken by me or my friend Shannon Franklin

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.