In the dynamic worlds of real estate and social media, Jessica Markowski stands out as a beacon of adaptability and success. Transitioning seamlessly from a career in modeling and acting within the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industries, Jessica has carved a niche for herself in the highly competitive New York real estate market.
Image courtesy of LO'AMMI
Her journey is not just a tale of career shifts but a testament to leveraging diverse experiences to build a formidable brand. In this interview, Jessica shares her insights on how her background in the glamour industry has profoundly influenced her real estate career, her strategies during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, and her television standout in Ryan Serhant’s Owning Manhattan which you can now find on Netflix. She also delves into the pivotal role of social media in her success, offering invaluable advice for aspiring agents looking to make their mark. Join us as we explore the remarkable career of Jessica Markowski, a true embodiment of the American Dream, from her roots in Brooklyn to the heights of New York City's real estate scene.
LO'AMMI: How did the experience and skills you learned while acting and modeling in the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industry influence or enhance your transition into real estate?
Jessica Markowski: My experience with acting and modeling was foundational to my daily life as a real estate agent. Whether it’s understanding how to interact and engage with clients or how to present and market myself to the broader ecosystem, my experience in the fashion industry still serves me daily.
L'A: Coming out of college, can you tell us more about how you started in social media content creation?
JM: Right out of college, my first job was Head of Communications for Screenshop, a company founded by Kim Kardashian. My role consisted of working with content creators in order to Beta test the product and insure a successful product launch for the company.
Image courtesy of LO'AMMI
L'A: What was the catalyst for you entering the realms of real estate social media content creation, and how did it open doors for your real estate career?
JM: As a content creator, I was asked to create content for a real estate brokerage. I quickly fell in love with real estate, and the brokerage that I worked for asked that I come on full-time as an agent. As a real estate agent, I was contacted by Ryan Serhant, who asked me to join his brokerage and the Netflix show. The rest is history!
L'A: COVID was a period in time that made or broke many careers and industries at large. How did your career take off during COVID, and what strategies did you implement to succeed during that challenging time?
JM: COVID allowed me to really dive into real estate. When people thought the world was coming to an end, I saw it as an opportunity to really push through the most challenging time. While agents were stranded during COVID unable to do business, I focused my time and attention on creating content and furthering my brand in the industry. COVID was a time where I doubled down on my real estate career and progressed.
L'A: What has working at Ryan Serhant’s brokerage been like, and how has it shaped your career?
Jessica Markoswki, courtesy of SERHANT.
JM: Working with Ryan Serhant has been life changing. Ryan is one of those special talents that combines a competency in real estate with a deep understanding of social media and how to connect with the audience. Working under Ryan - I have been able to learn how to balance these two valuable skills.
L'A: What role did social media play in your success in real estate, and how did you master this aspect of your career?
JM: Social media is what made me stand out. While anyone can hold open houses and connect with people one-on-one, I leverage social media in order to connect with audiences on a one-to-many basis. This has allowed me to scale my business more and bring a significantly greater amount of buyers to my client’s listings.
L'A: What strategies do you use to grow your social media presence and reach potential clients?
JM: Unlike other agents, I mix a combination of real estate, fashion, and lifestyle in order to make a deeper emotional connection with my audience. Working under Kim Kardashian, I learned that in order to connect with audiences, you need to present yourself as a human being and not just as a businessperson. This paradoxically has allowed me to reach a much broader audience in the real estate market.
L'A: How does your background in modeling and self-marketing help you promote and differentiate yourself and your real estate listings?
JM: Modeling and fashion teach you how to best present yourself and the product that you are. Without understanding the consumer lens, I would be disadvantaged when selling real estate.
L'A: What type of networking is most crucial in the modern real estate landscape: social media outreach or in-person connections?
JM: They are both really critical. Social media is the way that you cast a big enough net in order to bring potential prospective buyers and sellers, but the deal is always sealed in person with an individual.
L'A: Can you share some examples of how networking has directly impacted your real estate deals or career growth?
JM: Networking has always impacted my career growth. I’ve been able to network and connect with some of the largest people in the real estate industry in person and oftentimes in events that were not directly related to real estate. Networking has helped me source a significant amount of sell side listings.
Image courtesy of LO'AMMI
L'A: How did growing up in Brooklyn and coming from an immigrant family influence your work ethic and career ambitions?
JM: I grew up in Greenpoint, which was a very Polish community. Coming from an immigrant family allowed me to really push and excel in following my dreams. I am truly a product of the “American Dream.”
L'A: What challenges did you face in proving yourself in New York’s competitive environment, and how did you overcome them?
JM: I love a good challenge. I grew up in New York City, so the competitive environment was all I have ever known. It can be stressful, but you always have to push yourself in order to make your dreams a reality.
L'A: What can you tell us about the upcoming Netflix show centered around Ryan Serhant’s brokerage, and what can viewers expect?
JM: Viewers can expect to see NYC real estate, the transactions, the deals, the clients, and the real-life component of what it is like to work at the best brokerage in the world.
L'A: How did you get involved in the show, and what has the experience been like so far?
JM: Ryan Serhant gave me the opportunity to be on the show, and the experience has been one I will be forever grateful for. It has really changed my life.
L'A: What aspects of your work will be highlighted in the show, and how do you feel about being one of the stars of the show?
JM: I guess you have to watch it and find out! I don’t want to spill all my tea!
L'A: What advice would you give to aspiring real estate agents looking to leverage social media for their careers?
JM: Be authentic. Social media is about making a one-on-one connection with each individual follower and the way that you do this is by showcasing an authentic (and aspirational) aspect of yourself.
L'A: How do you balance the demands of content creation with the requirements of your real estate business?
JM: I love to create content and work as a real estate agent. When you do what you love, you never worry about balancing it. Sure, my schedule is crazy, but when you love your job, you love the craziness.
L'A: What are some essential skills from your modeling and acting days that you still use in your real estate career today?
JM: The biggest skill I take away is communication. Being communicative and building relationships with those you are collaborating with is key to success on any project.
L'A: Any advice for young women (or anyone in general) looking to define themselves in this ultra-competitive day and age?
Jessica with Romeo, courtesy of LO'AMMI
JM: I would say to network and enjoy meeting people. It will allow you to see what it is you really want to do and where you want to go. Once you know what it is that you want to do – go after it, and commit to achieving success no matter how many setbacks you may experience.
L'A: Where can we find more of Jessica Markowski and your upcoming developments?
JM: Aside from watching me on Netflix’s Owning Manhattan, I would love for you to tune in to my Instagram: @JesicaMarkowski.
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