When my family and I moved to China, I discovered a hidden passion—welcoming expats and showing them homes in Beijing. Little did I know that experience would open the door to a whole new career.

 

I always thought I’d be an event planner. My first jobs were in catering, and I eventually attended the culinary academy in California—a chef’s school. I learned how to cook, mastered pastry chemistry, and studied the business side of the food industry. While working for a chocolatier, I launched my own catering company, handling events and bringing people together through food.

 

That business venture led me to manage Union Squares Neiman Marcos Fresh Market Cafe in San Francisco, which kicked off a long career in the food industry. At one point, I was running the Newport Beach Neiman Marcos Fashion Island in-store restaurant, serving food and drinks to customers. I also managed Starbucks locations, hiring and training people.

 

Life took a sharp turn when I became a single mom to Monique. I pivoted into a home economist role at a grocery store when 9/11 happened. Like many people, I was terrified. I thought the world was ending, that the economy would collapse, and with a 3-year-old daughter, I was scared.

 

Around that time, my company called: Ron, the vice president, wanted to speak with me. My stomach dropped. This was it—I was getting fired. I walked into his office, bracing myself. He explained that my teammates were being let go, and my position was being eliminated. Then, he offered me a role in marketing and sales.

 

It was a plot twist I didn’t see coming. I’ll never forget when Dale, the CEO, introduced me to the corp office—mostly men in suits and ties and the ladies in nylons. The company had strict rules, but he made it clear: I was allowed to create events and activities for our clientele and if I wanted something done, no one was to question me. It was a great job, but after 6 years, I got married and had my son, Ty, so I left to be a stay-at-home mom.

 

I didn’t just care for my own kids—I babysat my friends’ children, the hairstylist’s kids, and anyone who needed help. My house was always full of children and we were always on adventures. But the biggest adventure was still ahead; it began when my husband suggested we needed a change. “Like, a new house?” I asked. “No,” he said, “a new country!” “Anywhere but Asia,” I replied. 

 

Well, because of his work, we moved to Beijing, China, for 5 years. It was one of the scariest and most exciting times of my life. I connected with an expat organization, met amazing people, and ended up giving newcomers tours of the city. My kids went to school there, learned Chinese, and picked up the culture.

 

Living in China changed me. I gained confidence, knowing I could adapt, communicate in another language, and thrive in a foreign place. The experience shaped who I am today.

 

When we returned to the U.S., now with a broader perspective on life, I became a chef instructor. I loved teaching people to cook, but the rigid schedule didn’t give me flexibility. Then I remembered how much I had enjoyed helping expats find housing in Beijing. So, in 2017, I got my real estate license. Now, I get to  combine my love for homes, my ability to connect with people, and my business experience into one career.

 

For fun, weightlifting and CrossFit are my thing. I still love cooking and drinking fine wine with friends. Most of all, I enjoy loving my dog, my two cats, my family, and my friends. I also serve on the board of an organization that helps mentally and physically disabled people live fulfilling lives.

 

Real estate may not have been my original plan, but looking back, I’m glad to be exactly where I am today.

 

I love guiding people through their real estate journey, making the process easy, understandable, and even fun. Homeownership is completely doable. By breaking down the steps and working as a team, my clients become friends—sometimes even like family. Their wins are my wins, and I’m there to support them every step of the way.

 

What sets me apart is my availability and authenticity. I always answer calls and texts, I’m transparent and approachable—no hidden agendas, just honesty. For sellers, I get homes picture-ready and market-ready. For buyers, I introduce options they might not have considered, helping them find the right place and neighborhood.

 

My team of lenders specializes in helping non-traditional buyers achieve homeownership by providing multiple financing scenarios rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. I’m also a resourceful connector, linking clients with professionals who speak their native language or with like-minded community members. Whether buying or selling, my goal is to make the experience smooth and filled with laughter for everyone involved.

 

Sincerely,

 

Theresa Ahdieh