Q: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
YC: I wanted to be an actress. I think it’s every child’s dream to be famous and I truly felt that was what I would become. I remember being 10 years old and looking at the Orlando sentinel for acting ads. At that time, wet n wild had an ad for a commercial audition, and I contacted them to schedule my audition. Can you believe I actually got the audition!

Q: Can you share with our audience, why you chose Real Estate as a career?
YC: Real estate for me was a god-given career. I was working as a secretary for a judge and remember when she asked me if I ever considered becoming a real estate agent. I told her I loved to look at different home designs and how interior designing always caught my attention but never thought of having a real estate career. When she went on to explain the benefits of becoming a Realtor, I instantly grew interest. The benefits of working from home, and setting my own goals was just the beginning. I gain great satisfaction knowing I help people through major times in their lives and I am an instrument that God uses to help them achieve their dreams.

Q: Do you specialize in certain types of properties?
YC: I mostly specialize in residential properties. Whether a buyer is buying a $50,000 condo or selling a $10 million home, I always give each client 100% of my time and first-class service. 

Q: What can a potential buyer expect from you in the buying process?
YC: My potential buyers can expect complete transparency, respect and a true sister on their side. Purchasing a home is a huge investment and I always encourage my buyers to purchase a home where their monthly payments are comfortable for years to come.

Q: If we interviewed all your past clients … what is “one” common word that comes up when they describe working with you?
YC: Committed

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
YC: I remember I had negotiated a deal on behalf of my buyer, and we were literally days away from closing on the property, when an issue came up that required the buyer to bring more money to the table … money she didn’t have. She had worked so hard in getting her life back together so purchasing the home was a huge milestone for her. We received an email from the buyer’s attorney stating that he would have to cancel the transaction and return the earnest deposit back to the seller. I knew how much she wanted the house and immediately emailed the attorney and asked him to take the portion she needed out of my commission (which was most of it) and to close the deal. I remember him saying that I had a heart of gold and wished there were more realtors like me. You can imagine my buyer’s reaction. She was so emotional and grateful. I will forever cherish that moment.  

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience?
YC: Patience. Experience takes time. You can’t learn everything overnight, therefore, you have to be patient.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
YC: I really enjoy family time and worshipping the Lord. We have made it a tradition to dedicate Sundays to church and family outings. We look forward to our special time each week.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
YC: To be honest, other than my mother, I would have to say it’s Esther from the Bible. On an ordinary day, God chose Esther to do through her what he had planned before she was even born. Esther is one of the only two books of the Bible named after a woman. An orphaned woman who God raised up to be a Persian queen for a purpose she never could have imagined. Esther’s story inspires me to respond to God’s call on my life every single day.


Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
YC: Seize every opportunity. Never limit yourself by what others tell you. Reach as far as your imagination takes you. DREAM BIG! Believe you are the best in what you do while remaining humble. 

Four Things About Yessenia Cruz

1. Do you have a favorite quotation? 
“Don’t let people’s perspective of you change the way you think about yourself” by Yessenia Cruz

2. Is there something else you would like to accomplish?
I have a Women’s Ministry called “She Lives Global” where I offer women’s conferences and help women let go of the past, take time to heal and step forward into the future to experience freedom and complete joy. My dream is to have my own talk show to interview Women that have gone through different and difficult experiences in life and can share with the World how they overcame the pain and were able to heal. 

3. What app can’t you live without?
I would have to say Group me. I use it every day to communicate with our team. 

4. Which celebrity do you most identify with? 
Gina Rodriguez