Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Ashley Oshinsky, owner of Higher Living Real Estate.
To start, we asked Ashley to share some fun facts about herself with us so we could get to know her a little better!
- She teaches yoga for fun once a week.
- She’s been to over 100 concerts.
- She loves to travel!
We asked Ashley to share a little bit more about her business with us. Get to know Ashley and her business, Higher Living Real Estate, below!
How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?
“I felt there was a gap in the real estate world for moms in particular that want to have a career and also have a family. Who better than a busy mom helping other busy moms find a home that will work for their family? I wanted to create a space for both the people I work with and that work for me that was supportive to the mom life.
“After many years of working under others’ brokerages, I was pregnant with baby #2 and decided to sign up to get my brokers license. I look back now and am so proud of myself for putting myself out there at such a vulnerable time in my life.”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
“I would have believed in myself sooner and not been so focused on comparing myself to other people. Just stay in my lane and focus on my goals and my vision.”
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
“Two things:
1. Hire a coach and keep learning: Being open to growth, feedback, and knowledge is part of business–often a very overlooked part.
2. Outsource and outsource some more: you can’t and should not be doing it all. Grocery delivery, laundry help, daycare, babysitters, and house cleaners help reduce stress and free up time. Time for you to focus on your business.”
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?
“Absolutely. One story sticks out in my mind: a real estate conference I went to this winter. The entire panel was male except for one 15-minute speaker. I found it to be odd in an industry that is female-dominated to not have women equally represented. [It] was shocking. This is why I’ve wanted to create a niche brokerage for moms to feel empowered and thrive.”
How do you persevere in challenging times?
“I focus on mindset work. I journal, meditate, and listen to podcasts. [To me], self-regulation is one of the most underrated things we can do for our business.”
What impact do you want your business to have?
“I want my clients to feel understood on a personal level–only a mom can relate to the struggles of other moms, like the constant struggle to keep your home organized or the significance of a substantial drop zone for the kids’ school bags and shoes.
“I also want to create an amazing place for moms to work at. A place [where] people understand what it’s like when your kid gets sick and you have to pivot. A place that understands how motherhood is juggling lots of things at once!”
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2023?
“It’s so empowering, but it’s a lot to manage in the world of not a ton of support for moms of small kids.”
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
“Hire a coach and create a game plan. Everyone needs a cheerleader!”
What do you do for personal and professional development?
“I have [had] a coaching team for going on five years. I also dedicate the first 30 minutes of my morning to mindset work. Usually, it’s journaling and some reading.”
What mantra or quote do you live by?
“You can’t pour from an empty cup!”
What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?
“Downtown during a busy event is always a blast, but also the woods in the UP are super calm and connecting.”
Where can our readers find you on social media?
You can follow Higher Living Real Estate on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!
