November 2025 Recap
Hello Friends!
I cannot believe this year is almost over; cue the nostalgia! I feel like the past 5 to even 10 years has been such a big transition period for me. I have lived on both the east and west coasts, had internships in entertainment out in Los Angeles, worked for a drone company in the surf and skate industry as well as for a motocross brand before moving back to North Carolina. When I moved back, I once again filmed weddings with a media company out of South Carolina, started working for a home inspector which eventually landed me in real estate as an agent… all while simultaneously starting my photography company. I opened my own real estate brokerage in addition to my own little surf shop, however timing, finances and politics [an election] weren’t so much in my favor. I also moved from my hometown up to Wilmington which wasn’t a far drive [under an hour] but I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it. And honestly, I love it! My dad is around the corner from me and walks his dog, Captain up most days. I still feel a bit of a pull to go back down to Oak Island though; one because I just love the little town I grew up in, two I miss being by the beach and three [a huge one], I miss my mom being so close too. Again, another transition point where I’m trying to figure out where I belong in this world and what feels most like “home.”
Now I am here, trying my best to streamline my life, [unfortunately, get out of debt] while still fuel my passions. Real estate is my main focus and have joined a wonderfully supportive team, Tidal Realty Partners that I am absolutely ecstatic on. I’ve photographed a lot of listings for members of the team in the past, have watched their business grow and really respect the way the team lead operates, communicates and always tells the facts.
One of my biggest struggles I feel like in growing businesses in the past has been emotions, ego [as in wanting to try to manage every and all aspects] and “over planning.” There hasn’t been enough action or slow, small steps a little at a time for things to make money while at the same time grow; I have talked about this before though. His systems over at Tidal Realty, however are dialed in where it is almost mindless. This is what I needed.
The biggest part of me finally taking the leap was of course wanting to pivot before anyone else was affected, but also stepping away from control. I felt like I was failing, a failure, a pity to look at and it was embarrassing. But, what would be more embarrassing is what would have happened if I did nothing and put the agents under me in a situation that affected their livelihood.
These past few months were again, a transition in getting myself and agents from my own brokerage moved over to Tidal Realty, with little to no downtime in systems or transactions. It was scary to not only tell the people who first trusted you and your own business endeavors that it hadn’t worked out how you planned but then to make them feel comfortable enough to follow you again. I am so thankful for how things pivoted that this has been such a sigh of relief. I feel like I can somewhat breathe and start on growing my business with less overhead and less responsibilities for other people.
It’s funny; this website, blog, fun monthly events, opening my shop side of things were my goal all along but having so many other “hats” on my head didn’t allow me to do the things I envisioned. I’m hoping I can still implement them in my own business though now that I have a support system behind me and systems [that already work] in place.
I still put out market updates with actual data but these monthly recaps are more personal thoughts from me as a human to keep things transparent and to let you all know that I am doing my best but at the same time navigating stressors and hardships just like the rest of you.
We have family in town, more coming in, so, here’s to a cozy memory-making holiday season!
And of course, I’m here if anyone needs anything!
Jenna Kazmierczak
Jenna@saltyairliving.com
910-523-1018
