Inspiring Conversations with Kristina Nieshalla of Dwell Raleigh Real Estate

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Nieshalla.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Over 23 years ago, I received notice of a company shut down where I was Director of Visual Merchandising. While others worried about their next step, I had a secret smile. The timing was perfect. We wanted to start a family. Little did we know that it would take 5 years for that to happen.

In 2002. we were told we had less than a 1% chance of conceiving on our own. In that same year, we did 2 rounds of IVF with no results. We were heartbroken. We continued to pray, cry, and plan our next steps.

In 2003, I became a full-time Realtor. I was excited, to start my new career but also knew that my first desire was to have a baby. I met with the broker in charge at the time and said, “I just want you to know that this is not what I had planned to do right now in this time of my life. God led me to this so I am goin​g to trust God to provide the extra inspiration I need”. That is what indeed happened! In fact, many in my office asked him what I was doing have such great success in my first year.

I believe that things happen in our lives in order to get us to a new, better place.

We have to be open and ready even in the most difficult circumstances. We need to realize that change is an opportunity for growth. My desire to have children made me passionate about working families, all whom face problems when they outgrow their homes. If I hadn’t lost my job, had failed rounds of IVF, and become a Realtor BEFORE having a baby, I may not have what I have today or be doing what I love.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think that it is so important to look back. Most people see “success” and they don’t realize the challenges people went through to get to where they are today. The events over the past 2 years have been stressful for everyone. In the midst of it all, there were also life events that many faced… in Feb of 2020, my Dad diagnosed with ALS. I cared for him and my mom until his passing just 9 months later.

I took care of and directed their household daily, while also caring for my own family and my work as a realtor. I could never have done it on my own, we had so much support from family and friends and God. Each day, I prayed for supernatural strength. 2020 became a year of loss. I was forever changed. It caused me to look at the whole world, my life, my family, my business, and my priorities differently.

The events in my life illuminated a secret desire, to take my family and move to a secluded island. To me, that was a way to keep my family close (I have 3 kids ages 16,14, and 11). This was not a new desire; I have had it for quite a few years. Days fly by so fast, I love being with my kids. After my Dad’s passing, I realized even more that time is so precious and that if there is something you want to do in life, you should try to make it happen.

I made it happen. In March we flew to Oahu Hawaii to spend 50 days in the 50th State. Many thought we were crazy, but most were wishing they could do the same. The kids and husband were both working virtual, and I made the decision to work from Oahu with support here on the mainland. It was truly a dream.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We all never could have guessed what would happen in the world in 2019. I had opened my Brokerage, Dwell Raleigh Real Estate In 2018. I built success over the years, but in 2019, I was given challenges that changed me forever.

When I came back from Hawaii, I was refreshed, I had a different outlook. My focus since then has been to build my business in a more sustainable way. I learned that I want my business to support my life.

Life is moving fast. Everyone is in a different stage and everyone has challenges. I help my clients in the midst of their crazy lives to accomplish what they may have dreamed about, but just don’t think could ever happen.

I walk with them and provide the balance they need to get a home that best fits their needs for the life they want so that then they can relax, have more space, have more peace, and move on to what is next in their life.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am so thankful that for the past 19 years, I have been helping families move. My clients decide that something is just not right, they open up and discuss it with their family, and then make the decision to call for help. The decision to move is not easy, but once they take the first step, they get a sense of relief that they are moving forward.

Life does not have to stop for you to move. I am keenly aware that life is always moving – we will never catch up. If you are overwhelmed with life – kids schedules, work, family obligations then you are living!

The truth is, you will never catch up. Something you can do is to be certain that where you are now, is where you want to be. For me, being a Realtor that relates to the house you live in. Does it fit you right now? Is it what you want for your future?

Things happen in life to get us to a new, better place. We have to be open and ready even in the most difficult circumstances. We need to realize that change is the opportunity for growth. Maybe now is the time. You’ve been ready for a while. Let’s have a conversation. I look forward to it!

Contact Info:

• Email: kristina@dwellraleigh.com
• Website: dwellraleigh.com
• Instagram: @dwellraleighrealestate
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwellraleigh
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUFrG6TtwN3tXaMqdcj1yA