We recently had the chance to connect with Irina Bobrenkova and have shared our conversation below.
Irina, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think the biggest misconception about my work is that being a realtor is just about opening doors, closing deals, and collecting checks. In reality, most of the work happens behind the scenes from market research and educating clients, to negotiating the right deal on their behalf, protecting them from costly mistakes, and helping them make confident decisions after exploring all their options during one of the biggest financial moves of their lives.
This is a career you truly need to love, because you’re never really off. Vacations, holidays, and family celebrations often take a back seat as clients count on you to be available, and that responsibility matters.
Over the last four years, my family and I have bought a home every year ourselves. Going through that process repeatedly has kept me deeply connected to how my clients feel the excitement, the stress, the questions, and the moments of uncertainty.
It constantly reminds me that when I’m in a client’s shoes, I want a realtor who’s present, responsive, and willing to guide me when I need clarity. That’s exactly the kind of realtor I strive to be for others the one I would want to hire myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Irina, and my biggest passion is helping people. For the past five years, I’ve chosen to do that through real estate, because having a place to call your own means everything to me.
I grew up in a small 600 square foot condo in Moscow, Russia, where my entire family lived together. Not having personal space while growing up taught me to deeply appreciate what home truly represents.
As an immigrant, achieving the American Dream has always been a personal goal of mine. Along the way, I realized how powerful real estate can be in building stability, opportunity, and generational wealth. That’s why I’m passionate about showing others that buying a home is often much more achievable than it seems.
Today, my goal is to inspire people to take the first step toward their American Dream by guiding and supporting them every step of the way.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I could one day be the President. I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I could make the world a better place, and back then I thought the best way to do that was through a big title and a powerful role.
After living on this earth for more than 35 years, I’ve learned that I may not change life for an entire country, but I can absolutely make a difference for the people and animals around me.
The world can feel like a harsh place, and that’s what drives me to do everything in my power to make it better in the ways I can. I focus on building community, connecting people, and helping where I’m needed. Whether that’s sharing job opportunities, recommending the right doctor, or supporting animal rescue efforts.
I’ve learned that making the world a better place doesn’t require a big title. It starts with compassion, connection, and showing up for others in meaningful ways.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that you can’t give up. When things come easily or naturally, you don’t always value them the same way. But when you have to start from the very beginning and can only count on yourself, it builds resilience, strength, and perspective.
Going through hard moments taught me how to grind, how to keep moving forward even when no one is watching, and how to trust myself when there’s no safety net. Success can feel rewarding, but it doesn’t teach you how to survive or who you really are the way struggle does.
Because of that, I don’t see success as something meant to be kept to myself. I believe it comes with responsibility. The more I grow, the more I want to uplift others, open doors where I can, and help people believe in what’s possible for themselves. Struggle shaped my work ethic, my empathy, and my desire to use whatever success I achieve to make life a little easier for someone else.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — the public version of me is the real me, and I’m proud of that. I know who I am, and staying true to myself on both sides of the screen is the only way I know how to be.
Funny enough, when I first met my husband, he thought my calm and kind nature was just an act — something that would eventually wear off. Couple of years later, he was pleasantly surprised to realize I was exactly the same.
I do think kindness is sometimes misunderstood as weakness, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I can stand up for myself and for others. I just don’t believe being mean is the right way to move through life. In my experience, meanness usually comes from insecurity, not strength.
I truly believe people can feel authenticity just as easily as they can sense when something isn’t real. Recently, I was in a situation where I was expected to pretend, I was okay with how I was treated and I simply couldn’t do it. Being true to myself matters too much to me now.
There’s a phrase I often share with people in my circle when they hesitate about putting themselves out there and that helps me: the people who truly love us won’t judge us — they’ll support us. And the ones who don’t? At least they’ll have something to talk about.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I would build animal shelters. I share my life with five rescue dogs who have been with me for years. My oldest just turned 20, and my youngest is two and a half — and together they keep me busy with every kind of challenge imaginable. I wouldn’t change a thing, because they bring me so much joy and happiness.
I don’t play the lottery, but I often joke with my husband that if we ever did win, every dollar would go toward rescuing more animals. Somehow, animals always seem to find me no matter what part of town I’m in. It often feels like they’re sent my way. I even joke with my clients that if I’m ever late to a meeting, it’s probably because I stopped to help an animal that needed saving.
I recently had a baby, and one of my biggest goals is to raise him with the same compassion to grow up wanting to help and protect animals the way they’ve always found their way into my life.
Giving back is something I intentionally build into my everyday life. From every commission I earn, I set aside money to support animal shelters and rescue organizations. If I had forever, I’d spend it creating safe places where animals are protected, loved, and given a second chance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.irinasellsdfw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irinasellsdfw/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=help_me_menu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irinasellsdfw/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IrinasellsDFW-mw3ux/shorts
- Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@irinasellsdfw
Image Credits
Olga Shevchenko
Mariana Brus
Kirill Kilesso
Ronnie
