Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Garcia.
Hi Laura, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Of course! My story begins in the Dominican Republic. I was born in Santo Domingo but grew up in Santiago, and like many young people, I had a clear vision of my future—or so I thought. As a teenager, I was fully immersed in the medical field. I believed that was my life’s path because I’ve always had a deep desire to help others and contribute to improving lives.
But life had other plans for me.
I moved to the United States at the end of 2018 and lived in New York for a short time before settling in Dallas, which I now proudly call home. Adjusting to a new country was anything but easy, between the language barrier, being far from family, and struggling with social anxiety, it was a challenging time. But I made a commitment to myself to build a life here, no matter how uncomfortable or unfamiliar it felt.
I started working as a waitress at a local Mexican restaurant while taking English classes at a community college to strengthen my communication skills. On my days off, I drove for Uber. Driving around the city helped me learn Dallas inside and out, with no GPS needed! After a year, I transitioned into a role at a fast-food restaurant, which helped fast-track my English fluency. Two years later, I entered the retail world and worked at Zara, where I eventually became a Visual Commercial.
Zara was where my love for fashion truly took shape. I gained valuable insight into the retail industry, polished my social skills, and learned how much I enjoyed creative expression, especially through style. I began exploring content creation and found myself drawn to social media and entrepreneurship. But even with all of that growth, I knew I was ready for something more, a career where I could be independent, make a difference, and use all the skills I’d gained over the years.
That’s when real estate entered my life. For a long time, I had been curious about it, but my schedule never allowed me the chance to dive in. Eventually, I made a bold decision: I left Zara and dedicated myself fully to real estate and my online fashion business, Moonlit Grace, which specializes in dresses for proms, galas, homecoming, and other special events.
Moonlit Grace allows me to stay connected to fashion and creativity, while real estate gives me the opportunity to guide people through one of the most important decisions of their lives, finding a home. Earning my real estate license and joining a brokerage felt like the beginning of everything I had worked so hard for.
Today, I continue to build my life in Dallas, combining my passions, supporting others, and pushing myself beyond what I ever imagined was possible. Looking back, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, and even more excited for everything that’s ahead.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I truly believe the challenges shaped me into the person I am today.
When I first arrived in the U.S., I was completely outside of my comfort zone. I didn’t speak English fluently, I didn’t have any connections, and I had to leave behind my family and everything familiar. The language barrier alone was tough, simple conversations became obstacles, and it made me feel isolated at times. On top of that, I struggled with confidence and social anxiety, which made it even harder to build relationships and navigate a new environment.
I had to take on multiple jobs just to make ends meet, waitressing, driving for Uber, working in fast food, all while studying English. There were many days where I felt emotionally and physically drained. But I reminded myself that I came here to build something better, and I held on to that vision even when things felt impossible.
Even once I started working in retail, I was still figuring out who I was and what I really wanted to do with my life. It took time, trial and error, and a lot of inner work to realize that I didn’t have to limit myself to just one path. It was challenging to leave a steady job at Zara to pursue real estate and run my own business, but I knew that if I didn’t take the leap, I’d never know what I was truly capable of.
Every step of the journey came with lessons. Whether it was learning how to communicate better, manage time, deal with fear, or believe in myself, I’ve grown so much because of the struggles. And today, I’m proud of the woman I’ve become because I never gave up, even when the road was rough.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a licensed real estate agent based in Dallas, Texas, and what I do goes far beyond just helping people buy or sell homes, my goal is to guide, support, and genuinely connect with my clients through one of the most important chapters of their lives. I specialize in working with first-time homebuyers, families relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and clients who need someone patient, attentive, and trustworthy to walk them through the process with care.
One thing I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in building a career that allows me to be both independent and impactful. Every client I work with becomes a part of my journey, and I treat each transaction with the same dedication and heart as if it were my own home search. I don’t rush the process, and I make sure my clients feel seen, heard, and understood, especially those who are nervous or unsure about where to start.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect on a human level. Having experienced the challenges of starting over in a new country with very little, I know how overwhelming it can feel to navigate something unfamiliar. I bring empathy, patience, and real-life experience into my work. I also have a deep understanding of the Dallas market, thanks in part to my days as an Uber driver where I learned every corner of the city by heart!
Whether it’s helping someone find their dream home or educating a first-time buyer who doesn’t know where to begin, I show up with authenticity, warmth, and a genuine desire to serve. Real estate isn’t just a job for me, it’s a way to give back, empower others, and continue building a life that feels meaningful.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice is: don’t be afraid to start small, and don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Growth happens when you take action, even if you’re scared or unsure. I started with very little, no connections, limited English, and no experience in the industries I ended up loving. But I kept showing up, learning along the way, and trusting that every small step mattered.
Also, don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Social media can make it seem like success happens overnight, but in reality, it takes time, sacrifice, and a lot of behind-the-scenes effort. Be patient with yourself, stay focused on your goals, and surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.
One thing I wish I knew earlier is that discomfort is part of the process, it means you’re growing. It’s okay to fail, to pivot, and to change your mind. Every experience teaches you something valuable.
So be brave, stay curious, and never stop betting on yourself.
Contact Info:
- Email: lrgarcia@kw.com
- Instagram: lauragar_c
