Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Page.
Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always been a multi-passionate person belieiving that life should be fully immersive, explorative, exciting, and expansive beyond serving the world through a meaningful career. My first profession as a public school dance educator gave me a wildly fulfilling six years however left a lot to be desired in the ways of free time, autonomy, and salary. Where the children and art were incredible I found myself emotionally drained, lacking in sleep, starved for the time for adventure, and required to hold down multiple additional jobs to feel an inkling of financial peace. We lost my father tragically in 2016 and his pointed command to “live a meaningful and enjoyable life” was the final catalyst toward a huge lifestyle change that I will never regret. I left teaching in 2018 and took up photography full time, continued to teach dance at a local studio, joined a local gym that absolutely changed my life, could finally afford the type of travel and daily adventure I always wanted, and got my first taste of being a true entrepreneur. Not only was my effort finally being reflected in my paychecks but I also felt a sense of balance for the first time in my life. It was (and still is) incredible. The next few years moved at lightning speed with the introduction of my incredible husband and business partner Austin, the sale of my first home in exchange for an 80+ acre farm, and an extremely exciting journey into the world of Real Estate. I feel so blessed to share that in addition to helping clients buy and sell homes I also foster an imperfect but utterly incredible marriage with my Austin, manage and teach for the Revival Adult Dance program, continue to choreograph musicals and show choirs locally, have an irreplaceable gym family at ISI Lexington, compete in Hyrox and DEKA Strong fitness competitions, rescue pigs, breed precious Frenchies, flip investment homes, create lighting design for Unbound Dance Company, serve on the board for a T1D Charity board, continue photography in ways that feel aligned, travel avidly, make and enjoy incredible food, try new things constantly, sleep six or more hours a night, and actively cultivate the most meaningful sisterhoods with people I cannot imagine my life without. To me, success will never come in the form of sales volume in Real Estate, although I genuinely love this career so much and would admittedly love to help as many families as humanly possible! Instead, though, success comes in serving my clients fiercely while also truly living this life to the fullest, using my multiple passions and talents to make the world better, and avidly pouring into myself and my relationships. Such a life requires deep alignment, a lot of”no’s”, relentless scheduling, intentionality around every corner, and accountability like you would never believe but man, is it worth it. “Move Boldly, Live Colorfully” extends beyond just being The Page Team’s real estate slogan; it is my true wish and hope for every single person on this Earth.
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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all! Although losing my Dad was my greatest catalyst to this life it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever been through. Studying for real estate school while working 60+ hours a week, figuring out best practices for managing my own time and creating time for everything else I care about, and ensuring that my clients feel that I’m showing up for them fully without sacrificing my boundaries and grounding were also top struggles! Additionally, real estate is a HARD industry. People can become very emotional, it’s a huge transaction with so many moving parts, and you only have so much control. The hustle is real, your emotional balance is crucial, and being able to handle conflict without taking it personally is key!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I represent both buyers and sellers in all parts of the Columbia areas, having also closed a few transactions in the Aiken/Augusta area as well.
In real estate, I hope my clients feel that I am compassionate, knowledgeable, encouraging, thorough, and relentless. With a deep belief that everyone deserves a big and beautiful life, I hope that comes through in the home hunting process. I make every attempt to lead from a space of abundance and strong belief during the buying and selling process, risking honesty as needed and supporting in every single imaginable way.
I have strong systems that I use to check in with every client every single morning. Clients and cooperating real estate professionals laugh at receiving 5 am messages from me; my most meaningful work block is always way before the sun rises and it helps keep me on my game to “eat the frog” as early as possible in the day!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I really appreciate the ways that Columbia has grown in the past few years. From a dining and arts perspective if feels that we are catching up to our sister cities of Charlotte, Greenville, and Charleston in certain ways. I appreciate that it is a smaller town with big city opportunities. Having the University local, an incredible zoo, the opportunity for lake life, and being equidistant between mountains and the beach are also huge advantages!
The most frustrating thing about the Columbia area is that it’s growing in a way that the current infrastructure can’t facilitate well. Getting around can be very frustrating in certain areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katiepage.nexthomespecialists.com
- Instagram: @katiehilligerpage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiehilligerpage
