February 15, 2025

Thrive Insider

Exclusive stories of successful entrepreneurs

Alea Altarejos Former nurse, turned real estate professional

Who are you and what business did you start?

Hi! My name is Alea Altarejos and I am a former nurse, now real estate professional. I started the business back in 2018 without knowledge about real estate. I just knew that I wanted to invest and was looking for the best way to do it. Modesty aside, I built a 6-figure business from scratch with the main intention of educating nurses about real estate investment.

What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?

I am a front liner. I am a registered nurse based in Dubai. This pandemic has made us realize the value of medical professionals. For the first time in decades, we were given the spotlight and the world realized how we are saving lives even at the risk of our own.

Even more difficult when you are alone in a foreign country without a support system. I know what it feels like to eat alone, cry alone and dream alone. That is why when I was introduced to the real estate world, I realized that this can be an option for us nurses and other medical professionals.

I want to leave a legacy of empowered front liners. I want to help people like me achieve financial freedom so that we do not rely on dole outs or sympathy from the government or other people. I do this because I know we deserve better.

Describe the process of launching the business.

Despite starting as an International Property Specialist in 2018, I really do not have the background and know-how about real estate. I just used my network and basic knowledge of the properties I sell. I now know that I need to do more. That’s why, aside from going back to school and studying real estate, I also found a sales and marketing mentor who now helps me plan my strategies.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

Building relationships is very important. We cannot use the excuse of now seeing each other face-to-face as the reason for not connecting with your customers. It can be done.

I have built with clients and partners from all over the world who, like me, also want financial freedom. Freedom from the shift work to making their dreams work.

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

We live in such tumultuous times. But I have to say I see a very exciting future for me. Social media and digital selling really works for my business and I am leveling up to include visibility strategies and sales funnels. It is not common where I come from and I am glad to be one of the pioneers in doing this strategy.

Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

I have learned so many things while building this business!
1. I have to control my emotions. You see, I am a very sensitive person, and in this business, we have to keep our calm and remain professional.

2. I realized the value of a mentor. Women small business owners don’t have to do it alone. It’s lonely and sometimes you have to admit you need help. When that happens, get a mentor

3. I have to really know who my customers are. I talk to nurses and overseas Filipino workers because I understand their plight. I am them, and I know I will be able to help them achieve their goals of freedom through real estate investments.

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

I use mostly Facebook, but now I am expanding my reach to hopefully help create awareness around this business opportunity that I am offering

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?

I listen to a lot of Oprah interviews. I also like Les Brown, and recently have been reading Seth Godin.

Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

Do not let our lack of knowledge stop you from reaching for your dreams. Most of the time, entrepreneurs start with a vision, the why, but we don’t know how to get there. Yet. Having a growth mindset means that we can teach ourselves, or ask other people to teach us how to achieve that vision. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

Where can we go to learn more?

I am on Facebook, Alea Altarejos and my Whatsapp is +971568855456