We recently connected with Gift Thongpia Hughes and have shared our conversation below.
Gift , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I believe resilience comes from experience and the willingness to grow. Just like Olympic athletes train endlessly before reaching the podium, I’ve learned that the more you practice whether it’s a skill or simply showing up for yourself the stronger and more grounded you become.
For me, resilience has meant learning to forgive myself, to move forward even when things don’t go as planned. I see every challenge as an opportunity, as long as I remain open to it. Resilience isn’t something you’re born with it’s something you build through life’s ups and downs.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a top-producing Realtor at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors (NVAR) and a proud member of the Diamond Lifetime Top Producer Club, I’ve been helping clients achieve their real estate goals since 2013. My approach is deeply personalized, focusing on understanding each client’s unique needs and guiding them through every step of buying, selling, or investing in real estate.
Specializing in Luxury real estate divorce real estate and certified in handling complex transitions, I excel at turning stressful situations into smooth and successful outcomes. My background growing up in a hardworking rice-farming family in Thailand instilled values of perseverance and dedication, which have become the foundation of my career. With hundreds of homes sold, from luxury properties to family transitions, my mission is to deliver tailored solutions that maximize profits for sellers and provide peace of mind for buyers seeking their dream homes.
Beyond real estate, I was honored to hold the title of Mrs. DC America 2022, representing married women in the nation’s capital and championing empowerment. Fashion modeling has also been an enriching journey, helping me cultivate confidence and grace. After losing my father to liver cancer, I dedicated myself to supporting cancer patients and families through The Glitz & Glamorous, We Will Survive Cancer charity, Children National hospital, a cause close to my heart.
I prioritize a balanced lifestyle in my free time with fitness, family, and community service. I volunteer with organizations like Women Giving Back, Frying Pan Farm Park, Encore Theatrical Arts, and my children’s activities. My commitment to lifelong learning through real estate coaching and continuing education ensures I provide clients with informed guidance.
My philosophy is simple: life is not measured by wealth but by happiness, meaningful connections, and the legacy we leave behind. I believe we are all here for a purpose, and my goal is to lead by example giving back, living fully, and helping others achieve their dreams.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three Most Important Qualities, Skills and/or Areas of Knowledge
1. Lifelong Learning
One of the most powerful things I’ve embraced is never stopping the learning process even when it’s uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Growth often happens just outside your comfort zone. My advice: stay curious, take the class, read the book, ask the questions. Don’t be afraid to start as a beginner.
2 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
Your environment shapes your mindset. I’ve learned to be intentional about the company I keep. Be around people who inspire you, challenge you, and reflect who you want to become. Observe them, learn from them, and allow their energy to elevate yours. Always ask yourself: any action you take : Is this action moving me closer to my goal, or further away?
3 Purpose and Gratitude
Giving back and practicing gratitude have been life changing for me. When you live and work from a place of appreciation, the universe responds. Stay purpose driven, and trust that what you give will come back in abundance.
My advice to anyone starting out: build a strong mindset, stay committed to growth, action and remember success isn’t just about achieving goals, it’s about who you become along the way.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My success is not because of one person, but a collection of lessons, challenges, and inspiration that continue to help me grow into the person I am today.
Real estate has truly transformed my life. Along the way, I’ve learned so much through mentors, classes, coaching programs, and real experiences because I’m committed to providing the best service for my clients. Buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial decisions people make, and I take that responsibility seriously.
When I reflect on my journey, I can’t point to just one person. It’s been a combination of people and life experiences that have shaped me. I’ve learned from many incredible mentors, and even moments from my past still guide me like watching my mother as a young girl. She always thought big and pushed us to become better than she ever was
Contact Info:
- Website: https://23homes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/23homes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlennandGiftRealtor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giftthongpiahughesrealtor/
- Twitter: https://x.com/vanorthern
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@23homes
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/twenty-three-homes-with-glenn-and-gift-reston
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
