Meet Niesja Strongwolf

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Niesja Strongwolf. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Niesja, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

I believe empathy is a rare strength—one that few truly understand. But those who do are incredibly beautiful souls, often shaped by deep emotions or personal pain.

This is something I’ve learned through my own experiences. My earliest memory of this lesson comes from middle school, when I went through what I now call my “ugly swan” phase. My teeth were severely crooked to the point where they had to pull eight of them just to make room for the others. I had just cut all my hair off—unconventional for a girl at that age—and I wasn’t super skinny like the girls who seemed to fit in effortlessly. I had a boyfriend at the time, but the moment my hair was gone, so was he. He broke up with me and ignored me for a year, as if my presence had suddenly become an embarrassment.

It wasn’t just him. I noticed how people distanced themselves from me—sometimes subtly, sometimes not so subtly. It was as if my appearance had made me invisible, or worse, undesirable to be around. I was laughed at. Some people even told me to my face how ugly I looked. It took years for my hair to grow back, but I’m glad it did. At first, it hurt, but something unexpected happened: I stopped seeking validation from those who cared only about the surface and found my place among people who truly saw me. Despite the sting of rejection, I slowly realized my worth wasn’t tied to their opinions.

Strangers became my best friends—not because of how I looked, but because we connected on something deeper. They valued my spirit, my humor, and my kindness. I also learned to embrace humor in life, which became one of my greatest strengths.

That experience shaped me in ways I’ll never forget. It taught me to look beyond appearances and see the essence of a person rather than just what meets the eye. To this day, when I meet someone, I instinctively seek their spirit first. I know firsthand how much is overlooked when people judge too quickly.

More than that, I developed a deep sensitivity to those who feel outcasted. I can spot that feeling almost instantly—the quiet loneliness, the subtle hesitance, the way someone shrinks into the background. And when I do, I make it my mission to help them feel seen, heard, and most of all, loved. Because I remember what it felt like to be ignored, and I know how powerful it is when even one person reaches out and reminds you that you matter.

Because of this, I’ve learned how important it is to tell people how much they mean to you—often, and even out of the blue. You never know who might be feeling invisible, questioning their worth, or simply needing a reminder that they are valued. People need to hear it. And if I can be that person for even one soul, then everything I went through was worth it.

Empathy, for me, was born out of loneliness, from being on the outside looking in. But instead of hardening me, it opened my heart. The swan in me has grown—not in appearance, but in spirit. I no longer seek approval from those who only see the surface. Instead, I look for those who see the real me—and I strive to do the same for others.

Negative experiences can leave lasting scars, but they also shape who we become. I choose to be someone who lifts others up, making sure no one around me ever feels invisible or unworthy.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Welcome to my home in Venice Beach, California! The salty breeze drifts through the streets as skateboarders glide past artists painting vibrant murals, and music plays in the background. Laughter echoes through the streets and pet owners meet on the corner for a quick hello. People from all walks of life come here to live and visit, adding to the neighborhood’s ever-changing energy. I’ve walked these streets for nearly two decades, witnessing their evolution and growth. Ask around, and chances are, someone will know me—or know someone who does. Real estate wasn’t my first dream, but it became my passion, purpose, and work. It’s a beautiful industry—one that shapes communities, creates homes, and tells the story of a place and its people.

Funny enough, I never imagined myself living by the ocean. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by towering peaks, crisp alpine air, and endless forests. I was definitely not a beach girl. But life has a way of leading us exactly where we’re meant to be, and somehow, Venice Beach became home. The contrast between the rugged mountains of my childhood and the wild, unpredictable energy of Venice couldn’t be greater—but maybe that’s why I love it so much.

I am a real estate broker and owner of Niesja Strongwolf Brokerage in Venice Beach, California. Managing multiple buildings across this unique neighborhood, I’ve built deep roots in the community. It’s incredibly rewarding to have formed lasting friendships and to be a part of so many people’s journeys.

Interestingly, real estate wasn’t always my plan. I started college with the dream of becoming a radiologist to help people and save lives. But life had other plans. In 2002, I became pregnant with my son and faced life-threatening complications during his birth in 2003. I wasn’t able to return to school or work right away and had to move back in with my parents for a while to recover. At 23 years old, I realized I needed to adapt. That’s when I found an opportunity as a resident manager—a role that allowed me to stay home with my son while building a career. That was the start of my journey in real estate.

In 2005, I moved to Venice Beach and began working for Peter Nott, one of my greatest mentors—now a dear friend and ally. I still work for him to this day. Over the years, I’ve gained incredible clients who have also become close friends. As I worked toward my real estate license and later my broker’s license, I grew both personally and professionally. Venice Beach hasn’t always been the easiest place—it can be wild at times—but that’s exactly why I love it. Every day here is an adventure.

Getting my real estate license was the easy part. Earning my broker’s license, however, was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced. The exam was grueling, and I nearly gave up multiple times, convinced I’d never pass. But after a year of studying—three hours every night for the final two months—I passed on my first try. That experience taught me the power of perseverance.

This career has been a mix of hard work, frustration, and moments that have tested my resilience. But at the heart of it all, I love meeting people and helping them navigate their journeys, whether they’re growing their families or facing difficult times. My goal is to create a sense of home and security for those I serve, whether through the properties I manage or the relationships I build. Along the way, I’ve also had the privilege of designing buildings and curating garden spaces, adding another layer of fulfillment to my work.

Venice Beach attracts kind, compassionate, and driven people from all walks of life, and I love meeting them! 99% of the time, the people I work with are supportive, thoughtful, and truly remarkable. Of course, not everyone appreciates what I do. Some people have taken advantage of the system or directed their frustrations at me. But I’ve learned that, more often than not, they’re not angry at me—they’re angry at their circumstances. This perspective has helped me stay grounded and continue working with integrity and compassion.

Working in Los Angeles real estate is demanding. The stress, constant changes in laws, and unexpected challenges can be overwhelming. But that’s also what makes property management so rewarding.

In real estate, no two days are the same—just like Venice Beach itself. Some days are filled with challenges, others with celebrations, but through it all, I remain committed to helping people find not just a place to live but a place to call home. Because at the end of the day, real estate isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people, community, and the stories we build together.

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?

Looking back, I’d say the most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that helped shape my journey are to many to count, but these are a must:

Resilience: Life threw so many curveballs, but the ability to keep moving forward, no matter how tough things got, was crucial. I learned to adapt, face fears, and push through adversity. It wasn’t always easy, but each setback taught me something new. For anyone just starting out, my advice would be to embrace the hard moments as part of the growth process. Life and work won’t always go according to plan, but it’s how you respond to those challenges that will define your success.

Continuous Learning: From starting as a resident manager to studying for my broker license, I had to stay curious and keep learning. The real estate industry is constantly evolving, so developing a mindset of continuous education—whether it’s formal courses, informal learning from colleagues, or keeping up with industry trends—is critical. My advice for beginners is to always be hungry for knowledge. Don’t ever stop learning. Surround yourself with people who know more than you and never shy away from asking questions.

Empathy and Communication: Real estate and property management are about people, not just properties. Understanding the needs, concerns, and emotions of tenants, owners, and colleagues helped me build trust and rapport. Good communication and empathy foster positive relationships, even in challenging situations. For those starting out, my advice is to develop your emotional intelligence. Really listen to people, try to understand their perspectives, and communicate clearly. Building these relationships will serve you for the long haul. I always say Stephen R. Covey’s quote, “Seek to understand, and then be Understood.”

Everything is “figure-out-able”!

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

There was a time when I thought I might break. When betrayal, lawsuits, and exhaustion nearly swallowed me whole. My career has thrown its fair share of challenges—some expected, others blindsiding—but each one has shaped me. I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve learned what works for me. And that’s the key: finding what works for YOU.

How I Stay Grounded

Prioritize & Break It Down – When life feels like too much—tenant issues, drama, personal stress—I make lists. Tackling one thing at a time turns the impossible into something manageable. Small wins, no matter how minor, build momentum.

Lean on My People – I used to think I had to handle everything alone, but experience has taught me otherwise. When I’ve felt betrayed or overwhelmed, my family, friends, and especially my husband have been my rock. They remind me of my strength and help me see solutions I might have missed.

Step Away to Regain Control – When I was blindsided by a lawsuit, my first instinct was to panic. Instead, I took my dogs for a walk. That small act gave me space to breathe, process, and return with a clear mind. Now, I remind myself that stepping away—whether for five minutes or a weekend—isn’t avoidance; it’s strategy.

Find Calm in the Chaos – Therapy has given me tools to stay grounded. When my heart races and my mind spirals, I pause and take a few deep breaths. It’s a simple practice, but it helps me reset instead of reacting from a place of stress.

Give Myself Permission to Rest – I used to push myself until I had nothing left. I thought resting meant I wasn’t working hard enough. I was wrong. Taking time for myself—whether it’s a quiet day at home or a weekend away—has made me stronger, not weaker.

Reframe the Struggle – I can’t control everything, but I can control how I respond. I’ve learned to stop seeing obstacles as roadblocks and start viewing them as lessons. Every challenge has made me more resilient.

Lessons That Keep Me Moving

Stay True to Yourself – I trust my instincts and don’t let others dictate my path.

Find an Outlet – Joining a running club and pushing myself to run a marathon wasn’t just about fitness—it was about proving to myself that I could do hard things.

Set Boundaries – Knowing when to step back has saved me from burnout.

Celebrate the Small Stuff – Sometimes, just making it through the day is a win. I remind myself to acknowledge those moments.

Practice Self-Compassion – I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear, and it’s okay to give myself grace.

Keep Learning – The more I know, the more confident I feel. Knowledge is power.

Life doesn’t get easier, but I’ve gotten better at handling it. Challenges will come, and stress is unavoidable, but we have more control than we think. By leaning on my support system, stepping away when I need to, and shifting my mindset, I know I can take on whatever comes next.

And so can you!

Image Credits

Photos by Burgandy Blue Photo, shot by Trevor Morrison