“It was a gamechanger for me. It really opened the doors for what was coming next, and next was just my ambition to go on my own and build my own brand.”
On this episode of Startups in Stilettos, Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with luxury real estate entrepreneur Natalie Sterling to explore her inspiring journey from building engineering to becoming a rising force in South Florida’s luxury real estate market. After moving from Cuba to Spain and eventually to the United States, Natalie built a career grounded in technical expertise, discipline, and an entrepreneurial drive to create opportunities without limits.
Natalie shares how her engineering and architecture background became a competitive advantage in real estate, allowing her to help clients see the potential in a property, understand renovations and construction, and make more informed decisions. She also opens up about the mentors who shaped her career, the importance of building relationships and referrals, and what it really takes to establish a personal brand in the luxury market.
What We Talked About:
From Cuba to Spain: An Engineering Foundation [2:15]
Mentorship and Building a Personal Brand [11:43]
Building a Team and Support System [18:22]
Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Agents [26:17]
Growing a South Florida Real Estate Brand [30:34]
Connect with Natalie:
@Nataliesterlingrealestate on Instagram
Natalie Sterling on LinkedIn
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
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Hosts
Carlyn Bushman is a seasoned business consultant, entrepreneur, and advocate for female founders. She founded POP Business Academy to empower women entrepreneurs with tools for building sustainable, profitable businesses. As CEO of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, she specializes in helping product- and service-based business owners navigate financials, marketing, and growth strategies. With extensive corporate experience, Carlyn, a mom in a blended family and lifelong learner, has been featured on Good Morning America and in Times Square. She's here to help you make money and stay in business.
Ingrid Zapata Read is a community strategist and founder of Grow With Community. She helps businesses get closer to the people they serve and build stronger, more intentional relationships around their mission.
After building a global community for moms of over 200,000 members, and through her experience in sales, startups, and customer experience, Ingrid brings a people-first perspective to growth across industries. She’s known for her thoughtful, practical approach and believes community building should be a part of every business strategy.
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Highlights
From Cuba to Spain: An Engineering Foundation [2:15]
Mentorship and Building a Personal Brand [11:43]
Building a Team and Support System [18:22]
Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Agents [26:17]
Growing a South Florida Real Estate Brand [30:34]
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