Greta Hanson Sohmer is a modern day renaissance woman who has reinvented herself many times in her multi-faceted career path from corporate sales and marketing to wedding planner to real estate agent. Learn how to be the best version of YOU and how you can earn additional income for travel. Be prepared to laugh when you listen to Greta’s podcast.
What were your early years and early adulthood like?
- Grew up in a close knit family that loved reunions and welcomed strangers to their gatherings
- This thread of hospitality was cemented early on which I’ve carried through my life
- Close relationship with cousins was forged with annual cousins camp that met on my grandparent’s farm
- When cousins grew up, I organized cousins camp for my children and my cousin’s children
- Shy until high school when corp group of 6 friends brought me out of my shyness
What kind of work did you start out doing?
- Graduated with a degree in theology and taught theology ad English in private all girls high school
- Has a competitive edge and when I saw my male friends succeed in business, I decided to enter the corporate world
- Started in sales at Xerox, moved to Silicon Valley start up, moved w company to Boulder for management and sales training
- Promoted to vertical sales where I met my husband who was “the client from hell.” He became my internal coach and biggest supporter
- Being competitive helped in sales, developed “stick with it” attitude and tough skin; woke up every morning with a positive outlook
When did you decide to have children?
- I had a daughter from a previous marriage and after several IVF attempts our son was born when I was 40
- Paul and I wanted to share our blessings and loving family life so we decided to adopt twins from Bulgaria.
- My husband said, “If not us, who” and “At least it’s not triplets!”
- I put my career on hold and became earth mother, vegetable gardener, and my hospitality took root.
- Our home was the go-to for class parties, holiday reunions
What motivating factors led you to change direction?
- When the twins were in boarding school, I decided to rent out a portion of our property on AirBnB for additional income.
- Created an AirBnB business, hosted yoga retreats, family reunions and weddings
- I’m still in touch with all my brides and bridegrooms with growing families
- My decision to become a real estate agent began when they asked for help with finding homes
How do you feel you have changed from the younger version of you?
- More realistic; still positive, hopeful and loving
- Everything that is worthwhile takes hard work
What advice do you have for women considering a significant life change and what is your “brass ring”?
- Go for something that you’re a little bit afraid of
- Unplug your brain as your brain can be wrong
- Take walks in the woods and listen to your gut
To get in touch w Greta, you can email her at greta@lakewoodestateny.com
To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.
