Jessica Markowski - Owning Manhattan
Growing up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, I was constantly surrounded by the hustle and bustle of New York City. This vibrant, ever-changing landscape shaped my dreams and ambitions from an early age. My parents are Polish immigrants and came to this city in search of the “American Dream”, bringing with them a tireless work ethic and an unwavering belief in the promise of a better life. They instilled these values in me, and as I got older, their dreams became my own.
My journey to Owning Manhattan is a testament to the power of perseverance and the fusion of my passions for fashion and real estate. These two seemingly disparate worlds have not only defined my career, but also allowed me to carve out a unique niche that I am incredibly proud of.
From a young age, I was enamored with fashion. My love for fashion led me to pursue a career in the industry, and I was fortunate enough to work on various projects that allowed me to blend creativity with business acumen. One of the most notable experiences was my role as Head of Communications for Screenshop, a company co-founded by Kim Kardashian and later sold to Snapchat. This position gave me a front-row seat to the intersection of fashion and technology, expanding my understanding of how digital platforms can amplify one's reach.
Following my time at Screenshop, I worked as an independent content creator and was given the opportunity to create content for a real estate brokerage. As I was creating content in real estate, I started to generate a significant amount of buyers for listings and the brokerage offered me an opportunity to join full time as a real estate agent.
Transitioning into real estate was a natural progression, and I approached it with the same enthusiasm and dedication that I had for fashion. My knowledge of the city's neighborhoods, coupled with my keen eye for detail, allowed me to excel in helping buyers and sellers navigate the complexities of the New York City market. Both fashion and real estate are aspirational products that customers need to be inspired prior to purchasing. Both industries are very visual, and people need to be in the right emotional state in order to be inspired to purchase.
Social media has played a pivotal role in my career, serving as a bridge between my two worlds. It has allowed me to share my journey with a wider audience, showcasing the duality of my career and the authenticity of my experiences. I use social media to document everything from fashion shoots to real estate closings, creating a narrative that is both inspiring and relatable.
I believe social media is what has made me stand out. While anyone can hold open houses and connect with people one-on-one, I leverage social media to connect with audiences on a one-to-many basis. This has allowed me to more broadly scale my business and bring a significantly greater amount of buyers to my client’s listings.
The power of social media was further magnified when I was cast in Owning Manhattan. The show is a celebration of New York City and its real estate market, and it felt like a culmination of my life's work. The opportunity to star in a series that highlights the beauty and complexity of the city I love is a dream come true. It also allows me to continue blending my passions, as I bring my fashion-forward sensibilities to the screen while navigating the high-stakes world of Manhattan real estate.
My journey to this point has been shaped by the lessons my parents taught me about hard work and determination. Their story of coming to America and building a life for our family is the foundation upon which I have built my career. I carry their resilience with me in every endeavor, striving to honor their sacrifices and fulfill their dreams. As I look to the future, I am excited to continue exploring new opportunities and inspiring others to chase their own dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem.