Drawing parallels between medicine and real estate, Gia Aaron sees both as avenues to understand human needs and improve quality of life. While she also envisions starting a mission to rescue animals from disasters and provide them with loving shelter and placement services to find forever homes. Read ahead the full interview!
Team Credits:
Entrepreneur: Gia Aaron @ceogiaaaron
Producer: Abass M. Akeju @officialakeju
Photographer: Frank Zhang @frankzhangny
Hair & MU Artist: Annette Bragas @annettebragasmua
Hello Beautiful! Welcome to L’Officiel! What prompted your decision to enter the field of real estate investment as a career?
Josh, my husband, a dedicated physician, and myself, CEO and CFO of our company, revolve our lives around healing and caring for others in the medical field, prioritizing everyone before ourselves. Each day brings new challenges and triumphs in medicine and managing multiple practices. Despite the fulfilment it brings, I long for something more—a broader impact on my community. Since my life revolves around medicine, I aim to diversify into other industries, expanding my business portfolio. With newfound clarity, I venture into real estate investment.
Transitioning from medicine to real estate seems like a leap into the unknown, yet I discover surprising parallels between the two fields. Both require an understanding of human needs and improving quality of life. Like dedicating myself to healing the ill, I now revitalize neighbourhoods, providing safe, comfortable homes for families to thrive and communities to come together. Real estate investment expands my perspective, bridging medicine and real estate, offering endless possibilities. Diversifying my skill set leads to a rewarding journey, shaping me into who I am today. As I walk the dual path of medicine and real estate, I’m reminded that fulfilment lies in pursuing passion and purpose wherever it leads.
What was the inspiration behind you and your husband Josh’s decision to initiate Gi-Dom?
Walking through my childhood neighbourhood memories flooded back, but neglect and decay had replaced its former vibrancy. Witnessing this spurred me to enter real estate investment, not just for profit, but to make a difference.
With purpose driving me, I aimed to breathe new life into the community, one house at a time. Each purchase represented hope for families needing safe, healthy homes. With a dedicated team, we transformed dilapidated structures into thriving spaces, igniting my passion for revitalization.
The once-deteriorating neighbourhood is now bustling once more. Reflecting on this journey fills me with pride, reminding me that the true reward lies in shaping a better tomorrow for those in need.
Which alternate career path would you pursue if you weren’t involved in real estate?
I love transitioning hobbies and true callings into business ventures. Nothing brings me more joy than animals, the unconditional love they provide, the dopamine boosts they inject into my soul. They truly do so much for mental health and a friendly companion. There are so many incredible animals out there, and I wish I could help all of them. Animal rescue and placement services would be another path I could see myself doing in the future. There are so many unfortunate events that happen in the world like fires, hurricanes, tornadoes or even a family losing the ability to care for an animal anymore due to health conditions or financial reasons. I would love to start a mission where I rescue animals from disasters and make sure they are in a shelter with loving, compassionate caretakers, and do everything in my power to make sure they don’t have to stay long and can find their forever homes with placement services and great marketing to get their faces out there to help them find their forever family.
Could you tell us about some of your favourite philanthropic endeavours?
Growing up, my parents, my blind mother, and my father battling multiple sclerosis (MS) instilled in me the values of compassion and generosity. Their resilience inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others in need. Witnessing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their caregivers sparked a passion for philanthropy within me. I focused on supporting organizations for the blind and those affected by MS, volunteering and advocating for greater accessibility and inclusion.
Additionally, I became involved in animal welfare, supporting shelters, and rescue organizations. Through donations and volunteer work, I aimed to provide care and shelter for animals in need, hoping to give them a chance at a brighter future. Recognizing the importance of stable housing, I partnered with local organizations to renovate rundown houses, offering hope to families in need.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of the profound impact one person can have on the world. My parents’ legacy of compassion continues to guide me as I strive for a more compassionate world for all.
Share with us your philosophy for steering a company.
Clearly define the company’s vision and values, ensuring alignment across all levels. Empower employees by fostering trust. Encourage initiative, creativity, and accountability, allowing ownership of work and contribution to success. Prioritize continuous learning and development. Invest in training, mentorship, and growth opportunities to build a dynamic workforce and improve the future. Place a strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs. Seek feedback, conduct market research, and prioritize satisfaction for innovation and excellence. Lead by example of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct. Uphold high standards of governance and social responsibility for ethical business practices and societal impact. By leading and embracing these principles, a company cultivates a culture of excellence, innovation, and purpose, driving long-term success and making a positive impact.
Finally, what guidance would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs?
The number one thing to start with is identifying your passions, interests, and values. Align your entrepreneurial ventures with them. Next, validate your business idea through market research and customer feedback. Create a detailed business plan.
Surround yourself with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Prioritize delivering value to your customers. Seek advice from experts and stay flexible to changing market conditions. The last, continuously learn and grow to thrive as an entrepreneur.
