Coach Melanie Klein profiles former pastry chef Jessica Quinn, who found that real estate is a vehicle for financial empowerment and transformation.
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“Women, Wealth and Real Estate” is a special series for Women’s History Month spotlighting the diverse stories of women who created wealth for themselves and their communities through real estate and power moves.
For generations, real estate has been a key driver of wealth creation. Yet, for much of history, women were excluded from property ownership and financial independence. In the United States, it wasn’t until the 1970s that women could independently obtain a mortgage without a male co-signer.
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For centuries before that, many women had little choice but to marry for financial security, as their ability to accumulate wealth, own property or even earn a living wage was severely restricted. This dependency often left them unable to create a life on their own, or with a female partner if they so desired, reinforcing systemic heteronormativity and economic inequality.
Fast forward to today, and women — particularly single women — are outpacing single men in homeownership. According to the National Association of Realtors, single women accounted for 20 percent of home purchases, compared to 8 percent by single men. More than ever, real estate is becoming a vehicle for women to build wealth, gain autonomy and shape their financial futures.
Meet Jessica Quinn
One woman embracing this power is Jessica Quinn, a born-and-bred New Yorker with Latvian-Ukrainian roots. Quinn’s journey into real estate is as unique as it is inspiring. Initially, her foray into the industry was deeply personal — she and her wife were searching for the perfect brick-and-mortar space for their Eastern European food business, Dacha 46.
But as she navigated the complexities of New York City’s real estate market, she discovered an unexpected passion for the industry itself. What started as a means to an end became a career dedicated to helping others navigate the same challenges.
Like many women who break into male-dominated fields, Quinn encountered hurdles — not from the industry itself, where women are the majority, but from within. Having spent over 15 years in the restaurant business as a pastry chef, she was no stranger to being the only woman in the room.
Yet in real estate, despite women’s dominance in the field, she still felt like an outsider. “The real obstacle wasn’t external — it was internal,” she explains. “I had to dismantle my own self-doubt and recognize what was always true — I am more than equal to my male colleagues. I am a sharp strategist, a strong advocate and a trusted advisor.”
Real freedom
Quinn’s transition into real estate provided something the restaurant industry never could: financial freedom.
“In hospitality, there were always ceilings — on income, growth, and opportunity,” she said. “But in real estate, there are no ceilings. The potential is boundless.”
This limitless potential has allowed Quinn to shape her own future, take on projects and clients that align with her values, and invest in her passion for Eastern European cuisine. Importantly, it has also brought her closer to homeownership — a tangible step toward long-term wealth and stability.
Her story reflects a larger movement of women leveraging real estate to build financial independence. Whether as homeowners, investors, or professionals, women are making strategic moves to secure their futures. This shift is not just a trend — it’s a revolution. More women than ever before are purchasing properties, expanding their portfolios and refusing to let outdated narratives define their financial potential.
Quinn’s advice to women considering real estate as a career or investment opportunity?
“Take the plunge. This industry rewards those who are willing to bet on themselves and push through challenges. Real estate isn’t just about transactions — it’s about building a business, fostering relationships and creating long-term wealth. The only limits are the ones you refuse to break.”
Still room for evolution
As women continue to redefine their financial destinies through real estate, the industry must evolve alongside them. Quinn envisions a future where women’s contributions are recognized and celebrated — where mentorship, investment opportunities, and resources are readily available to fuel their success. “The future of real estate is female,” she says. “And the time to claim that power is now.”
Jessica Quinn’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of real estate. By taking control of her financial future, she has unlocked opportunities that extend far beyond the industry itself. For women everywhere, her story serves as both a roadmap and a rallying cry: Real estate isn’t just a profession or an investment — it’s a pathway to freedom.
Melanie C. Klein, M.A., is a sought-after empowerment and mindset coach working with individuals and teams across the country to align and integrate their personal and professional spheres for increased success and abundance without compromising their joy.
