About The Blog
The Story
What is it that fuels you? For me, it’s the people I meet, the adventures we share, and the memories we make. I love writing about my adventures in and outside of the city of Portland, OR. I'll share with you some of my favorite neighborhoods, activities, and even some real estate dreams and info!
Jillian In The City is truly my own little passion project, gaining more and more traction each day. I hope you enjoy browsing my site and all of the unique content I have to offer. Take a look around; perhaps you’ll discover what fuels you as well. Read on and enjoy!
About Me
Hi there! I am so happy you are checking out my blog!
Welcome!
About me...huh? Where should I even begin? I suppose the best place to start is always the beginning:
I am a 6th generation Max Factor (yes - as in Max Factor Make-Up) who was born and raised in Miami, FL where my dad had his own construction business and my mom was a casting director. My life was consumed with singing, acting, dancing, and competing in the show ring with my horses. (Arabian and Half Arabians and then later on I followed in my mom's footsteps and started riding Saddlebreds - my mom is a multi World Champion.) While I have yet to beat my mom's record (don't worry, I will), the highest awards I achieved were 4 National Championships, a Reserve National Championship, and a Reserve World Championship all by the time I was 17. We moved around a bit throughout my high school years, living in Tampa, FL and finishing high school in Louisville, KY where I graduated from Louisville Collegiate School.
I moved to Nashville when I was 18 where I pursued my passion for singing and songwriting for almost ten years! Like most people who move to Nashville for music, it clearly wasn't meant to be for me. I returned to school and graduated from the Art Institute of Tennessee with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design/Architecture. I moved to Portland, OR on March 22, 2018 and it was the best decision I have ever made. I am absolutely in love with this city and the amazing people that I am lucky enough to call friends.
I am now a licensed Real Estate Broker in the beautiful state of Oregon! I am a hustler, I am tenacious, I am passionate about everything I do, I act with a sense of urgency, I am compassionate, strong-willed, and have a great sense of humor - if I do say so myself.
Have you ever had a moment where you felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be doing exactly what you were supposed to be doing? That's exactly how I feel about becoming a Broker, Being a Sales Rep, and an Interior Designer. I feel like everything in my life, every skill I have acquired, has led me to this point in my life.
I hope I'll have the opportunity to guide you through either the house buying or selling process with humor, grace, compassion, and tenacity to create a positive and memorable experience to kick off a new chapter in your life. After all, life is too short to not celebrate every page we turn.
Have You Met Bailey?
Bailey is by far the sweetest and most loving Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle) pup you will ever meet! Born on September 17th, 2018, his loyal Virgo spirit is the epitome of his personality. He will keep his eyes on me at all costs! Because he is my adventure buddy, expect to see him featured in most of my posts. No shame! I'm a proud dog mom!
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Bailey's favorite adventures include paddle boarding, hiking, making new friends, and basically anything else he can do with me. His big personality will constantly make you laugh and also make you question whether or not he's talking to you. Because while this dog does not speak English, I swear he can understand every word you say and answer you with body language.
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I hope you'll get the chance to meet him and love him as much as I do!