Reinvention is never simple, but it can be transformational. Just ask Emily Austin, who made a bold real estate career transition after 28 years behind the chair as a professional hairstylist. Alongside her partner and co-broker Eric Martin, she built something entirely new: a business rooted in trust, powered by systems, and driven by care.
Today, they run Austin & Martin, a referral-only real estate team based at Metropolist. But their path here wasn’t automatic. It was the result of consistent effort, clear mindset shifts, and a willingness to evolve.
This is Emily’s story. It’s punctuated by partnership, persistence, and one very rewarding pivot.
From Haircuts to House Hunts
By year 28 of her hairstyling career, Emily had begun thinking seriously about retirement. She still loved her work, but the physical toll was real. “It’s hard on your body,” she says. “And while I wasn’t ready to stop caring for people, I needed a path where I could continue doing meaningful work without aging out of the profession.”
That curiosity led her to real estate. “I had friends in the industry and saw how their people skills translated into long-term success. I thought, ‘That’s something I could do. I already know how to take care of people.’”
It turns out, she was right.
The Power of Crossover Skills
When you’ve been building trust for decades, the skillset doesn’t disappear; it carries over.
“My communication skills have served me more than anything,” Emily says. “Listening, making people feel heard, tracking what they care about… Those are the same things I did behind the chair. Now I do them in living rooms.”
Those early connections paid off quickly. Emily’s first real estate clients? Former hair clients. “They already trusted me. They knew what kind of service I gave and they wanted that same experience in a much bigger life decision.”
With that foundation, she began growing her reach through local networking groups, building a database rooted in genuine relationships. Today, Austin & Martin’s business is entirely referral-based.
Building Momentum, One Mindset Shift at a Time
Like many brokers, Emily’s first year (or two) wasn’t all momentum and magic. “It’s hard not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from,” she says. “It still is, sometimes.”
But early on, she discovered Ninja Selling, a relationship-based business system that emphasizes mindset, connection, and flow. After attending her first four-day installation, everything clicked.
“Ninja gave me the language, the structure, and the mindset I needed. It helped me stay focused on the daily habits that actually move your business forward.”
That steady practice helped Emily grow with intention and ultimately build a business with someone she trusted most.
Scaling with Strength: The Austin & Martin Team
Partnering with her life partner, Eric Martin, wasn’t just a romantic decision, it was a game changer.
“Eric has completely leveled up our systems,” Emily says. “He’s the reason everything flows so smoothly. From client follow-up to transaction logistics, he brings a precision that’s transformed how we operate. He’s my not-so-secret weapon.”
Together, they balance care and structure, people and process. Their combined skillsets allow them to serve clients with warmth and accuracy; two things buyers and sellers need more than ever.
Advice for Anyone Considering a Career Change
“It’s the hardest you’ll ever work,” Emily says, candidly. “But it’s also the most satisfying.”
She’s clear-eyed about what it takes to succeed in real estate. The hours can be unpredictable. The learning curve is real. But the rewards? They go beyond numbers.
“You’ll grow. You’ll be stretched. You’ll learn what you’re made of,” she says. “And if you’re lucky, you’ll become part of people’s lives in a way that really matters.”
What Metropolist Made Possible
Looking back, Emily credits much of her growth to her Metropolist community.
“I would not be the broker I am today without the guidance of Domenica and Chad and the structure that Ninja gave me. The training, the accountability, the culture, it all helped me find my footing and then build something real.”
At Metropolist, she found not just tools, but alignment. A place where relationship-driven business isn’t the exception, it’s the expectation.
Ready to Pivot?
If you’re considering your own real estate career transition, Emily’s story is proof: your past experience isn’t wasted. It’s your superpower. And the right support system can help you build a business that reflects exactly who you are.
