From humble beginnings in a $35K HUD home to building my own portfolio, I’ve learned that we all have the power to design our journey.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Even in high school, while my parents dreamed of me becoming a doctor, I knew I wanted to take a different route. We lived in a modest 1,000 sq ft home, and my parents worked tirelessly to give me every opportunity — a work ethic they proudly passed down to me. I started off pre-med to meet expectations, but quickly realized my true calling was in business. My summers spent helping my family manage apartment buildings in St. Louis introduced me to real estate, and from that moment, I was hooked.

After graduation, I headed to California to begin my career as a sales representative with Hershey. On weekends, I continued working as a leasing consultant — sharpening my property management skills and gaining the confidence to eventually manage properties of my own.

I went on to earn my MBA and began what would become a 24-year adventure in corporate America — building a career at the intersection of consumer products and technology. Over the years, I had the opportunity to work with incredible brands like MillerCoors, L’Oreal and Energizer, taking on roles that spanned from Marketing Analyst to Manager to VP. Each step taught me something new about leadership, resilience, and the power of adapting to change.

In 2005, while still building my corporate career, I earned my real estate license and bought my first rental property — funded with student loan money. I dove into learning everything I could about lending and leverage, determined to make smart, strategic moves. Acting as my own REALTOR® for my investments gave me hands-on experience and opened doors I didn’t even know existed.

Even with financial success, the corporate grind began to wear on me. It didn’t align with my entrepreneurial spirit, so I shifted toward startups — fast-moving environments where innovation and growth thrived. I found my rhythm there, but life brought big changes, too. My ex-husband and I welcomed our daughter, Mila, and later, we went our separate ways.

Divorce has a way of shaking your foundation. We sold our shared assets, and I had to start rebuilding from the ground up. That turning point reignited my focus on real estate — buying, flipping, and selling properties on my own. Those experiences taught me how to take risks, make bold decisions, and, most importantly, trust myself.

So when I was laid off in December 2024, I didn’t panic — I pivoted. I bet on myself and stepped fully into real estate. Since then, I’ve built a business and a life that truly align with who I am. The burnout is gone, and in its place is balance — more time with Mila, more travel, more laughter with friends and family. These days, the “good life” is about experiences, not things — exploring wineries, hitting the golf course, going to live concerts, and helping others find their own version of fulfillment.

Now, I’m dreaming even bigger. I want to coach young women on building financial freedom and confidence through real estate and smart investing. If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that no matter where you start, you can rebuild, reinvent, and rise. It’s never too late to begin again — we can all create the life we imagine.

 

With experience owning more than 40 homes and managing countless rehabs and renovations, I bring a unique perspective to real estate. I’m not just a REALTOR® — I’m a transformation specialist who knows how to turn vision into value. From design concepts and construction management to helping clients reimagine a space, I handle every detail to make a house feel like home.

One of my greatest strengths is creative financing. I love helping clients find smart, strategic ways to fund their goals — structuring deals that align with both their dreams and their budgets. My pricing and marketing strategies are driven by data and insight, ensuring every property stands out, sells faster, and achieves maximum return. I’m also passionate about staging and presentation, partnering with trusted inspectors, photographers, and contractors to make every transaction seamless and stress-free.

When it comes to negotiation, I’m strategic, professional, and detail-oriented. Whether buying, selling, or investing, I’m committed to making the process clear, confident, and rewarding every step of the way.

Sincerely,

 

Demetria Veal

REALTOR® 

Call / Text 636.699.2569 

comehomestl@gmail.com 

DemetriaLVeal.com