A home is more than just a place to live; it defines your lifestyle," says REALTORⓇ Giselle Carmona of Sotheby’s Realty in Hinsdale. “And the people you surround yourself with play a huge role in your success. The ones you interact with daily are the ones who motivate and encourage you.”

Born and raised in Westlake, Ohio, just outside Cleveland, Giselle’s small-town roots provided a strong foundation for the career she would eventually build. But she knew that her dreams would lead her elsewhere: to brighter lights and bigger opportunities.

“I needed a place and career that aligned with my ambitions,” Giselle says. “I chose to become a REALTORⓇ not only because of my passion for real estate, but also because of the incredible networking opportunities and resources that are available through the industry. Real estate isn’t just a career; it’s a platform for endless growth, opportunity, and impact.”

Growing up, Giselle was surrounded by family stories of business owners and farmers. Being so close to such driven individuals, like her mother and grandfather, she developed a deep appreciation for hard work and perseverance.

“My great-grandfather was a farmer, and I often think about his early mornings and late nights,” she says. “His example shaped how I approach everything in life. People respect honest, consistent work.”

Giselle carried that mindset into her college years at Miami University, where she balanced full-time studies with creative pursuits in the media and film industry. Juggling coursework and project deadlines honed her skills in time management, multitasking, and relationship building— skills-turned-strengths that now fuel her real estate business. 

Moving to Naperville proved a game-changer for Giselle. “It showed me how your environment impacts your network, lifestyle, and opportunities,” she says. “That’s why I take so much pride in helping clients find the environment where they can thrive.”

She officially began her real estate career in 2020, and Giselle saw the industry’s then unprecedented volatility as a chance to learn and adapt quickly. 

“My biggest assets are my mindset and drive, so I dove in headfirst and learned firsthand what works and what doesn’t,” she says. “The experience allowed me to refine my approach, ensuring every client benefits from my expertise, strategic thinking, and dedication.”

“Navigating the pre- and post-COVID markets also taught me how to stay agile, as well as to always think one step ahead,” she adds.

While Giselle believes that starting young continues to give her a competitive edge, being a fresh face in the competitive world of real estate meant she had to work harder to win over those skeptical of her capability. But once she did, her results snowballed into the success she now enjoys.

“Earning the trust of homeowners was the hardest part,” Giselle recalls. “It’s always been crucial for me to go above and beyond for my clients to build that trust.” 

“Once I gained their confidence and began working with them, their positive testimonials helped elevate my business and were invaluable in growing my reputation,” she adds. 

Community and connection are central to Giselle’s work. She’s active in the Naperville area, frequently hosting local events and open houses, always looking for ways to build genuine relationships. She also supports animal rescues like Cache Creek Animal Rescue and the Naperville Area Humane Society. Her own pup, Lucy, a rescue, has only deepened her connection to animal welfare. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to help animals get a second chance, and that helping them is something that connects me even more to my community,” she says.

Outside of work, Giselle finds balance through nature, travel, and creative hobbies. With her partner, Ryan Casey, she enjoys trying new dishes and planning trips. With her mom, Jacqueline, and sister, Jasmine, she enjoys horseback riding and hiking. Whether they’re boating on Lake Michigan or visiting the Shedd Aquarium, they all make the most of their time together. 

But one of Giselle’s favorite ways to unwind is through gardening. She recently started planting hydrangeas and also hopes to grow an orange tree to use its fruit in her cooking, testing out the idea that her family’s farming history has given her a green thumb.

She says, “Success to me means having a healthy work-life balance while maintaining a steady business.” So, like with her garden, personally and professionally, Giselle is focused on growth. In real estate, she sees a career that matches her endless aspirations, both now and in the future.

“The associations and communities within real estate provide invaluable tools, mentorship, and connections that help REALTORSⓇ grow their businesses and elevate their expertise,” she says. 

“Being surrounded by like-minded professionals and having access to continuous learning opportunities has allowed me to refine my skills, stay ahead of market trends, and ultimately provide the best service possible to my clients,” she adds. “And clients come first.