Meet Ashla Johnson of Fort Lauderdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashla Johnson.

Hi Ashla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I got my start in real estate full-time several summers ago—nine, to be exact. It feels crazy to say that out loud because I can’t believe how much time has passed.

In a nutshell, I had relocated back to South Florida from Atlanta a few years earlier and was trying to find my footing again. The landscape was very different from the corporate world I had become accustomed to in Atlanta, and I found myself working a few different jobs while searching for the right fit.

At the time, I was transitioning out of media sales for a large consumer data company. One of my major clients was Princess Cruises, and I loved traveling to Southern California to present solutions to their team. But despite enjoying parts of the job, I knew I wanted something more than the traditional office and cubicle environment. I felt stifled and knew I was meant for something that offered more freedom, creativity, and connection with people.

That’s when I decided to bet on myself.

I had maintained my real estate license for more than two years, but if I’m being honest, I was what I call a “secret agent.” I would occasionally attend brokerage meetings and training classes, but I wasn’t actively building a business. With some savings set aside, I made a commitment to give real estate six months of my full attention and see where it could take me.

Once I made that decision, I did the only thing I knew how to do—I went all in.

I was with Keller Williams at the time, and I treated real estate like a full-time job from day one. I showed up to the office every day, attended trainings, asked questions, and surrounded myself with people who were already succeeding. In between classes, I would sit in the training room making phone calls to everyone I knew, simply letting them know I was officially in real estate full-time and ready to help.

Before long, I helped a family member purchase their first home. Shortly after, a former colleague referred an executive who had relocated to Florida from Texas. Those early opportunities gave me momentum, confidence, and proof that I had made the right decision.

From there, the business continued to grow, one relationship and one client at a time. Looking back now, I’m grateful I took that leap of faith because what started as a six-month experiment became a career that has allowed me to help so many people navigate some of life’s biggest transitions—and I’ve never looked back.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. I’ve gone through many transitions, both personally and professionally, throughout my time in this industry. Like anyone over the course of nearly a decade, I’ve experienced seasons of growth, unexpected challenges, and moments that tested me in ways I never anticipated.

One thing that has worked in my favor is that I haven’t had many distractions pulling my attention away from my goals. That has allowed me to really lock in, focus on myself, and work toward becoming the woman and professional I aspire to be. Even when I’ve gotten off track or experienced a difficult season, I’ve always found a way to adjust my sails and keep moving forward.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, my business is about helping people navigate major life transitions with confidence. Real estate is often tied to some of life’s biggest moments—a first home purchase, a growing family, a relocation, an investment opportunity, or the sale of a home filled with years of memories. I take a lot of pride in being a trusted advisor during those moments and helping my clients make informed decisions every step of the way.

I am a Realtor, Broker Associate, and real estate instructor serving South Florida. I specialize in residential real estate with a strong focus on listings, luxury properties, relocations, and helping sellers position their homes to achieve the best possible outcome in today’s market. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping more than 100 families and individuals buy and sell homes across the region.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific transaction or sales volume—it’s the reputation I’ve built. Many of my clients come from referrals and repeat business, which tells me that people trust me not only to get the job done, but to genuinely advocate for their best interests. That’s something I never take for granted.

One accomplishment I’m particularly proud of is becoming a real estate instructor for Florida Realtors this year. Education has always been important to me, and after spending nearly a decade building my business and helping clients navigate the market, it’s incredibly rewarding to now help educate and develop other real estate professionals as well.

I believe what sets me apart is the combination of communication, education, and marketing. My background in sales and marketing allows me to strategically position properties and create effective marketing strategies for my clients. Whether I’m teaching agents in a classroom setting or guiding clients through a transaction, I believe informed people make better decisions.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is living a life of purpose and continued growth. I’ve always believed that success isn’t just about professional achievements or financial milestones—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself and making a positive impact on the people around you along the way.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to value relationships, experiences, and personal development more than ever. My faith, my family, my close friendships, and the opportunity to help others are the things that keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters.

Professionally, I’m grateful that real estate allows me to combine many of those values. Every day, I have the opportunity to help people navigate important life decisions, build wealth through homeownership, and create new chapters for themselves and their families. Being trusted to play a role in those moments is something I never take lightly.

At the end of the day, I want to continue growing—not only as a business owner, but as a woman, a leader, and a person. If I can look back and know that I stayed true to my values, continued to evolve, and positively impacted the lives of others, then I would consider that a life well lived.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlajohnson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashlacollette
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlajohnson/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SouthFloridaLuxeLife