Meet Eriko MonLouis | Realtor, Mom of 3, Co-founder of DJCW (nonprofit for empowering Japanese women)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eriko MonLouis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eriko, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I come from a rural town in Hokkaido, Japan, where my journey as a disciplined classical pianist began at the age of 3. Imagine a young girl spending 3-4 hours daily practicing the piano – that was me. While I didn’t achieve fame as a pianist, that childhood routine instilled in me discipline and the belief that “practice makes perfect.”

At 10, I began taking English lessons and soon realized my desire to come to the United States. Sorry, Mom, but my dream of becoming a pianist had to be put on hold! Leaving my family at 16, first as an exchange student in high school, and later with aspirations of becoming a diplomat and a desire to “change the world,” I chose to attend college in New York. I yearned to escape my small hometown and explore what the world had to offer.

During my college days, I met my husband, had our first child, and got married – a period that was life-changing, occasionally tumultuous, and incredibly challenging. Yet, with discipline and mutual support, we managed to graduate from college while also caring for our child. It felt like a miracle.

Looking back, those days were a whirlwind of challenges, but our current life seems relatively smooth sailing in comparison. I’m grateful we faced and conquered those significant challenges when we had the energy and resilience of youth! After 17 years of marriage, we’re still together, miraculously stronger as a couple, and blessed with three children.

Our journey as a couple has been a path of growth, and I’m thrilled we weathered those storms together. The challenges we faced in the past have toughened our resolve and strengthened our bond, a journey I’m glad we embarked on while we were young. These experiences have also given me strength in my work environment, allowing me to reflect on and apply our shared resilience and determination.

Today, I’m the proud owner of my own real estate company, not a professional pianist. However, I cherish the practice time and effort I put into piano as a young child because, for fun, I get to play in a local band and perform from time to time, which brings me immense pleasure. I’m grateful for the discipline I learned as a child because it’s even more valuable as an adult! My life is as vibrant as Colorado, and I embrace every moment of living it to the fullest.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I take great pride in being one of the few Japanese bilingual licensed real estate agents here in Colorado. Running my own business brings me immense freedom and joy. Every achievement and challenge I encounter rests squarely on my shoulders. Networking forms the backbone of my industry, as strong connections are crucial for navigating the real estate world effectively. When I first moved to Denver from NYC in 2020 and started from scratch, I faced my fair share of obstacles. But who doesn’t love a good challenge, right?

In my first year as a realtor here, I didn’t see immediate profits, but I hustled like never before. I engaged with a diverse range of individuals, from business owners to community leaders, and even collaborated with a local band, leveraging my passion as a musician. Additionally, I organized happy hours for working moms. One thing you’ll notice about me is my unwavering dedication and passion in all endeavors.

Rather than adopting a traditional real estate approach, I took a more relaxed stance, prioritizing relationship-building and offering assistance whenever needed. My goal was straightforward: earn trust and become the go-to person for real estate guidance. And it paid off! I gained recognition online, receiving inquiries ranging from relocation tips to social connections. People began seeking my help for various non-real estate-related matters too. Coloradans, in my view, are incredibly friendly (maybe it’s the weather!), and I genuinely enjoy living here. Drawing from my experience in NYC’s fast-paced environment and honed Japanese customer service skills, I deliver top-notch service to clients and friends alike. Home, to me, is where authenticity and happiness converge.

I find joy in educating clients to help them understand their options and potential benefits, as ignorance in real estate can lead to missed opportunities. Representing clients who often become friends, I always advocate for their best interests.

Today, I am confident in my role as a community connector and relish every moment. My grand vision? To infuse more vibrancy into our community, attract outstanding Japanese businesses, host unforgettable events, and foster a stronger community spirit. My goal is to leave a lasting positive impact on Denver.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
-Enjoy a hike and concert at Red Rocks under the starry sky. -Take a scenic drive up to Mt. Evans.
-Trek to Hanging Lake and relax at Glenwood or Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
-Experience soaking by the rocks with amazing mountain views at Mt. Princeton.
-Explore wineries on a tour in Palisade.
-Discover breweries everywhere you go.
-Take a day trip to Fort Collins.
-Indulge in amazing food at Temaki Den, Tokyo Premium Bakery, and Ramen Star.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I don’t say it as often as I should, but I deeply appreciate my husband, whom I married at a young age of 21 and with whom I share three children, for his unwavering support. Without his understanding nature, I wouldn’t be able to “fly free as a bird.” Having the trust of the most important person in my life gives me strength, and it’s truly a beautiful miracle that we’ve stood by each other through thick and thin!

Another immense source of motivation and encouragement in my life comes from a nonprofit organization I co-founded with my friend, called “Denver Japanese Career Women.” When I relocated to Denver from New York City, I noticed a void in the representation of Japanese women in the workforce. I derive great joy from surrounding myself with like-minded, hardworking individuals and sharing stories with women who understand the challenges of being immigrants and balancing family, career, and personal aspirations. This experience has been incredibly empowering and inspiring for me. As a group, we host events almost monthly, both in-person and online, and our membership has grown significantly.

The goal of our group is to inspire, empower, and create networks so that we can maximize our potential as women, mothers, and career-driven individuals, while also providing a safe space for our community to thrive.

Instagram: @erikotherealtor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriko-monlouis-6a02a85b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikoTheRealtor/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ymWkDr2bilwHAvIYNxlwA