Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie.
Hi Julie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey didn’t start with a grand plan. It started with love—first for my family, and then for the animals and people I was meant to serve.
For years, I had the privilege of being home with my children. My husband’s unwavering support allowed me to be fully present with our boys during those early years, and it’s something I’ll always be grateful for. But when our youngest started school, It became undeniable that growth was calling me forward.
That “growth” became real estate. With the encouragement of my amazing broker, Amanda Martin, and the belief she had that I could do something big, I jumped in. I now help families, investors, and developers buy and sell residential, land, mixed-use, and commercial properties across Brazoria County and beyond. I’ve built a business around trust, vision, passion and long-term commitment for helping others buy or sell their perfect piece of Texas.
Before I held a real estate license, I began volunteering with the National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network nearly eight years ago. I’m deeply thankful for the incredible community that embraced me and mentored me. Their support taught me the core values of rescue and gave me the foundation that drives my work today. I was drawn to helping dogs—specifically Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) like Anatolian Shepherds, Kangals, Akbash, and Great Pyrenees. These strong, intelligent, and deeply loyal dogs often don’t thrive in shelters and require an experienced handler.
Four years ago I began building Big Paws K9 Foster House—a transitional care facility for LGDs that have been neglected, misunderstood, or abandoned. We finally came to a point on February 1st 2025 where we started intaking dogs into the facility. Our mission is to establish a secure and nurturing haven for Livestock Guardian Dogs rescued from shelters, the streets, or unfortunate circumstances. Our dedicated team ensures a transitional environment for these dogs until suitable forever homes can be identified for adoption. Throughout their stay with us, we prioritize the well-being of the dogs by affording them dedicated decompression time, compassionate care, rebuild trust, and expert guidance. Our commitment extends to active engagement through structured work/play sessions, allowing us to comprehensively evaluate each dog’s unique characteristics.
This thorough evaluation process enables us to provide detailed insights to our fosters, adopters, and our partnering rescue organizations. By offering a nuanced understanding of each dog’s temperament, behavior, and needs, we aim to facilitate informed decision-making in placing these dogs into loving and appropriate homes.
Today, I’m proud to be growing in both fields. I recently joined the board at SNIP Spay/Neuter Initiative Program in League City, where I help advocate for sterilization and responsible pet ownership. I’m committed to growing wherever opportunity allows.
Everything I do comes back to this: listen, care, and show up with purpose.
That’s how I got here. And that’s how I’ll keep moving forward—one family, one dog, and one smile at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When the snowstorm hit in January 2025, I jumped the gun and began intaking dogs (placing with fosters) before the facility was fully complete. That decision added a lot of pressure—we’ve been balancing finishing the construction, fundraising for the finish of the construction, fundraising for dog food, medical needs, spay/neuter, preventatives, as well as the costs to run the facility and the daily care of the dogs ever since. On top of that, I’m actively managing my real estate business while overseeing the needs of 8 dogs onsite, supporting fosters, evaluating new intakes, networking adoptables, and screening applicants. It’s emotionally and physically demanding, but, advocating for animals who can’t speak for themselves keeps me going. Every family I help through real estate—and every dog I help rescue—reminds me that the work is worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I wear many hats but we are only discussing 2 of those today— one as a full-time Realtor®, the other as a rescue founder/director—but they’re both rooted in the same mission: to serve with heart, integrity, and purpose.
In real estate, I specialize in—and am especially passionate about—unconventional deals. Whether it’s land for homesteading, a barndominium build site, or an investment property with unique zoning or accessibility needs, I approach each opportunity with purpose and care. I don’t just assist with transactions—I see it as my responsibility to ensure my clients are making informed, future-forward decisions. I thoroughly research every aspect of each parcel so I can guide them with confidence and clarity. I’m fully committed to seeing each deal through from first showing to closing—and beyond.
What I’m known for is my honesty, hustle, and deep community roots. I build lasting relationships, not just transactions. I’ve been told that people feel safe and heard working with me—and that’s the biggest compliment I could receive.
Outside of real estate, I’m the founder/director of Big Paws K9 Foster House, a nonprofit transitional care facility/rescue. We focus on rehabilitating Livestock Guardian Dogs—breeds like Anatolian Shepherds, Kangals, Akbash, and Great Pyrenees—that have been neglected, misunderstood, or dumped. It’s a labor of love that’s taught me resilience, compassion, and the power of second chances.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built a life around service—helping people find home, and helping animals find healing. What sets me apart is that everything I do, I do with full-hearted commitment—whether I’m negotiating a contract, rehabbing a dog, or fundraising for the dogs.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve been incredibly blessed to have an amazing circle of support, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
First and foremost, my husband and my boys deserve so much credit. They’re not just supportive from the sidelines—they’re in it with me. From helping care for the dogs at the rescue to lifting feed bags, cleaning kennels, and pitching in during the long, hard days, they’ve shown me what real commitment looks like. Their willingness to be part of the day-to-day, especially when things get overwhelming, is what keeps me going.
In rescue, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors through the National Anatolian Shepherd Rescue Network. They taught me everything I know about Livestock Guardian Dogs—their needs, their behavior, and how to advocate for them responsibly. Their guidance helped shape Big Paws K9 Foster House into what it is today.
In real estate, I owe so much to my broker, Amanda Martin, whose belief in me gave me the confidence to step into this world professionally. She’s been a mentor, sounding board, and constant source of encouragement since day one. I’m also incredibly thankful for my real estate team—a group of talented, driven professionals who inspire me daily. Their collaboration, support, and shared passion for helping clients have made me a stronger agent and a better advocate for those I serve.
I also want to recognize my cheerleaders—the family, friends, followers, and community members who’ve supported the mission of Big Paws. Whether it’s sharing posts, donating, fostering, or just being there with words of encouragement, their support reminds me that we’re not doing this alone.
And finally, to my clients—those who trusted me to guide them through some of life’s biggest decisions, and then went on to recommend me to their friends and family—thank you. Your trust and referrals are the greatest honor. Knowing that you believe I’ll take care of others the way I took care of you is everything to me.
Success is never a solo journey. Mine has been built on love, mentorship, hard work, and the belief of people who saw something in me—and I’m forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/Juliec1785
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigpawsk9fosterhouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigPawsK9FosterHouse
- LinkedIn: https://www.bigpawsk9fosterhouse.org/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julienashrealtor
- Email: BigPawsK9FosterHouse@gmail.com
- Other: NashJ@AM-RealEstateGroup.com
- Other: https://www.har.com/web/nashj
