Episode 120: Choose Your Hard with Tara Zaluski
Summary
Some of the best lessons are hidden in fear, disbelief, and hard choices. And when those lessons are involved with your true calling, well, isn’t that what life is all about? My guest today hails from Pittsburgh, where she is following her passion to revive, educate and empower neighborhoods around her and beyond. Tara Zaluski defines what passion feels like, what hard lessons look like, and where tomorrow is leading. She and I discuss what fulfillment in life, as a real estate investor, and how the hardest lesson doesn’t involve money. Tara guides us to help choose your hard.
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
A Challenging Start Shaping a Determined Future
Hello, everyone! I'm Dr. Jen, and welcome back to another episode of "My Life as a Landlord." Today, we're exploring the power of resilience and strategic decisions through the inspiring story of Tara Zaluski. Tara's journey into real estate and personal growth started in uniquely challenging circumstances. At just 16, she was placed in an all-girls home, a decision that she turned into an opportunity by choosing to stay on in a structured program that laid the groundwork for her future self-reliance and success.
The Hard Choices of Youth
The program required Tara to manage her own finances, demanding that she save 70% of any income for future stability—a discipline that taught her the importance of financial planning from a young age. Despite the comfort of potentially easier paths, Tara chose to stay in her original high school, facing lengthy commutes but maintaining continuity in her education. This decision reflects a central theme Tara shared with us: "Choose your hard." The choices may not be easy, but they shape the trajectory of our lives.
Transition to Independence
After transitioning out of the structured environment, Tara continued to embrace hard choices. She moved in with a family member, paid rent to live on a couch, and balanced school with work. This phase of her life honed her resilience and independence, setting the stage for her future endeavors in the service industry, and eventually leading her to question her long-term career path and aspirations.
A Pivot Towards Real Estate
It wasn't until a personal pivot—becoming a mother at 26—that Tara seriously reconsidered her professional path. This turning point led her to pursue education in ultrasound technology, though an unexpected accident redirected her once again, demonstrating Tara's consistent ability to adapt to life's challenges. Her journey into real estate began somewhat serendipitously but quickly grew into a passion, fueled by her innate ability to see potential in properties that others overlooked.
Revitalizing Communities Through Real Estate
Today, Tara is not just a real estate investor; she's a community revitalizer and educator, particularly focused on the McKeesport area in Pennsylvania. She and her team are dedicated to transforming this once-thriving area by renovating properties and renting them back to the community. This work is about more than profit; it's about impact—restoring the fabric of a community and empowering its residents through education and improved housing.
Lessons in Resilience and Impact
Tara's story is a powerful reminder of the impact of choosing your hard. Each decision, each challenge embraced, builds not just a career but a legacy. Tara is now looking to replicate her community-focused real estate model in other areas, aiming to inspire others to invest in real estate not just for financial returns but for social impact. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience, strategic decision-making, and the profound impact of real estate not just on investors but on entire communities.