A tough experience in California led us to relocate to Colorado and reignite my dream career.

Before I ever became a REALTOR®, I was that girl touring model homes like it was my unpaid side gig. I’d imagine the stories that could unfold inside those walls, mentally stage each room, and dream about the day I’d make this my career. One day, after walking out of a drop-dead gorgeous home, I said to myself, “How the hell do I get paid to do this?”

Now, I wasn’t new to sales. I’d hustled Cutco knives (door-to-door champs, where you at?), sold everything from used cars to luxury, and never shied away from the grind. Then came a detour—Napa Valley. I followed a boyfriend (yep, ex), thinking I’d find myself while juggling five sales jobs. Great plan, right? Move to one of the most expensive places in the U.S. to soul search.

But the people I met there? Driven, humble, successful, and bold enough to chase dreams without waiting for permission. That part stuck.

The boyfriend? Toxic, controlling, and MIA when it mattered. He moved to Palo Alto and rented a room in some sweet grandma’s house, and I’d make the two-hour drive to visit. Enter Brian—her grandson. That’s where the plot twist begins and the story gets good.

Brian likes to say he put out an ad and found a wife. The truth? His grandma and I got close. After I got into a car accident and my boyfriend ghosted (shocker), she sent Brian in. We hit it off. Best friends. Long talks. Real connection.

Around my 21st birthday, a friend dropped the truth bomb: “You deserve better.” I listened. I left the relationship and realized Brian wasn’t just my best friend—he was the one. Twenty-four years later, he still is. We’ve got six incredible, wild, loving kids: Alissa, Natalie, Kailyn, Matthew, Owen, and Ethan—Team St James: full-contact edition.

Getting pregnant at 21? Terrifying. I was newly married, still figuring out adulthood, but I had one mission: protect my baby and break every toxic cycle Brian and I came from. We started healing, doing the uncomfortable work to give our kids the love and stability we never had. That became our foundation.

In 2007, I chased the dream and got my real estate license. Perfect timing—right as the housing market collapsed. I dove in, worked my tail off, but we struggled. Hard. Our mortgage skyrocketed from a thing called adjustable mortgage, and eventually, we lost our house. I’ll never forget Natalie looking up and asking, “Daddy, is this our new home?” as we checked into the hotel. That broke us and lit a fire. We made a promise that day: never again.

In 2008, we packed up and moved to Colorado—the mountains, the space, the fresh start we desperately needed. By 2009, I was working full-time as a REALTOR® and rebuilding everything we’d lost.

These days, our kids range from toddlers to grown adults. Some are buying homes, starting families, and others are still figuring it all out—just like I did. When I’m not selling homes or being “Mom,” you’ll find me nose-deep in a Gena Showalter supernatural romance (immortals and drama, yes please), or binging crime shows like Criminal Minds and NCIS (Gibbs forever). Supernatural? SAM AND DEAN—need I say more?

Lately, I’ve been told I give off serious Yellowstone energy. Apparently, I’m Beth Dutton now… and honestly, I’ll take it. Compliment? Threat? I’m fine with both. And of course, I’m always down for an action flick or rewatching The Matrix. Still my all-time favorite. (“There is no spoon.” Iconic.)

This journey—chaotic, messy, beautiful—taught me that passion usually shows up after the storm. If you keep showing up, even when life sucker punches you, you’ll find your way. I keep doing it with grit, grace, and just enough sarcasm.

I wouldn’t be here without Brian, our kids, and the wild ride we’ve shared. They’re my why.

My husband Brian and I are a dynamic team of REALTORS® dedicated to disrupting the industry by exceeding every expectation of customer service. We work side by side, guiding our clients through each step of the transaction and ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks with our cutting-edge systems and constant follow-ups. When working with sellers, we conduct a thorough pre-inspection to identify and address any potential red flags before listing the property. This proactive approach not only promotes fairness and transparency but also smooths the path to a successful negotiation. We also coordinate with professional cleaners to ensure every home is presentation-ready. 

For buyers, we understand that a new home impacts the entire family, including children and pets. We carefully evaluate how a property and its neighborhood will shape the children’s lifestyle and share these insights with our clients. Once a family moves in, we even organize a block party to help them feel welcomed and connected to their neighbors. Specializing in commercial, residential, and new builds—with access to top contractors—we pride ourselves on being problem solvers dedicated to making every client feel truly at home. 

With love, grit, and a little sass,

Jina St James

Jina: 719.357.5462

Brian: 719.749.1494

jina@StJamesTeam.com

brian@StJamesTeam.com

www.stjamesteam.com