Aruna has a Bachelor's degree in journalism from a college in Nepal. Aruna took their move as an opportunity to build her career in the United States. She eventually made a successful career as a beauty instructor for a modeling company, John Casa Blanca after getting her cosmetology license from the state of TN. At the time, she also hoped to open a salon business of her own, but it seemed harder every day as her husband, Rajan, frequently traveled for work, and the couple now had two young sons, Aayan (5) and Arvin (8).

In a dreaming state, Aruna recalls, “I remember sitting around the coffee table with two of my friends, trying to figure out what to do next. My friends told me to try real estate because I was such a people person.” She was passionate to do more in life, so after bouncing the idea off her brother and speaking with her family, she plunged into a career she later realized she was meant to do.

Happy Dance

Since working previously as a highly-skilled cosmetologist, Aruna's job had her working closely alongside videographers. One day after expressing to her husband how she wasn’t where she wanted to be status-wise, he mentioned starting makeup tutorials on YouTube to broaden her clientele. Now as a REALTOR®, she uses her channel to share and story lasting memories of her clients. Aruna smiles as she describes how Happy Dance has captivated multiple referrals and allows her clients to reflect on one of the most significant moments of their lives. “It’s so personal for me and my clients so they can look back on it and have a forever memory,” she shares. Now she has become a trendsetter.

Aruna has not only found a successful career but an outlet for her to flourish as her genuine self. She laughs, “Some people love dogs. Some people love cats. I love people.” I knew I wanted to do something different and always felt like I had so much to offer to the community and circle around me. On a more serious note, Aruna declares, “Real estate isn’t just a career. Through one of their biggest transactions, we play a primary role in our clients' lives. They don’t only look for an advisor; they look for a friend who could give them an unbiased view.”In this journey, I have met some of the super amazing people as my friends who I can trust blindly. I know they feel the same way and I am super grateful for them.

Her close connections with clients stem from her native culture, where relationships mean everything. When first pursuing a career in real estate, Aruna looked toward an individual that has constantly cheered her on and believed she could do anything, her big brother Pankaj Khadka. Along with his encouragement and her sisters & nieces ( Pabina, Paku, Anshu, Pawone, Sachita ) nearby to help with her children, Aruna credits her success to the overwhelming support of her husband and family around her.                       

With such a close family, it is easy to understand wanting to spend time together whenever possible. As part of their culture, the family constantly plans festivities for upcoming celebrations. Even though Aruna and Rajan's parents are still in Nepal, the couples take turns visiting each other. When not spending time with her family or juggling the multiple tasks of a top-producing agent, Aruna enjoys working out, spending time with family & friends, doing makeup, and watching her favorite real estate influencers - Dave Ramsey, Tom Ferry, and King Khang.

Family support aside, Aruna still faces challenges -especially going against cultural norms that encourage traditional gender roles in a home. “Even though I have been here for over 15 years and know the area, I still know some people in my community don’t believe in me because I am a woman, and they doubt my ability to make it big in real estate,” she explains. Regardless, Aruna continuously fights to work to the top, even with those who try to discredit her. Her hard work has led her to become a top-producing REALTOR® in Middle Tennessee since being licensed three years ago, including being named Rookie of the Year through her brokerage and having closed over 13 million dollars in volume in 2022 alone. After seeing her massive success in real estate, many women from her community send messages expressing how she has mastered balancing family, social life, and, most importantly, work inspires them. She has set an example for other women that they can do ANYTHING if they put their minds to it.

Aruna shares “Honesty and loyalty are the basic rules for her business”. When you do business you have to think from your brain, but she does with heart. Her goal is to continue inspiring women that they can do more than what they believe they can. “It's not easy” she states, but when you have a personality for wanting to help people, you’ll build a legacy. I still have a long way to go. Each day, I am here to learn and do my hustle. I am thankful for whatever I have achieved but never forget where I have come from and my ground and I still have a long way to go...