In the world of real estate, success stories often emerge from unexpected places. Few agents, however, can boast a redemption arc quite like Stacey Mathews-Johnson. For years, Stacey battled the powerful grip of addiction, which sent her down a destructive path and took a heavy toll on her life and the lives of those around her. It’s with immense tenacity and resilience that Stacey eventually overcame addiction and emerged as a prominent figure in the real estate industry. Now eight years clean and sober, Stacey’s story is a testament to the power of recovery, personal growth, and second chances.

 

“I had open-heart surgery twice,” Stacey recalled. “When I almost died was when I reached my bottom. It didn’t just save my life—it completely changed my life. I’m grateful to be an addict because it gave me the life I have now. I’m a very grateful person who lives with intention and purpose and I didn’t have that before, even before I was an addict.”

 

With the unwavering support of her family, Stacey discovered Narcotics Anonymous, which became a crucial turning point in her journey. It provided her not only with a supportive community but a lifeline, connecting her with individuals who understood her struggles. This transformative experience instilled in her a renewed sense of purpose that became the catalyst for positive change and propelled her toward a more hopeful future.

 

“I found a recovery 12-step program and it was everything I’d ever been looking for,” Stacey shared. “I found people that understood me and spoke my language. People who understood my trials and tribulations. My support system in recovery has become a second family because you go through everything together. I never have to be alone again and that really makes life worth living.”

 

Prior to her battle with addiction, Stacey recalled a burgeoning interest in real estate. It was ultimately the COVID-19 pandemic, however, that forced her to reevaluate her professional goals and served as the unexpected impetus for her entry into the business. Since obtaining her license in 2020, Stacey's genuine passion for people and her commitment to providing exceptional service has set her apart in the industry. A firm believer in the power of connection, she has found in real estate an opportunity to serve clients on a personal level and guide them through the intricacies of the home buying and selling process with empathy.

 

“I don’t like to be involved in anything that’s gimmicky or that you have to sell people on,” Stacey explained. “I love that real estate sells itself. You just have to take care of people and I really enjoy that. I’m motivated by the fact that there are no ceilings—all while being able to help people’s dreams come true.”

 

During her journey, Stacey found invaluable support from mentors, particularly accomplished women in her Keller Williams office who guided her through the initial stages of her real estate career. Their encouragement fortified her resolve, instilling the confidence she needed to succeed. As 2021 Rookie of the Year, she quickly earned a spot among the top three agents for Best of Volusia County as well as the top individual agent for closed units two years running.

 

“I feel like my past has made me a better person in every area,” Stacey described. “It’s given me the tenacity, grit, and hustle to know I can get through anything. Everything is ‘figureoutable’ if I can come back from the dead and live a thriving life full of happiness. I feel like I’m ahead of the game because of it. It really gave me a positive outlook and I think that having that mindset gets you so much further.”

 

Despite her success, Stacey's aspiration to make a positive impact extends beyond real estate. She remains grounded by a desire to serve her community and help others achieve their own comeback stories. She actively sponsors women in their recovery journeys, speaks at treatment centers, and shares her story to inspire those facing similar challenges.

 

“A huge goal of mine is to help other people who are going through what I did because it gave me the life I have today,” Stacey shared. “My whole life is because of Narcotics Anonymous. So many people struggle, and everyone has someone affected by it. I just want to give back to the community that gave me everything.”

 

Stacey's genuine authenticity and relentless work ethic have earned her the support and trust of those who have witnessed her transformation. Looking to the future, she aims to expand her reach and continue to make a positive impact in the lives of those she encounters—both within real estate and beyond.

 

“Growing up in this town and having such a public fall and now a public rise, that’s actually helped me tremendously because people want to support the people they know,” Stacey said. “I feel eternally grateful for my success and will continue to put in the hard work it takes to sustain it.”