Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Salvato.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I actually started my career very young — I was only 13 when I placed third in a national competition for Elite Model Agency in Brazil, which led me to become an international fashion model. That opportunity opened the door for me to travel the world and work in major fashion capitals like Tokyo, Milan, Paris, London, and eventually New York, where I lived for 18 years.
While in New York, I pursued a degree in Journalism at NYU and worked as a sports journalist, including four years covering the UFC. During that time, I met my best friend, a developer named Shaky Cohen, who introduced me to the real estate world. Through him, I began investing in new development properties both in New York and back home in Brazil.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, both modeling and journalism were on pause, so I decided to embrace a new challenge. I moved to Miami and got my Florida real estate license. I started from the ground up, but I knew that my communication skills, world experience, and confidence in front of people would be strong assets in this new career.
I began with a boutique new development in Wynwood, which gave me great hands-on experience. From there, I joined Dezer Development on a co-listing with Douglas Elliman for Bentley Residences in Sunny Isles — one of South Florida’s most prestigious projects. That’s where I truly learned how to be a closer and gained invaluable mentorship from Gil Dezer himself.
Today, I’m proud to be part of the in-house sales team for 888 Brickell Dolce & Gabbana Residences, the tallest and most iconic building in Miami. It’s been a full-circle journey — from representing global luxury brands as a model to now representing one of the most exclusive luxury developments in real estate.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Not at all! The journey was anything but easy. When you start a new career—especially in real estate—you truly begin from the bottom. It took me over a year to sell my first property, and that first deal came from one of my close friends.
At first, I thought that knowing so many people from my previous careers would open doors right away. But I quickly learned that even your closest friends need to see you prove yourself before trusting you with such an important investment. That was a humbling, yet incredibly valuable lesson.
The first project I worked on never even went vertical, which was very discouraging. There were moments when I genuinely questioned if I had made the right decision—especially starting over in my late 30s. But I was fortunate to have the constant support of my husband and family; they believed in me even on the days when I doubted myself.
This path has been full of ups and downs, but it taught me that persistence is everything. Every challenge built resilience, every setback strengthened my focus, and each obstacle shaped me into the professional I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Sales Executive for 888 Brickell Dolce & Gabbana Residences with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, specializing in luxury new developments. I’m based full-time at the sales gallery, and during Miami’s busy winter season — which is our peak — I’m often there seven days a week.
My focus is on selling luxury residences before they’re even built or while under construction, which requires both product knowledge and the ability to create a strong emotional connection with each client. I love the storytelling side of what I do — at this level, it’s not just about selling square footage; it’s about translating a lifestyle, a feeling, and a vision.
In minutes, I need to understand who I’m speaking with — whether it’s someone motivated by the brand, the lifestyle, or the investment opportunity — and tailor the experience to resonate with them. Even though I represent one project, every client interaction is completely different, and that’s what keeps me passionate about my work.
Earlier this year, I received my first major award: Top Producer 2025 for New Developments at Sotheby’s, which was a huge milestone. It validated all the effort, long hours, and persistence I’ve dedicated to building my career in real estate.
What truly sets me apart is my global background and approach to storytelling. Having spent years as an international fashion model and journalist, I bring a strong understanding of branding, presentation, and emotional connection to real estate. I know how to make clients feel the luxury, not just see it.
I’m also fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, which allows me to connect authentically with clients from around the world — especially from markets like Brazil, New York, and Europe, where I’ve built strong relationships with agents and investors.
Beyond sales, I’m passionate about curating experiences — hosting presentations, private events, and brand collaborations that bring the Dolce & Gabbana lifestyle to life. I take pride in being recognized as one of the top-selling agents in new developments, not just for my results, but for the energy, warmth, and authenticity I bring to every interaction.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve always been a risk taker — it’s part of who I am. When I started my career in real estate, I had no plan B. I had left behind two successful careers in modeling and journalism, and I knew I had to make this work. There was no safety net — just persistence and belief in myself. That, in itself, was a huge risk.
Every time I join a new development, it’s another leap of faith. I need to fully believe in the project, the developer, and the vision — because once I commit, I give it 110% of my energy, time, and knowledge. But in new development, success isn’t something you achieve alone. It’s a collective effort between the developer, architect, marketing team, and sales team — all working together to bring a vision to life.
We’re not just selling properties; we’re reshaping the skyline and helping clients from all over the world believe in a dream that doesn’t yet exist. That takes courage, conviction, and trust.
I also believe that part of taking risks is not being afraid to reach out to people when you need them. When I first started, I made a list of the top ten real estate agents in Miami and showed it to a friend. That introduction led me to Milti Kastanis, who became my mentor and took me under his wing, helping me land my first project. From there, I met incredible professionals like Richard Hottinger, my first sales director, who taught me so much about new development, and James Hait, who guided me through the fundamentals of general real estate. I was never afraid to ask questions, to reach out, or even to be rejected — because I was confident in my potential and determined to learn from the best.
For me, risk is not something to fear — it’s something to transform into opportunity through preparation, intuition, and hard work. The greatest rewards in my career have always come from taking calculated risks — whether it was changing industries, moving to a new city, or representing an unbuilt project. Every bold decision I’ve made has pushed me to grow, and that’s what I love most about this business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-df24091815321028137293/amanda-salvato
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandasalvato/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-salvato-740307119/
Image Credits
1- Agustin Amadeo – One Sotheby’s Award best New Development agent (888 Brickell Dolce&Gabbana Residences)
2- Bentley Residences Team ( Gil Dezer + team)
3- Photographer: Mateo Garcia – Bentley Residences sales gallery
4- Agustin Amadeo – 888 Brickell Dolce&Gabbana Residences sales gallery
