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Story & Lesson Highlights with Magda Loureiro-Zelaya of Miami Lakes

We recently had the chance to connect with Magda Loureiro-Zelaya and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Magda, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, actually, a mix of both. Recently, I graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. It was one of those “proud” moments where I could see the payoff of balancing so much. Running Sun Life Title, keeping my home life together, supporting my team while my right-hand girl was on maternity leave, and still showing up fully for the program was no small feat.

There were definitely times I laughed at the chaos of it all, like trying to get homework done for class at 11 p.m. after a day full of closings and family commitments. But those laughs were proud laughs, the kind that remind you that you’re capable of more than you thought.

That moment of walking across the stage to receive my certificate was unforgettable. It wasn’t just about me. It was about proving to myself, my team, my family and my kid that with perseverance, you can juggle it all and still grow.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Magda Loureiro, and I own Sun Life Title, LLC in Miami Lakes. We’re a boutique-style title company, but I like to say what we really do is make one of the most stressful parts of buying or selling a home feel smooth and even enjoyable.

I got into this industry because I saw a gap. Title services were often treated like a cold transaction, but for me, it’s all about people. Every closing represents someone’s dream, a family’s next chapter, or an agent’s hard work paying off. That’s why I built Sun Life with a concierge-style approach where clients, agents, and lenders know they’re in good hands.

What makes us special is the way we show up. We don’t just push paper, we problem-solve, we over-communicate, and we make sure everyone feels supported from start to finish. Almost all of our clients refer us again, which tells me we’re doing something right.

I’m also proud of the ways we give back, like our First Responders Program that helps those who serve our community save on costs when they’re buying a home. And as a Hispanic, woman-owned business, I care deeply about creating opportunities, mentoring others, and showing what’s possible when you bet on yourself.

Right now, I’m focused on growing Sun Life by partnering with real estate brokerages, exploring joint ventures, and even looking at acquiring other title companies. But at the heart of it all, what motivates me is simply making closings feel less like paperwork and more like a celebration.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my mother. She came to this country with nothing but determination and built a life for our family through grit, resourcefulness, and an almost unshakable belief that hard work pays off. I watched her juggle school, work, family, and endless responsibilities, and even when things were tough, she just kept moving forward. Despite her struggles, I never new what it meant to go without.

From her, I learned that work isn’t just about making money. It’s about showing up with integrity, keeping your word, and finding pride in what you do, even when no one is watching. That lesson has guided me through every chapter of my life from launching Sun Life Title, to balancing the demands of being a business owner, wife, and mom.

I still hear her voice in my head reminding me that nothing worth having comes easy, and that’s what keeps me resilient when challenges come my way.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly, no. I’ve never been someone who gives up. There have been times when things got incredibly hard. Moments when the pressure of running a business, raising a family, and wearing so many hats felt overwhelming. But giving up was never an option in my mind.

Instead of asking myself, “Should I quit?” my question has always been, “How can I figure this out?” I may take a break, cry it out, or shift direction, but I always get back up. To me, resilience isn’t about never struggling, it’s about never letting the struggle stop you. Every obstacle I’ve faced has forced me to grow stronger, more resourceful, and more determined to succeed. And because I’ve never given up, I’ve been able to build something lasting, both in business and in life. I love the challenge.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the South Florida real estate industry is that loyalty is built purely on relationships, when in reality, it’s often built on kickbacks and under-the-table favors. That’s how many title companies keep business flowing, by offering things they shouldn’t.

I refuse to play that game. At Sun Life, we don’t buy loyalty, we earn it. My team and I focus on transparency, consistent communication, and creating an exceptional client experience that makes people want to come back on their own. To me, true integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and especially when it’s not the easiest or most profitable choice.

It hasn’t always been the fastest path to growth, but it’s the foundation for building something that lasts. I’d rather lose a deal than compromise my ethics, because at the end of the day, I can look my clients in the eye and know we closed their transaction the right way.

That’s what sets Sun Life apart in an industry where too many people are comfortable cutting corners.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me when I’m gone isn’t just about business success, but about a life fully lived and generously shared. That I wasn’t just a title agent or an entrepreneur. I was someone who built people, not just companies. Someone who poured into others, opened doors that seemed shut, and left every person a little better than I found them.

I want to be remembered as the woman who welcomed people into her kitchen, feeding them with both food and love. Cooking for the people I care about has always been my way of showing affection. It’s how I celebrate, nurture, and connect. Beyond that, my eclectic mix of hobbies and my adventurous streak reflect a curiosity about the world and a refusal to live small. Whether it was exploring new places, trying something unconventional, or throwing myself wholeheartedly into a new passion, I hope people say I was never afraid to live out loud.

At the same time, I want my legacy to be about integrity. I never compromised my values. I want it said that I proved you could succeed without playing dirty, that honesty and grit weren’t obstacles, but my compass.

When I’m gone, I don’t want the story to just be about contracts and closings. I want people to remember that I was a mother, daughter, friend, and mentor who loved deeply, who inspired others to dream bigger, and who made them feel seen and supported. If that’s the story they tell, then I’ll know I lived well.

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