Meet Aubrie-

Aubrie Shares Insight on Real Estate, Service, and Style

From runway-ready glam to River Oaks real estate, Aubrie Layne’s journey has been anything but ordinary. In this candid Interview, she opens up about how years of working in luxury retail shaped her signature approach to client service, and what it really takes to thrive in the real estate industry.

Q: How did your career as a global makeup artist prepare you for real estate?

Aubrie: Working with high-profile clients and celebrities taught me how to listen closely, anticipate needs, and deliver white-glove service under pressure. Whether I was prepping someone for the red carpet or managing a luxury listing, the key is the same—understanding someone’s vision and executing it flawlessly.

Q: What sets you apart from other realtors in the market?

Aubrie: I bring a creative eye, years of experience managing high-stakes environments, and a deep appreciation for aesthetics, branding, and detail & design. I love to help people see the potential in a fixer-upper or the value of the investment. I am very intuitive, extremely creative on strategies, and never give up on the end goals of my clients. I am constantly learning & studying current real estate trends, topics and pitfalls to avoid. I’ve built a career on trust and discretion, and I treat each client like they’re the only one—because to me, they are.

Q: Is it harder to break into luxury real estate than standard residential?

Aubrie: Yes—and no. The stakes are higher and so are expectations, but relationships, consistency, and market knowledge still reign supreme. Having a mentor is key also. It’s not where you went to school, it’s what you learn after it. My background in luxury beauty gave me a head start in understanding high-end service and what “luxury” really means beyond the price tag. You have to start somewhere, and you just keep building. This business isn’t for everyone, and it’s our job to make it look easy when it’s nothing but.

Q: Do you exclusively serve luxury clients?

Aubrie: Not at all. While I work under the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and have luxury listings, I love helping first-time buyers, downsizers, and investors too. Everyone deserves thoughtful, detail-oriented service, no matter their budget. Good service shouldn’t be a luxury.

Q: What do real estate and beauty have in common?

Aubrie: More than you’d think! Both are about helping people feel confident and aligned with their personal style. Whether it’s creating the perfect brow or staging the perfect room, I help people see the best version of what’s possible and both are important real estate, I will always be straightforward and share my tips on what you need, what you don’t, what’s worth the money & what isn’t.

Q: What areas in Houston do you specialize in?

Aubrie: I focus on River Oaks, The Galleria, and Inner Loop areas—places where I’ve worked, lived, and built community. I also know the surrounding suburbs well and can help clients relocate or invest strategically.

Q: What should first-time homebuyers know right now?

Aubrie: You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. Let’s talk early, even if you’re just “thinking about it.” I’ll help you build a plan, connect you with trusted lenders, and walk you through every step.

Q: What’s one thing you learned from the beauty industry that helps in real estate?

Aubrie: The power of presentation. From professional photography to staging, how something feels can be just as important as how it functions. A little polish goes a long way.

Q: Do you still see your beauty clients?

Aubrie: Yes! I take clients a few days a week at Therapy Hair Studio in River Oaks, by appointment. BOOK ONLINE Real estate may be my full-time focus, but beauty is in my blood—and my clients will never let me retire!

Q: Why did you transition from owning your own salon to joining Sotheby’s?

Aubrie: After 10 amazing years running my own beauty business, a health scare forced me to pivot, and after COVID, I reflected on all aspects of my life and what brings me joy. I realized I wanted to spend my time doing work that blends service, creativity, and financial empowerment—and real estate was a natural fit that is so rewarding on another level. I’m on the mend now and love the flexibility of my schedule, and I am doing less physical labor. My family is in real estate too, so you can say it's always been in my blood. I had to let the salon go because my real estate business was getting so busy, I had to cut back on Lucky Cat Beauty.

Global Reach, Local Roots.

Aubrie is completing her CIPS Designation, or Certified International Property Specialist in real estate and helps clients acquire real estate in Mexico.  She spends her free time scouting amazing properties,  eating street tacos, and exploring the local shops in her favorite Todos Santos BCS & Sayulita as often as she can.

Want to work with Aubrie?

To book a complimentary property evaluation, request a callback, and more, visit aubrielayne.com or get my branded app HERE .

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Houston's go-to luxury real estate blog by Aubrie Layne insider tips, market updates, staging hacks, investment insight and homeownership guides from a top Sotheby's advisor who knows the corners, deals & trends.