Inspiring Conversations with Kim McGinnis of Cutler Real Estate’s Incline District

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim McGinnis.

Hi Kim , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I spent over 20 years working in healthcare and never imagined I’d become a business owner—let alone a real estate agent. It all started when a neighbor encouraged me to try selling $5 Paparazzi Jewelry. I had no interest at first, but I finally gave in and ended up being really good at it. That little push led me to launch a full women’s boutique called Chewy and Coco Couture, selling clothing (including plus sizes), jewelry, home décor, and gifts. We sold online through Facebook Live for six years and eventually opened locations in the Painted Tree Boutiques in Cincinnati and Crestview Hills.

Along the way, I made a lot of mistakes—like not knowing I needed an LLC, a separate bank account, or even how to manage profit margins. I didn’t have the right accountant at first and ended up paying for it. But I learned, adjusted, and kept going.

As the economy shifted, I decided to finally follow a long-time dream and get my real estate license. I studied, passed the test, and joined Cutler Real Estate in the Incline District, where I now help people buy and sell homes in the Cincinnati area.

I also teach private swim lessons each summer, including for children with autism. It started with teaching my grandson, who is autistic, and turned into a passion to help others learn water safety, love swimming, and feel confident.

From side hustle to boutique owner to Realtor and swim coach—every step has been built on faith, resilience, and a lot of heart.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—but every challenge taught me something important. When I first started my boutique, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t have the right accountant in place, which led to penalties and fines that could’ve been avoided. I didn’t know the basics—like how important it was to have a separate business bank account, set up an LLC, understand profit margins, or even how to buy wholesale correctly.

Then there was the learning curve with marketing. Facebook’s algorithm was always changing, and just when I’d get traction, it would shift. I had people copy my products and even try to steal my customers. It felt personal because I’d built that community from scratch.

Through it all, I was just trying to find ways to give my clients the best deals while staying afloat. It was hard. But over time, I figured it out—found the right accountant, built smarter systems, and got stronger. Every mistake helped me grow into a better business owner and, now, a more savvy real estate agent.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Cutler Real Estate’s Incline District?
My business is all about creating real connections—whether I’m helping someone find their dream home, feel confident in their wardrobe, or teaching a child how to swim. I currently work as a Realtor with Cutler Real Estate in Cincinnati, where I specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate the market with clarity and confidence. I’m especially passionate about working with first-time homebuyers and families who need someone to guide them every step of the way.

I also own Chewy and Coco Couture, a women’s boutique that started in my kitchen and grew into successful retail booths at the Painted Tree Boutiques in Cincinnati (M9) and Crestview Hills (E11). We’re known for offering stylish, size-inclusive clothing, accessories, and unique gifts. It’s a brand built on community, confidence, and making women feel beautiful at any size.

In the summer months, I offer private swim lessons from my home pool, including lessons for children on the autism spectrum. This is deeply personal to me—my grandson is autistic, and teaching him water safety inspired me to help other kids develop a love and respect for the water. It’s become a mission that brings me so much joy each year.

What sets me apart is that everything I do—from real estate to retail to swim lessons—is done with heart. I’ve built each piece of my business from the ground up, and I truly care about the people I serve. I want readers to know that my brand is about showing up, delivering value, and building lasting relationships.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always the fun, outgoing one—the girl who talked a lot, made friends easily, and brought the energy wherever I went. I wasn’t the strongest student, but I did graduate, and I was involved in just about everything. I played basketball, cheered, ran track and cross-country, swam competitively, was on the drill team, and even sang in chorus. I stayed busy and loved being part of a team. All of those activities helped shape my confidence, work ethic, and ability to connect with people—skills that now serve me every single day in business and life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kmcginnis.cutlerhomes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimsellscincy513/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimSellsCincy513
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-mcginnis-a2477a2a9/