THE SHERPA STORY
You've heard the story before, right? The one about the brave climbers who take on the grueling challenges of the Himalayan Mountains - consisting of years of preparation, physical beating and mental exhaustion...all for the incredible honor of joining the very small group of humans who have ever touched the peak of Mount Everest.
Although there may only be time for just a moment of absolute elation atop Mount Everest to celebrate, the truly life-changing sense of accomplishment one gains by making this climb can change the course of their entire life and legacy. None of it could be accomplished without the experienced guidance of a Sherpa who knows the terrain, what pitfalls to watch out for, and which routes to take.
To those experiencing the life event of buying or selling a home or building an investment portfolio, it might just feel like a climb up the Himalayans at times. While your body may not take the same physical beating, embarking on a real estate journey is no small feat. Often, it takes months of preparation - and it absolutely changes the trajectory of your legacy!
This is where we come in. As your very own “Sherpa Guides”, we are passionate about changing the real estate experience for our clients. Buying, selling and investing in real estate is not merely a transaction of checklists to be completed; it is a life event, one that deserves to be handled with care. Just as you wouldn’t dream of climbing Mt. Everest without a Sherpa helping you prepare for and guiding you through your journey, we hope you never take this real estate climb without our guidance and care.
MEET
YOUR SHERPA GUIDES
ALICIA
HOLDAWAY
REAL ESTATE ADVISOR︱ ASSOCIATE BROKER︱ SHERPA FOUNDER
2020 PRESIDENT, SALT LAKE BOARD OF REALTORS®
Alicia Holdaway started her real estate career in 2009, right at the peak of the national housing crisis. Though the industry was full of uncertainty at that time, Alicia knew one thing for sure: each time a home is purchased or sold, it's not simply a financial transaction. It's a couple buying their first home. It's a grieving family selling their childhood home after an aging parent passed away. It's an individual moving to Utah for the first time to start a new job in the Silicon Slopes. An investor building for their future. Whatever the circumstance, it's a life event, and it deserves to be treated with care.
Being allowed into these important moments in her clients' lives is an honor Alicia takes seriously, which is why she built Sherpa Experience: a team founded on the idea that buying or selling a home is a mountain climb, and every client deserves an experienced guide by their side.
With 17+ years in the industry, Alicia holds a Broker license and previously served in a Managing Broker role for Summit Sotheby's Interntaional Realty, experience she draws on to lead her team with both technical depth and a steady hand.
Driven by her desire to continually improve the service she provides, Alicia places a strong focus on continuing her education and expanding her professional network. She built Sherpa Experience around the same relationship-first principles that have guided her own career: real connection over cold calls, and referrals earned through genuinely good work.
Alicia served as a Board Director on the Salt Lake Board of Realtors from 2016 - 2022 and served as President of the Salt Lake Board of Realtors in 2020.
Outside the office, Alicia believes business should never come at the expense of really living life. She has an insatiable desire to travel the world, and that curiosity shapes how she shows up for clients and community alike: with an eye for what makes a place, and the people in it, worth knowing. Seeing the humanity in the communities she serves isn't a side note for Alicia; it's part of why she does this work at all.
Whether you're looking for a first home along the Wasatch Front or a vacation home in the mountains, Alicia and the Sherpa Experience team are ready to guide you every step of the way.
NATALIE
HERRERA
REAL ESTATE ADVISOR
Born and raised in Utah, Natalie Herrera offers a deep understanding of the local market paired with a genuine appreciation for the lifestyle it provides. Her roots run deep, shaping her love for the outdoors, community, and the meaning of home. From an early age, Natalie developed a strong work ethic while working in her family’s restaurant, where she learned the importance of dedication, service, and building lasting relationships.
Natalie’s natural ability to connect with people began in her early years through sports and leadership roles, and continued to evolve as she expanded her perspective living in Boston and earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her passion for guiding and supporting others seamlessly translates into her approach to real estate today.
Now based in South Jordan with her husband, two children, and their pup, Natalie has built her business around a client-first philosophy rooted in trust, communication, and care. She believes real estate is not about transactions, but about people and the relationships built along the way. Her goal is to help clients confidently navigate every step of the process while feeling informed, supported, and truly understood.
Natalie is known for her strong negotiation skills, strategic mindset, and ability to advocate fiercely on behalf of her clients while maintaining professionalism and respect throughout every transaction. She is committed to staying educated, keeping a close pulse on the market, and continually refining her craft to provide a level of service that is both elevated and personalized.
With a focus on long-term relationships over short-term gains, Natalie strives to be a trusted advisor for her clients not only during their move, but for years to come. Her approach blends market expertise with a thoughtful, human-centered experience that aligns seamlessly with the Sotheby’s International Realty standard.
Outside of real estate, Natalie finds her greatest joy in her family. Whether she’s cheering on her kids at their activities, spending time with friends, or enjoying the Utah outdoors, she values the moments that make life meaningful.
#7
THE POWER OF NEGOTIATION
The answer is always no if you never ask the question.
At Sherpa, we're never afraid to ask! We are dedicated to studying and practicing the art of negotiation, improving our skills with each and every transaction. The best interest of our clients is at the center of everything we do, and we work hard to get the best possible solution for each client we serve.
Whether you're buying, selling, building, or investing, you need a Realtor with effective negotiation skills in your corner.
To read about some of our recent client wins, check out our testimonials!