Meet Andrea | Founder of CarOracle & Host of This Way Up Podcast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For me, it really started during a time of transition. Our kids were getting older, didn’t need me as much and I was ready for a new challenge, something that combined my business background with my passion for people and meaningful connection. Before taking time off to focus on family, I spent years in the corporate world as a director of sales where I learned the power of deep connection. I managed territories and client accounts, but the real job was always nurturing trust-based relationships. I’ve always loved earning trust and helping people make confident decisions, and I wanted to build something that reflected that. At the same time, I was craving the challenge of creating something on my own, to step outside the structure of the corporate world and to prove to myself that I could build something meaningful and successful from the ground up.
My first step back into something creative was launching my podcast, This Way Up (www.thiswayuppodcast.com) which focuses on children’s mental health, caregiving, and the challenges families face today. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose and reminded me how much I love building things that help others. That experience reignited my creative energy and opened the door to new ideas, ones that brought together my business experience, curiosity, and desire to make an everyday impact.
Through my husband’s long career in the automotive world, I’d picked up more than I realized the ins and outs of car buying, leasing, and how complicated it’s become. Friends and family, especially women, would constantly reach out asking for help or advice. I saw how stressful and confusing the process was, and I kept thinking, why isn’t there someone who just represents the buyer? Like a real estate agent, but for cars.
That’s how CarOracle (www.caroracle.com) was born, from the idea that buying a car doesn’t have to be overwhelming. What started as a simple idea to help people feel more confident in the car-buying process has become something truly fulfilling. Today, CarOracle is a professional auto concierge service based in Carlsbad that helps busy people buy or lease cars with clarity, transparency, and stress free guidance. Every time a client tells me how easy and seamless the process felt, it reminds me exactly why I built this business in the first place.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Everything I do comes from the same place: a desire to help people, guide them through challenges, and be someone they can rely on. CarOracle is one way that shows up in my life, bringing those values into the car-buying experience. Leasing or buying a car can feel complicated and stressful, so my goal is to make the process simple, clear, and confidence-building. We guide clients every step of the way, from exploring options and making decisions to negotiating, handling the paperwork, and managing all the details through to the dealership handoff, so they feel informed, supported, and in control.
Along the way, I’ve learned to always come back to why I do this: putting the client first and making sure they feel comfortable, supported, and truly represented. When challenges come up, being upfront and honest always leads to the best outcomes. I’ve also realized that the partnerships we build matter just as much. The dealers we work with need to share our values and treat clients with the same respect, integrity, and transparency that define CarOracle. At the end of the day, it’s all about trust and creating an experience where people feel cared for, confident, and completely at ease.
What I’m most proud of is the trust clients place in CarOracle and the peace of mind they feel knowing someone is really in their corner, making life a little easier. For me, it’s not just about cars: it’s about the people

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh my, there’s so much to do here, and so many amazing spots to eat — it’s hard to choose! But if my best friend came to visit, we’d kick things off in Encinitas with coffee at Better Buzz, a morning at Moonlight Beach, and lunch at Union Tap. Then we’d stroll the shops along Coast Highway, definitely stopping in at Flashbacks for some fun vintage clothes and end the day with coastal sunset drinks at Alila Marea. The views are unreal.
Day two would be all about the San Diego Safari Park. They’ve done so many cool things lately, like the new Tiger Exhibit and Elephant Valley. You really feel like you’re right there with the animals!
On day three, we’d hike Torrey Pines or Annie’s Canyon, grab a late breakfast at The Cottage, and then spend the afternoon at La Jolla Cove watching sea lions and taking in the views.
Day four is pure R&R, a spa day at Omni La Costa Resort, followed by a scenic drive along Pacific Coast Highway, a stop at Torrey Pines Gliderport, and sunset drinks at Poseidon to wrap up the week. Ok, I think I need a staycation!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I know it might sound a little cliché to start here, but it is the truth. My husband and kids are at the very center of this story. They are the steady, everyday support that gave me the confidence to even consider reinventing myself in the first place. They listened to my ideas, encouraged me when I doubted myself, and celebrated every small win right along with me. Their belief in me has made this entire chapter possible.
My close group of girlfriends has been incredible too. They are the people I can laugh with, cry with, and bounce ideas off of. They were the ones who nudged me to actually get behind the mic for the first time and cheered when my first podcast episode aired. They showed up during the moments when I felt unsure or vulnerable about starting a business and reminded me to keep going.
And then there’s the amazing network of women in San Elijo Hills. Along with mentors and friends, this community of more than four thousand women embraced my work from day one. They became my first podcast listeners, my first CarOracle clients, and some of my biggest cheerleaders.
Taking on something new isn’t easy, but having all of them in my corner has made it not only possible, but truly rewarding and a lot of fun.

Website: https://www.caroracle.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreananigian

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caroracleca

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/caroracle-carlsbad

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarOracleTV

Other: This Way Up: https://www.thiswayuppodcast.com