How did you get started in your current business?
I grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs who were driven and passionate about their company’s and career paths. I knew early on that I wanted to cultivate a company of my own with the same drive and passion that I was exposed to growing up. Real estate was always a career field that interested me.
One of the most appealing aspects of real estate was the fact that agents worked as independent contractors, free to make their own schedules, and work as little or as much as they wanted to. This to me, was the fundamental catalyst that I needed to become an entrepreneur. In 2005, with the guidance of a dear friend, already licensed in real estate, I took the steps necessary to obtain my real estate license.
What is a challenge or obstacle that you had to overcome to achieve the success you have today?
Initially, I was very discouraged by my new career path in real estate. The same year I became licensed, Hurricane Katrina hit. This was followed up by a crashing economy and real estate collapse and topped off with the Deep Horizon Oil Spill.
In hindsight, I’ve learned that strength is built through adversity. My strength was never giving up on my dream of someday owning and operating my own real estate brokerage. A silver lining I picked up through all the trials and tribulations was successfully diversifying myself and my talents.
I credit a lot of my success over the years to finding my niche in condominiums. I’ve leased, listed, decorated and sold condominiums all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In addition, I proudly worked for 10 years as the HOA property manager for the Beau View Condominiums.
Which tools have helped you grow your business so rapidly?
I was told once that 80 percent of success was had simply by showing up every day. To me, the most valuable tools one can poses is desire, determination, passion, faith, imagination and definitive goals. I believe that possessing these tools afforded me the ability to think bigger, work harder and to server others.
I have a passion for helping others. I may not be able to make a difference for everyone, but if I make a difference for someone that is everything to me.
What message would you like to give a woman reading your article that wants to take the next step in growing in her business or career?
Never give up on your dreams and never loose faith! Try, fail, adjust. She who can think it and believe it, shall achieve it. If you can see it in your head, you can hold it in your hand.
