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

Hi Asha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am a huge risktaker. Risks have played a huge part of my life and as well as my career. I was able to change my life within a year. For example, I dropped out of college early January 2021. People thought that I was crazy when I dropped out of school but school wasn’t for me. March 2o21, I decided to go to real estate school and I was able to obtain my license within the same month. I wanted to make a change in my life. Therefore, I decided that I wanted to become an entrepreneur and pursue real estate full time. Nevertheless, I quit my full time job at McKee Food Corporation in June 2021. I was very nervous because real estate is not consistent income. However, I was determined because; I didn’t want to work for anyone else. I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. Real estate has opened many doors for me. I have spoken to various children and young adults that want to become entrepreneurs like me. I’m living my dream while helping others become homeowners and create generational wealth. I took a enormous risk by being a young, black, queer, woman in real estate residing in a very conservative area like Chattanooga, Tennessee. Also, I’m still one of the youngest realtors in my city as well. I honestly believe everything happens for a reason and with every risk I took has changed my life completely and I don’t regret it.

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?
I am a licensed realtor in Tennessee and Georgia. I work in the Chattanooga, Cleveland, North Georgia and surrounding areas. I’m one of the youngest realtors in my area currently. I got both my Georgia and Tennessee licenses when I was 18 years old and I started pursuing real estate full time at 19 years old. I was able to close 11 homes my first full year in real estate. I struggled when I first started. I didn’t know anyone who was looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate at the time. Many people had a hard trusting me because of my age. I knew I had to work 10x harder than most people that are older than me. I started to become more knowledgeable in the business as well. My mentor always says “knowledge is power.” When I started to become knowledgeable; people did not care about how old I was. I was able to close a deal with a client who was 3x older than me. I’ve also learned that you have to have thick skin in this business. Sometimes you can have multiple closings back to back or go a couple months without closings. You have to stay consistent and believe in yourself. I want people to know that if I can do it. You can too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestfriend were happened to visit Chattanooga for a week here are my favorite activities & restaurants.

Day 1 – Chattanooga Choo Choo, Incline Railway, Point Park
Day 2 – Walnut Street Bridge, Chattanooga’s NorthShore, Tennessee Aquarium
Day 3 – Ruby Falls, Rock City
Day 4 – Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum

Restaurants
Bonefish Grill
Agave & Rye
State of Confusion
Scotties on the River

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give thanks to God without him I would be nothing. I want thank my family and friends especially my mom. She’s always been there for me when I need her. My grandmother also inspired me to get into the business. I’m living her dream. She always wanted to have a career in real estate but unfortunately her health didn’t allow her too. Although, she has passed away. I’m still carrying her legacy on. I would also like to give a huge shoutout to my mentor Tauris Odum. He helped encourage me to get into real estate and has been with me every step of the way. I’m grateful to have him as a mentor. I’m grateful for my broker, Darren Miller, of the Hero Homes group. He gave me a chance and hired me when no one else believed in me. He knew that I could succeed in this business. I want to recognize my team as well it takes a village to succeed. I want to give recognition to my clients without their referrals. I wouldn’t be able to do what I love to do!

Website: www.sellwithdarren.com

Instagram: Ashaleetherealtor

Facebook: Asha Lee

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