Meet Relonda Simone | CEO| Real Estate Broker| Coach

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

Hi Relonda, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking?
Becoming an entrepreneur was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. Working and receiving compensation was easy and comfortable regardless of how hard I worked.  I knew what was expected of me, and I could anticipate my earnings. On the other hand, jumping into a new field head first with no one to hold your hand is risky. Many people don’t survive that, but for me, that risk has truly changed my life.

I approach risk and risk-taking totally different now because I actually BELIEVE I CAN do anything. I challenge myself often to get uncomfortable and strive for what I want to do in life. I have been in rooms and experienced things that I didn’t even know existed especially as a woman of color. I’ve gained freedom to be an effective parent and to enjoy the people and things I love. The world truly has a different lens for the risk-taker.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart in my industry is that I truly have a passion to see everyone win. So many times in real estate, someone finds the secret sauce and then goes into a hole and hides never to be seen again. I learned very quickly that many people will not tell you the ENTIRE story regarding how to be successful. You will get fragmented pieces that you must put together if you have the patience. I was forced into real estate full time after getting laid off from AT&T. Entrepreneurship was always my dream, but like most I was scared and conditioned to believe that having a GOOD JOB was the end goal.

Being a pregnant, single mother, laid off, and scared lit a fire in me that pushed me to fight. I was fighting for my son, myself, and for my dream of success.

I knew it was in me; I knew I could do it. I just had no idea where to start. Now that I am free from the rat race of corporate employment, I have made a vow to share everything I know. I make myself open to give to anyone who has the desire to learn and shows up. This commitment was the catalyst that pushed me into coaching and consulting and birthed The Part Time Agent. I have come to realize that I am a serial entrepreneur. I own several companies most of them are related to real estate. The one that I am most passionate about though is called The Part Time Agent. My experience as a part time real estate agent laid the foundation to where I am today. It allowed me to bootstrap my way into owning property and introduced me to people who would push me into a world I never knew existed.

I am passionate because at that time in my career, I was told no so many times. “You can’t do real estate part-time.” “We don’t hire part-time agents.” Many brokerages are very reluctant to hire part-time agents because of the perception that your full-time work will prevent you from committing fully to real estate.  I know, though, that there is more than one way to skin a cat (lol).

At the Part Time Agent, I coach and consult with agents and provide the much needed perspective on how to win while working full time. I offer a different perspective to help agents transition out of corporate America or make real estate work for their lifestyle. All of my brands are service based and come from a place of truly helping others and preventing them from having to learn the lessons that come with a more negative impact which set me back.  My goal is to prevent others from experiencing those same setbacks. I give from a place of knowing that if I had a me to push me while on my journey, I would be so much further along. Whether that is from lessons on home ownership, investing, how to open a real estate brokerage, or learning to manage a real estate career while juggling a job. I truly give small little pieces of me through all of my companies and brands.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced on your journey as an entrepreneur?
Along the way, I have learned many hard lessons. Most recently I learned that I must be careful who I help. Everyone is not who they seem. Some people are only around for what you can provide for them. It has been difficult for me to learn that I can’t help everyone. This is one of the hardest lessons I have ever had to learn. Partly because helping people is truly the core of who I am. I was always the kid bringing people home for Thanksgiving or adding on an extra roommate (lol). I have always been the if I got it it is yours type of friend. Helping others has caused me to lose a lot of money, so called business partners, and even some people who I thought were my friends.

I had to learn to stop giving things away for free because sometimes that can do more harm then help. You can’t want something for someone more than they want it for themselves. I had to learn when to invest my time because, that has proven to be my most valuable asset. I want the world to know that this entrepreneur life is HARD and not for everyone. So many people who truly know me understand and appreciate my journey. I love y’all for that. My circle supports me in every new venture I have ever tried. Everything I learn along the way I try to bring my friends and family with me. Some listen but most do not ( I have learned to be ok with that). My responsibility as a human is only to share, not to force others to do the work. That is purely on them to execute. I worked two and three jobs for most of my life to get where I am (and still do). I say that to say that OPPORTUNITY is out here. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your family life is, who you know, or how much money you have. If you want it bad enough you will figure it out. I am the direct result of figuring it out.

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.
If my girls are coming to town for a week long turn up, I would hit all of my favorite spots in the city. Sunday straight from the airport we would have to hit up Fins and Feathers for brunch. They have music and a vibe that is unmatched. Later on that evening, we’d hit up Chicago Pizza Bar in Smyrna. inside there is a quaint cigar lounge that has live music and house vibes. Monday- Fellini’s Pizza on Ponce is one of my favorite Pizza places in the city. I love the atmosphere, and the food is amazing. Once I get full, I head over to La’Fonda for a Prickly Pear Margarita. Two doors down the party begins with dancing at El Bar.

On Wednesday, we’d have to find where one of my favorite live bands,Grits and Jelly Butter band is playing. Thursday, we are pulling up a for a wait, but the seafood at  Wat’s Crackin Crabs is a definitely worth wait. It’s a hole in the wall for sure and doesn’t even have dining space. That drive home is the worst because you are locked in the car with all the smells (lol), but me and my friends are making the best of it by jamming out to our favorite hits. Fridays are for shopping, and Ponce City Market offers lots of fun and great food. To wind down on Saturday, we would spend time walking around in Piedmont Park and making a stop at the Botanical Garden, enjoying nature and getting centered.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
SHOUTOUT to GOD first of all. He did that didn’t He? I want to dedicate another shoutout to my mother and father. However, I want to intentionally highlight my mom and many mothers just like her. Mom, you have been the rock of our family for so long!!! You have worked so hard, sacrificed so much in the shadows, and I am using my platform to lift you up and honor the QUEEN that you are. Regenia, you have blindly supported me and so many others, so THANK YOU. You are my cheerleader, and you are just a pretty awesome human being. Although our relationship started off rough (like most mothers and daughters because we are so much alike). You did all that you could to put me in position to be just a little further along than you were. I hope that you see all of your time, sacrifice, and love paying off through myself, Rosbie Jr, and so many others. Mama, we made it, and I love you. You are the Real MVP.

Professionally, I would like to thank the people who help mold all my decisions financially and professionally. My dream team Charles, Mike, and Greg …….. All I can say is thank you for your guidance, support, and encouragement from behind the scenes. You all have pushed me to be better and challenged me to think outside the box. Special shoutout to AT&T for laying me off! I wouldn’t be here now without that experience. Looking back it was my turning point, and I am so grateful! Last but not least, I want to shout out to my TRUE FRIENDS…. You all have supported me on this journey. Thank you for understanding when I missed all the events, parties, birthdays because I was at work. Know that I am always one call away and will always be there if you need me.

Website: www.theparttimeagent.com www.relondasimone.com

Instagram: @therealestatechickatl

Twitter: @theRechickATL

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnI5X3vHEMbqEQM1SXywwUA

Image Credits
Headshots: Devaughn Harris