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

Hi Stacy, how do you think about risk?
Taking risk seems to be a major part of my life. At age 40 I successfully transitioned from the Beauty Industry to Real Estate. Talk about fearful, concerned, and every word in between, that was me. Being an entrepreneur is primarily made up of taking risk but to leave a business that you are comfortable with, not to mention a thriving clientele, to embark on new territory that was totally an act of faith. I’ve described it before as that inner pep-squad we all have inside of us that is saying take the plunge! You can do it! What’s the worst that could happen? Before you know it you have taken that dive into new territory, sink or swim, but you don’t go down without a fight. That pretty much sums up my entire life….Someone has to do it, why not me?

I have experienced being a single mom at 20, divorcee after 15 years of marriage, single mom of 4, every utility in the house turned off, but I’m still here! Life can throw you some curve balls, while some of them, let’s be honest, you asked for it (at least I know I did)…others you really were trying to do what was right and fail on hard times. So what do you do, you fight! Risk are part of the fight. Speaking for myself, sometimes I really didn’t know which way to turn, so I stepped out on faith, praying that this was really the right thing to do.
Who knew that opening one of the First Natural Hair salons in the Augusta GA area in the midst of everyone still getting relaxers would really take off and prove to be profitable. So here I am after a 10 year successful run, being featured in major publications and digital platforms (Buzzfeed being one of them) to one day feeling that there was another calling on my life, a calling that I honestly was being prepped for all along but wasn’t sure how to interpret the visions. This was a risk in and of itself , to leave a lucrative business that was helping to put food on my family’s table to all of a sudden thrust myself into a saturated market of Real Estate.

I remember finishing a client’s hair (at this time I was a licensed Realtor) struggling with being called to make Real Estate my primary career, thinking what if I am making a mistake. If I leave the salon I won’t be able to minister to people one on one. I heard deep down in my spirit, “You are concerned with one on one contact and I am calling you to go out and speak to and help the masses.” I immediately saw a vision from my early twenties with an innumerable amount of people surrounding me. I didn’t understand it in my 20’s but it reckoned with me at 40. Although the risk factor was great my desire to get to that vision was even greater.

Because of my risk I am not only doing very well in the Real Estate market, expanding my portfolio from Residential to Commercial, Development, and Real Estate Syndication. I currently sit on several boards including, Board of Zoning Appeals for the city of Augusta, Arts Council (6/1/21), and Augusta African American Historical Society. I am part of two leadership groups, “The Talented Tenth” and “Augusta’s Agenda”. I was recently chosen to be on “The Agent Advisory Council” for eXp Realty and we are 50k agents strong and growing by the day (after being licensed and with the company for less than 2 years). I will also be running for Commissioner District 2 in Augusta GA in 2022.

I leave you with life is full of risk. Deciding which ones to take require discernment and faith. I am learning that no is an answer if everything was given to me easily it may take away the fight in me to be my best and knock down walls today to help future generations.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I absolutely love being a Realtor. I love everything about it, from negotiating for my clients, learning about market trends, networking, teaching others about obtaining generational wealth through Real Estate and all of the nuances in between.

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.
I would say we have to walk the Augusta downtown River Walk. Let’s grab a grit bowl at “New Moon Cafe” and stop by “Humanitree House” for some fresh cold pressed juice to sit by the James Brown statue in the Augusta Commons area.

Today let’s ride our bikes starting at Savannah Rapids pavillion and end up miles later near the Augusta Canal. After Lunch at “Whiskey Bar” on Broad St. let’s tour Lucey Craft Laney museum because it is so rich in culture and tells the stories of those that fought for freedom. After we leave the Laney Walker District lets tour the Harrisburg area to see the revitilization that is on the uprise.

We can grab some great cheesecake from “Taylor Made Kakes” on Walton Way, the cheesecake is to live for. After going to Bible study at “Mason Chapel COGIC” on Roselle St.. one of the oldest COGIC in the nation we can grab a veggie plate at “Nutritious Alternatives” located on MLK Blvd.

Tomorrow we will be sure to do Breakfast at “The Frog and Hen” on Flowing Wells Rd. their Chicken and Waffles will make you rethink your life. Next we are off to a performance at the “Jessie Norman Theater” off of Broad St. I reserved us a table at “Cafe 209 ” this is some of the best soul food you have ever tasted.

Best Friend
Since this is your last night let’s pick up some Soul Rolls and Red Velvet Cheesecake from “Jackie M’s Catering” on Milledgeville Rd. and we will watch some oldies on Netflix.

Before you head back home let’s do breakfast at “The Brunch House” on Greene St. Their salmon, grits, and eggs are amazing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My husband of 4 1/2 years, James Pulliam. He continues to be so supportive and loving. He spoils me, takes care of me, loves me, and looks at me in amazement with a smitten grin Everytime I walk in the room. When I tell you that I am truly grateful for my husband..not to mention he is a phenomenal chef.

My Mother Stephanie Gant and Father Daniel Gant instilled great human qualities in me. They taught me to stand up for what is right, how to be a woman of integrity, and don’t throw in the towel because things get rough. They live a upstanding Christ like life all day everyday, and it makes it so easy to follow them as leaders.

My Father Milton and Mom Cheryl are such loving parents and full of wisdom. My Father is a man of few words but when he has something to say he lays it out there. The message is always a message of, “If it was easy everyone would be doing it.”

My sister McKenzie Johnson. She is literally one of the most brilliant and talented women I know. She is also and entrepreneur and owner of Carington Management and Consulting.

My daughter Nadyiah Hill. She is always cheering me on. Formed her own Digital Marketing company, Dyiah Marketing, at the age of 23.

Ebony James my best friend since age 1. Ebony is one of the most pure hearted people I know and truly a Proverbs 31 woman. She always looks out for me, knows everything about me and still loves me.

Teka Jenkins. She is the Oprah to my Gail and some days it’s vise versa, we love seeing each other win.

Sheree Patillo best friend since Kindergarten and always cheering me on to win. Also very quick to give me come to Jesus talks. Sheree is a Godly woman, brilliant entrepreneur, leader in the US Air Force, and an amazing wife and mother.

Website: https://linktr.ee/stacypulliam1st

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacypulliamproperties/

Linkedin: Stacy A. Pulliam

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJijFo537dIqS7__vStW67Q

Image Credits
Andrew Conner Morgan Qualtelbaum

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