We had the good fortune of connecting with Angel Willis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Angel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always loved the flexibility of creating my own lane, even in business. As an entrepreneur, I have the ability to control my destiny. Very early on, it was evident that I was an over achiever and extremely hard worker; I didn’t mind working overtime to meet goals, even when I was not being paid for it. I was always the first one willing to go the extra 10 miles, and not stop until the task at hand was completed and completed to perfection. I would be doing a disservice to myself to not be working that hard for myself!
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 was first licensed in real estate 16 years ago. At that time, I had a 3 year old daughter, I was working a full time job, and being a successful, productive Realtor felt impossible some days. Balancing parenting, and a new career proved one of the most difficult task I had endured. I walked away from real estate less than a year after becoming licensed. I stop practicing for many years, but I never stopped thinking about real estate. In 2020 I decided to enter back into the field. I had since owned many other successful businesses, including a marketing and public relations company. I developed a strategic plan to incorporate my years in public relations and marketing into my passion of real estate. I made sacrifices; my family felt it, my husband and children felt it, my finances felt it! However I knew, if I muted the noise, fought hard, and became a beast, I too could be successful in real estate, and help the people that everyone else had counted out! I joined Thumbprint Realty in 2021, took every continuing education class I could, took advantage of their mentorship program, and I was back in business! Within a month of putting my strategic plan into place, I had 2 deals closed, and more in the pipeline. I am now licensed in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Georgia, and work closely with referral agents in Florida. What I’ve done differently this time around, is stay consistent, and vowed not to give up. I pride myself on giving every client the ultimate luxury experience. I feel that not matter the price point, no matter the family dynamics, no matter the demographics, everyone deserves a luxury experience while making the biggest and best investment of their life!
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 have favorite spots in every city I frequent! In Atlanta, I absolutely love Lenox Mall. All of my favorite stores are there and not to mention the awesome restaurants nearby. I also love the Gurl Mobb Museum, it’s such a amazing space for content creators with a good vibe.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not have had the courage to step out on faith, and chase my entrepreneurial dreams without witnessing the successful entrepreneurs in my family. Growing up, I watched my Father transform into a real estate mogul, acquiring several properties, and helping others in their pursuit of doing the same. I wanted nothing more than to be just like him! He taught everyone around him the importance of home ownership, circulating finances in our community, wealth building, and financial literacy. The women who raised him, my grandmother Bonnie, and my great-grandmother Beatrice, were also entrepreneurs. I am from a family of trail blazers, who allowed me the freedom to walk a not so ordinary path, yet still supported me without judgement. I thank everyone who has believed in me and supported me throughout my journey; Kerrilee Blake, who mentors me and encourages me, my Sister Niquel Ortega who is always a listening ear on difficult days, my friend Grace Hamilton, who when I feel like quitting, reminds me the million reasons I cannot give up! My village is that of so many wonderful, and powerful men and woman who has celebrated me, and celebrated with me through this journey I call my “entrepreneurial life”. I thank each and every one of them.
Website: www.AngelWillisRealtor.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/angelwillisrealtor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/msangelrealtor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/angelwillisrealtor