Meet Imani Gaddy | Real Estate Agent & Founder of Belle Âme Box LLC

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

Hi Imani, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always saw starting a business as one of the best ways I could connect with and serve my community. The motivation behind becoming an entrepreneur stemmed from the belief that consumers rarely experience the customer service they deserve. Real estate is all about meeting the consumer where they are. My real estate business was built on the foundation of not only being able to meet the needs of a buyer or seller the way they see fit, but also anticipating the needs of a consumer. Anticipating needs is a big part of providing exceptional service. I have found that starting a business allowed me the freedom and flexibility to truly reach the consumer in a way a traditional job or company may limit you. Starting my own business was about doing things differently. In the past, I have worked for large companies and with small business owners and they all followed a very formulaic system. It wasn’t bad, but predictable. Owning my business has allowed me the opportunity to break the mold of what I have always done to try and reach people in new and exciting ways all the time. No idea is too outlandish when you work for yourself. Starting my own business meant I could experiment with different ways of reaching an audience, providing solutions, and offering services. Since I started working, I have worked in the customer service industry and have found that making people feel special and happy is one of my greatest pleasures in life. Not only has real estate allowed me to return to my customer service roots, but it has given my the opportunity to provide people with something that for many is life changing, a home to call their own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a real estate agent by profession, but I also started another company, Belle Âme Box. Belle Âme Box was founded by my mother, a counselor and social worker, and myself to provide people with resources, information and tools to begin developing more healthy and well rounded relationships with themselves and people in their life. I am most excited to see how my two business intersect as each of them grows. Belle Âme is all about tapping into your humanity and nurturing a more fulfilling life through connection. My real estate business is all about finding people a home to lay down roots and connect with their community in a way that is natural for them. Creating ways for these to business missions to intersect and interact is ideal. Getting to the point where I have the confidence and ability to run two business congruently was not easy and did not happen over night. I was constantly plagued with self-doubt and often still am, but the work I do with Belle Âme keeps me positive. Professionally, I got to this point by trusting my gut and the process. I spent years working for other people and creating their vision. That experience working for others was invaluable in getting to where I am today. I mastered soft skills in those environments and learned hard skills for my field in relation to marketing, public relations and brand management. Throughout my work history, the most important lesson I have learned is that every connection we make matters. The world is often a lot smaller than we realize and you never know when you might meet someone again. Showing respect, kindness and warmth to all people can go a long way and can make all the difference when you are looking for your next customer. The most important thing I want anyone to gleam from my story is that everything we do is connected. My story is all about love, community and connections. I believe in leading in love and kindness. This is not only my approach with people I know, but also in my business. The personal touches and showing you really care about the people you meet and work with makes all the difference. My brand is built and sustained on love.

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 start at Krog Street Market and allow my friend to pick from the assortment of restaurants and stalls within the market. We would probably end up at Fred Meat & Bread then walk down to Jeni’s for ice cream. If my friend like drinks for dessert instead, we’d skip Jeni’s and head toward the Beltline and get a drink from Ladybird to enjoy in their large outdoor space. We’d continue our walk down the Beltline toward Ponce City Market and do a little exploring. If it’s winter time, we’d head to the roof and rent an igloo. If it’s summertime, we’d head to the roof for games and the ferris wheel. After leaving Ponce, we’d end the evening on the roof of Hotel Clermont for a sunset view of the city before going downstairs to have dinner at Tiny Lou’s. I have always been a fan of a good spot to go dancing so we’d then probably head to MJQ for the rest of the evening. Throughout the remainder of the week, we’d go to great tapas spots like Barcelona and Loca Luna. For entertainment we’d visit Top Golf in Howell Mill at least once then stop at Chattahoochee Food Works to get a snack or go axe throwing which is also in that same area. I love going being outdoors so we would visit some of my favorite outdoor adventures like Piedmont Park or East Palisades Trail.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would never have had the courage to go out on my own or the connections to succeed on my own without the support of my fiancé, Chase Stell. Chase is currently running for State Senate in District 36 in Atlanta. He has always worn many hats, including President of the Young Democrats of Atlanta. His connections to this organization has helped me expand my circle of contacts as well as helped me get in touch with what is important to the people who live in our community which has allowed me to find ways to better serve them. I’d also like to shout out the Keller Williams team based out in Peachtree City. Their support has made all the difference in making me feel comfortable in what I can accomplish.

Website: imanigaddy.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iacgaddy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoveBelleAme

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ImaniGaddyRealEstate/