Meet Jade Gibson | Owner of Jade Gibson Realty & Gibby Girl Productions (Realtor, Photographer, Stylist & Soccer Coach)

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

Hi Jade, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

I didn’t grow up in a traditional home with a traditional lifestyle. I moved around a lot. I lived in very eclectic homes and was exposed to a life that wasn’t exactly considered “normal”.  As a young girl, I left Atlanta and moved out to California to be with my dad. He was a young entrepreneur himself. He was a street kid with very little schooling, but one of the smartest men I have ever met. His work ethic was unlike any I had ever seen. I watched him build amazing things out of nothing and I tagged along for the ride.  

My dad owned a nightclub, where we lived on the top floor. My bedroom was one of the dressing rooms. Here, I was always surrounded by local artists, actors, athletes, musicians, security and service workers. I developed a love for people in our creative and artistic community. I would watch artists perform. I would see people pour their heart and soul into things that they believed in. Things that they created. It was always such an intense, electric atmosphere. One that gives you a rush of adrenalin. Watching someone in their zone of creation or performing left me intoxicated, with this craving of always wanting to be a part of that type of magic.

Later on, my father opened up a boxing gym. It was inside an old bank in Hollywood. My bedroom was actually a huge bank vault. It was a lot of fun. I moved in and out of it several times because production companies and photographers always wanted to film or shoot in there. However, it is here that I fell in love with the mind of the athlete. A lot of these guys and girls came from nothing, had nothing. Their passion, commitment, discipline, and heart are things that I will always admire. They still hold value to me, and I have learned to utilize those motivational skills in my everyday life.

We also lived in several different warehouses in different cities. Some were very nice, and I was able to be around very established and well-known people. Some were not in what was considered the greatest areas. They had high crime rates, and the streets were filled with vagrants, prostitutes, drug dealers and gang bangers. It was here though, that being a small child, I learned to befriend and love whom most people considered the unwanted, misunderstood and unloved.

I lived quite an extraordinary life growing up. My family was riddled with dysfunction, drug abuse and mental illness and I was passed around to anyone who would take me. There were times in my life that I dined with the wealthy and the famous, rode in limos and played in the biggest of mansions. There were also times that I found our food out of dumpsters and didn’t know where we were going to sleep that night. I found an escape to the chaos by submerging myself in books, movies and art. With all the different jobs that my dad had, I was able to see film crews and photographers working on sets. Makeup artists and stylists creating characters, props or beautiful people. Athletes working hard to achieve a dream. Musicians writing songs, singing until they cried or playing instruments until their fingertips bled. I spent a lot of time alone taking everything  in. Everyone. Every place. Every feeling. Every story. I drew inspiration from all of them. I came to realize that I could actually create my own life.

I am not sure that I can say that I ever chose an artistic or creative career or the desire to be an entrepreneur. I think that that it is in my blood. My desire to surround myself with things and people that I am passionate about and creating my own life is something that just sort of developed over time. All of my experiences as a child led me to appreciate people in all walks of life. The most challenging part of being a creative, is that I love to do so many different things. For many years I have done hair and makeup as a freelance artist. I traveled and worked on sets for print and film and have worked in salons, even owning my own at one time, as well as having a small personal studio. I took it up a couple of notches and even added on commercial photography and became a licensed soccer coach.  Most recently I jumped into the world of real estate, which I can say that I absolutely love and have become super passionate about. There is something so gratifying about someone trusting you, knowing that you have their best interests at hand and that you are 100% committed to giving them the best experience possible. Creating those relationships and friendships with your clients who whole heartedly trust you in helping them make some of the biggest decisions of their life is such an honor and I am so grateful to be a part of it. 

All these things that I love to do, have one thing in common. I love working with people. I love to bring out the best in them, to make them smile and to watch their confidence grow. I am passionate about inspiring people. Igniting an energy inside of them that always feels good, powerful, and enlightening. I want my work, my words, and every encounter someone has with me, whether it be a stranger on the street, a client, customer or friend, to have an experience that leaves them feeling amazing and one that they will always remember. One that hopefully, always brings a smile to their face.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

To explain my business, I would have to explain a little about me, because I am 100% my business. Any client or customer wanting to work with me is taking a leap of faith in trusting me based off my talent, skills, experiences and work ethic. You see, I had a pretty tough childhood and I had to grow up really fast. I was taking care of my sister, going to school and working two jobs. During this time, I became a teenage mom and had to leave school. Eventually, I put myself back in school and graduated. Shortly after, I put myself though cosmetology school. I wanted to learn a trade to ensure that I would always be able to provide and take care of my family. I really enjoyed it because I loved making people feel good about themselves. I worked in several salons and then I found my passion working on set for film, television, print and theatrical productions. Here, I was truly able to ignite my creative side. I ended up opening my own salon and spa. It was beautiful and it was thriving, until we went into a recession. I didn’t really have a choice and I had to close it down. I poured my heart and soul into it. Those times were tough. I lost everything I had worked so hard to build and I had to start over. I continued with my work as a freelance artist. I saved my money and worked hard to rebuild my credit. My husband started his landscaping company, and I went to school for commercial photography. Photography became a huge passion of mine and so I began building my business as a freelance photographer. We added to our family, and I was a full-time mom, working and running our small businesses. During this time I was coaching and playing soccer and at one of my games, I ended up getting injured and had to have surgery to repair my ACL. This actually ended up being a blessing for me, because it led me on a new and very humbling journey. While I was in recovery and couldn’t work, I decided to go to school to learn about real estate. It was something that I had always wanted to do and now, I wish I had done it sooner. I fell in love with every aspect of it. Today, I am a licensed agent and work as a realtor full time, as well as run my business as a freelance photographer & stylist part time.

I believe that if my journey says anything about me, it is that I understand the value of hard work. I know how important it is to respect family, time and hard-earned money. I know what it feels like to build and rebuild from the ground up. In everything that I do, I always give 100%. I am constantly submerging myself in continuing education and networking with industry leaders so I can stay up to date with the newest information and resources. I strive to provide my clients with the most accurate and professional tools available to help guide them along and make their real estate transactions as smooth and easy as possible. When I am working with my clients, I want them to know that I am dedicated and loyal and will always give my absolute best to create a valuable and positive experience for everyone involved.

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 absolutely love Atlanta. We have so many amazing places to visit here. One of my favorite spots to hang out at is Piedmont Park. You can spend hours and hours walking around the park, people watching, taking in the sights, the smells, and the sounds. You can usually find a group of people playing volleyball, soccer or kick ball and join in on a game. There are lots of great eateries all around, too. I usually find myself strolling over to Park Tavern. Their food and drinks are wonderful. I like to sit at one of their tables outside and stare up at the city skyline illuminating the night sky and listen to live music.

Going to an Atlanta United Game at Mercedes Benz Stadium is an experience everyone should have. The energy starts in the parking lot. Cheers and chats. Loud music and tailgating. It lasts for hours. Everyone keeps that energy as they march into the stadium, only for it to be amplified. The games are always fun to watch, but the atmosphere is just incredible to be a part of.

Another favorite of mine is a tiny little spot called Cubanos ATL, that serves authentic Cuban sandwiches and coffee. It’s one of those places that you can just taste and feel the love that has been poured into it. It’s so good and I am not sure that there is any place that compares! 

Another one of my all-time favorites to visit is this little sub shop that sits off Buford Highway, called Baldinos.  They have been around for as long as I can remember. Hands down, they have the best subs ever! 

Going to a Braves game at Truist Park is an absolute must!

Oh, and visiting the Sundial for dinner and drinks while overlooking the city as the restaurant spins around is such a wonderful experience.

Without a doubt, making time to travel away from the city and going to Downtown Lawrenceville is a guaranteed good time! It is such a nice area to walk around.  They usually host fun filled events and festivals with live music and food trucks.  There are so many shops and restaurants that I love.  If you get a chance, stop by McCray’s Tavern, Local Republic and Cosmo’s Pizza + Social. You will not be disappointed.  If you really want to have an experience, check out the new Cellar on Crogan.  It’s a prohibition-era inspired speakeasy with a secret entrance, liquor lockers, cigar humidor and live music. 

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?

Each and every single person that I have ever encountered has a special place in helping me grow and build myself into the woman I am today. I am forever grateful to everyone that has ever believed in me, supported me and shown me love. My sister, who has been with me through thick and thin, without her, I wouldn’t be here today. My children, you are my motivators to always stay hungry and to build, grow and work hard every day to be better than I was the day before. My husband and best friend, you have never doubted me and always encourage me to follow my dreams. Making all of you proud is my greatest pleasure. I love all of you with every ounce of my soul. I especially want to thank my friend and my mentor in Real Estate, Lisa Santa Ana, who took me under her wing and helped me develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue my lifelong career as a Realtor. Your grace, kindness and friendship are a blessing, and I am very grateful to have you in my life.

Website: www.jadegibsonrealty.com www.jadecarece.com

Instagram: @jadegibsonrealty @gibbygirlproductions

Facebook: @jadegibsonnrealty @gibbygirlproductions

Image Credits
Gibby Girl Productions Jade Gibson Kaili Gibson