We had the good fortune of connecting with Montrea Hawkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Montrea, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I became a realtor because I have always had a passion for helping people find the perfect place to call home. My passion for real estate was ignited through my 10-year tenure in property management. I enjoy the idea of guiding clients through such a significant life decision, whether it’s leasing, purchasing their first home or selling a property to move on to new opportunities. Real estate is also a very dynamic field that allows me to combine my interest in property, architecture, interior design, and financial growth with the chance to build lasting relationships with my clients. In so many ways, it’s an incredibly rewarding industry.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Real estate is a very competitive industry which is why it’s very important for me to make sure I am setting myself apart from other agents based on my services. I pride myself on my tailored approach to fit the unique needs of each client, my innovative use of today’s technology as well as my professionalism and win-win mindset ensuring a smooth transaction. The real estate industry is tough. To excel in this business, you have to have grit and tenacity. Although, the road has had its challenges in turn its also been rewarding. My tenacious spirit has been crucial to my success. Learning to overcome objectives and pitfalls is vital in this industry. It’s another key factor that sets me apart from other agents. When transactions get sticky I don’t give up. I think of creative solutions to address them head on to lessen the worry off my clients.
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.
Atlanta is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. If I wanted to show my best friend the best time while visiting for a week, she would probably leave a few pounds heavier. Atlanta is a culinary powerhouse with a diverse palette. Our week would start with brunch at Toast on Lenox. The signature chicken & waffles dish is my goto. We’d also visit Peachtree Corners best known steakhouse, H&W. I’d make sure our bellies were full every day of the week.
Aside from visiting some of Atlanta’s mouth-watering restaurants, we would tour some tourism attractions starting with Stone Mountain Park. Although we both love to eat, staying active is top priority. For those who aren’t familiar with Stone Mountain Park its home to the one-mile mountain trail. Reaching the top of the mountain is the most rewarding with 360 degree views of Atlanta’s landscape. We’d also swing by the Beltline to embrace some of its colorful street art, restaurants, culture, and local shops. Other stops would include The Battery and the Krog Street district.
Shopping is a must when my best friend and I get together. We love to shop til we drop. Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza feature some of the finest stores. Some of my favorite are Zara, Artizia, Saks Fifth Ave and Neiman Marcus to name a few. We’d also hit Ponce City Market for some local shops and to enjoy its rooftop which boast the most impeccable view of the city.
Last, what’s a girls trip without an unforgettable evening. Atlanta’s night scene is very lively and there’s so much to do. For an unforgettable Friday night, the first stop would be MCK restaurant located in the Buckhead district. It’s a black owned restaurant that offers a chic ambiance and a tapas infused menu. Right next door, is Whiskey Mistress which is one of Atlanta’s staple venues. We’d end our night at El Malo cocktail bar for all the feel good vibes. The vibes at El Malo are unmatched.
One week in Atlanta is simply not long enough. They say New York is the city that never sleeps well I beg to differ. There’s something to do every second of the day whether it’s enjoying a local park like Piedmont Park or the hustle and bustle of Buckhead.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Coming from humble beginnings, I’m extremely grateful for my faith in God and the unwavering support and love from my family. I thank God for His continued guidance and blessings for keeping me grounded in faith and focused on the path ahead. My family has been the cornerstone of my strength. The love and support has kept me motivated and reminds me why I strive to achieve more. With God and my family as my backbone, I am reminded that no dream is too far, and no obstacle is too great to overcome. Another incredible source of encouragement was the book titled “You are a badass: How to Stop Doubting your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life,” by Jen Sincero. This book truly changed my perspective on life and gave me the push I needed. I would recommend this book to anyone who’s looking to transform their personal and professional lives.
Website: https://www.montreamonique.com
Instagram: @montreamonique
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montrea-monique
Youtube: coming soon
Other: TicTok: @montreamonique
Image Credits
J Lavi Photography
@fsoshotit