Meet Rochelle Simmons | Compliance Director and Realtor

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

Hi Rochelle, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from East St. Louis, but we moved to Georgia when I was in the third grade. My mother was in an abusive relationship for the majority of my childhood until my middle school years. I did not meet my father until I was a teenager and we have never really had a good relationship. I had my first child a the age of 17, the summer before my senior year of high school. I had my second child at the age of 18 and my third child at the age of 19. I married their father when I was 20 and we bought our first house at 21. We went through so much as a young married couple and I remember waking up one day realizing I married my stepfather. My stepfather was an alcoholic and abusive to my mother. I ultimately divorced their father. I experienced everything from homelessness, bankruptcy, repossession, you name it. I would say my upbringing impacted my decisions as a young adult, such as getting pregnant and married at a young age. My mother did not really talk to us about sex, or abstaining from sex. My mom’s generation just didn’t discuss those kind of things. I missed out on going to college because my priority was being a mom, and taking care of my children. So, I made sure I kept an open line of communication with my children as I raised them. I put them in activities to keep them active and engaged. I talked to them about the importance of education, self love and respect. I talked to them about the importance of credit and making good financial decisions. I also led by example. I earned my Bachelors in Criminal Justice and a Masters degree in Business Administration. After completing my degrees, I took the real estate course and passed my licensure exam. I have been a licensed real estate agent for four years. I helped my daughter purchase her first home at the age of 23. I am also trying to get my youngest son in the business. I am the woman I am today because of my upbringing, but also because of all that I went through in my younger adult years. I am extremely focused, goal oriented, driven and hard working. My goal is to educate my community on the importance of homeownership and how making good financial decisions will lead to financial freedom. Although I experienced some significant hardships in my childhood and young adult life, I would not be where I am today without these experiences. They drive the decisions I make today and why I strive so hard towards my goals.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a dual career professional. I am a Compliance Director for a healthcare company by day, and an exceptional Real Estate Agent after hours. I have worked extremely hard to get where I am today. I overcame challenges by never giving up and continuing to push through even when I felt like giving up. As a business owner, it is extremely challenging to build a successful business – clients do not fall in your lap. My business is built on professionalism, communication, dedication, and transparency. Helping future homeowners and existng homeowners achieve generational wealth through homeownership is truly a blessing. It is my goal to be the trusted resource for my current and past clients, as well as family and friends, of my future clients. I give 1000% to my clients because I’ve purchased several homes and I know what its like to feel like you don’t matter depending on how much money you to spend. All my clients matter, are treated as such because everyone deserves to have an amazing experience when purchasing a home, regardless of their price point.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I don’t get out as much as I should. But, if you have friends or family visiting, I would definitely take them to the Beltline and Ponce City Market for a daytime outting. For brunch, I would take them to Noveau – their ambiance and fried chicken is amazing. If you love seafood, I recommend Boiler Seafood for their seafood bags and margarita flights. Music and dance is another great form of entertainment, so Monticello is one of my go to spots. Finally, for shopping the Buckhead Village District and Phipps Plaza are a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Arthur Simmons, my children Erykah, Na-Quarn, Malachi and Aaliyah, my mother Corliss, my sisters Kesia and Venetia, and my best friend Shevawn. My family and friends are extremely important to me, so I thank everyone who has been there for me, encouraged and supported me throughout my journey.

Website: https://www.propertiesbychelle.com

Instagram: propertiesbychelle

Image Credits
Angela Kearney Photography