Meet Shantell Jones | Realtor, Virtual Properties Realty

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

Hi Shantell, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe risk is necessary for success. In fact, I often use a midrise building as a way to mentally and visually gauge the level of risk I’m considering. If I jump from the first or second floor, the risk is low. I might stumble, but I’ll recover quickly. A jump from the third or fourth floor is more serious and requires more preparation because the risk of injury is real. But if I leap from the rooftop, the risk becomes life-threatening, and that is where I have to ask myself if the outcome is worth the potential consequences.

This mindset has helped me evaluate decisions in both life and business. I opened my first business at 23 years old with my best friend. Since then, I’ve experienced both wins and failures, but each one has taught me something. Even the ideas that didn’t work out weren’t total losses because I walked away with lessons that shaped my resilience, strategy, and leadership.

I would rather take a calculated risk than stay stuck in a job or situation that doesn’t align with my goals. Risk has pushed me out of my comfort zone and into rooms, relationships, and opportunities I wouldn’t have reached otherwise.

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’ve owned several businesses over the years. Some were successful, others not, but each one taught me something valuable. What remained consistent was my determination to leave Corporate America and pursue work I truly love. That transition didn’t happen overnight. I had to be patient, stay disciplined, and financially prepare for the change. One of the biggest lessons I have learned along the way is to never give up. Set your mind on your goal and keep it set, even when things get hard.

Today, I am proud to be a real estate agent and investor serving the Metro Atlanta area. What sets me apart is my heart for helping people, especially first-time home buyers, feel confident and supported through the homebuying process. I understand how overwhelming it can be, and I am committed to making it as smooth and empowering as possible.

My mission is to help people go beyond buying their first home. I want to teach them how to build a legacy through real estate. I want the world to know that I am more than just an agent. I am an advocate, a teacher, and a trusted partner in the journey toward homeownership and financial freedom. Whether you are a new buyer or an aspiring investor, I am here to guide you every step of the way.

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.
If my best friend came to visit, I would want to make sure they experienced the best of Atlanta with great food, culture, nature, and a little luxury. Here’s how I would plan a week they would never forget:

Day 1: Welcome to the A
We would kick things off with dinner at The Americano Atlanta, an upscale Italian steakhouse with bold flavors and a stylish vibe. It’s perfect for setting the tone for the trip. After dinner, we would grab cocktails at a rooftop bar like SkyLounge or 9 Mile Station at Ponce City Market to take in the city lights.

Day 2: Food and Cocktails in Midtown
We would do the Midtown Atlanta Food and Cocktail Tour, a fun and delicious way to explore the city’s culinary scene. It’s a great mix of bites, drinks, and local history. Afterward, we might hang out in Piedmont Park or pop into some local shops and art galleries nearby.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation
We would spend the day at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and full of photo opportunities. We would follow that with a relaxed lunch at Cafe Intermezzo for European café vibes, and maybe close the evening with a movie or live music.

Day 4: Under the Sea Adventure
No trip to Atlanta is complete without visiting the Georgia Aquarium. It’s one of the largest in the world and always leaves people in awe. After that, we would grab dinner at Two Urban Licks for great food and a cool atmosphere.

Day 5: Art and Culture
We would visit the High Museum of Art and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. It’s a meaningful day that gives insight into the city’s deep cultural roots. We would end with a fun dinner at South City Kitchen for elevated Southern cuisine.

Day 6: Shopping and Exploring
We would spend time exploring the BeltLine, great for shopping, walking, and people watching. We would grab lunch from one of the food stalls, then relax with drinks at New Realm Brewing Co right on the BeltLine.

Day 7: Sunday Brunch and Goodbyes
We would wrap things up with a fabulous Sunday brunch at The Garden Room or Breakfast at Barney’s. It’s the perfect send-off, full of good food, good vibes, and great conversation.

Atlanta has such a unique energy, and this week would be all about soaking up the city’s charm through food, culture, community, and unforgettable experiences.

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’d like to dedicate my shoutout to several people who have played a part in my journey. My great-grandmother was the first to introduce me to the world of business. She planted early seeds of entrepreneurial thinking that have stayed with me ever since. My parents are no longer here, but I carry their love with me, and I know they would be proud of the path I’ve taken.

I was always that child who thought outside the box, constantly coming up with ideas and chasing big dreams. Thankfully, my closest friends stuck with me through it all, even when things didn’t always make sense. I’m sure I took them on a few wild adventures, but their support never wavered.

At 23, I started my first business with my best friend, and that experience lit a fire in me. It taught me the value of taking risks, staying true to your vision, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with many people who believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself.

Website: https://shantelljones.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shantell.Jones.RE

Image Credits
Herbert Kuper, Advanced Photo & Imaging