Meet Twanja Windley | Founder of the Twindle Foundation, Realtor, Podcaster and Author

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

Hi Twanja, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Before starting a business, I’ve always been obsessed with learning how other Corporations got started. I studied business owners, their mission and vision. When I decided to start a business, I was looking for change. I was looking for change within because I was chasing the wrong things. I wanted to find balance. I also wanted to be the change in my community I was looking to see. I saw a problem and instead of waiting on someone else to address it, I wanted to create a solution. I wanted to live in purpose.

Many years ago during my freshmen year at the University of SC-Upstate, I remember my English Professor asking the class what brought us to college. The room was filled, so there were many answers. There were two cousins that sat side by side and shared that their grandmother wanted them to give college a try. She wanted something different for them; she didn’t want them to get involved with drugs or anything gang related.

I remember that story like it was yesterday because I remember how I felt hearing them say, “I’m not sure how much longer we can afford to be here” we can’t afford it financially and don’t want to place the burden on our grandmother.” I understood what that was like because I left a lot of friends behind when I went to college because they didn’t have resources to attend or had to take care of a love one.

As the semester progressed, I remember seeing them on campus asking others to use their meal plan to eat; I once saw them washing their clothes together and not being able to dry it. In my head, I told myself I was going to do something about it. I knew I couldn’t in that moment, but someday I would create something that would help someone else have less of a financial burden. I started the Twindle Foundation to educate minorities on student loan debt, building generational wealth and also created a scholarship fund to help lessen the burden of student loan debt so that college students could go to school being at ease and not worry about financial barriers. Also so they would graduate and be able to purchase a home without student loan debt hanging over their heads. When I started a career in Real Estate, I saw the challenges that minorities were facing due to student loan debt and not being able to purchase a home. Student loan debt has been a national conversation for quite some time. It stands in the way of minorities being able to build generational wealth.

I was the first person in my family to go to college and I didn’t have all the resources I needed then for college, but I do now. I believe that it is imperative that I take what I’ve learned and sow it back into the community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I like to tell people that “we’re just ordinary people” (In John Legends voice), but I had to realize that ordinary people do extraordinary things. When I branched out to start my own business in Real Estate, I wasn’t prepared. I felt like I jumped into it. I was working in the automotive industry for several years and I was let go from my job. It was the hardest time in my life and I wasn’t sure what the next steps would look like. I trusted what I heard God say to me as He ordered my steps.

What started as a career in real estate has fueled a different passion in me. Helping people has always been my heart’s desire but being able to create change has taken my life to another level.

As a realtor, I’m able to witness the struggles that people of color face when purchasing a home. Many of those setbacks are result of student loan debt, defaulting on student loans, and the lack of homeownership because of race and wealth disparity.

Words can’t begin to elaborate on the hurt I feel inside as I watch people of color struggle. There is an issue that needs to be addressed; to create equal opportunities. I want to create a bridge between minorities and homeownership, therefore I created the Twindle Foundation.

During some of my most difficult times, I would always hear God say, “keep going”. I started my business from the ground up. I had just purchased a home and bought a new car. Replacing the one I sold right before buying my home. I had no clue what the start up was going to be, I just knew that what ever is meant to be, will be. I pawned personal items to sow into my future. I reminded myself that I could always replace things.

I’ve had many challenging moments. If I use the term tough times, it would be an understatement. There were some really hard seasons. However, those seasons taught me to be still. Those tough seasons taught me to trust God with my eyes closed. Those seasons helped me to change my mindset. I remember the Holy Spirit telling me when I shifted my mind, my life would begin to shift. The goal for me is to go as far as God will allow.

When I shifted my focus on who I am, I started to see clearer who I am meant to be. I started to see myself differently. I was no longer afraid to walk alone because sometimes, alone time with God prepares you for better days with others. I read a quote once that says, “the call to anything new is a call to preparation.” I was preparing for my next season.

Some of the lessons that I’ve learned along the way was to never compare myself to others. Sometimes, it is not what it looks like. I had to learn to stay in my own lane because life isn’t the fast and the furious. Slow and steady wins the race. Also, I started to value time and not over work myself believing that I had to do this or that to be successful. Success will come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Greenville/Spartanburg is growing rapidly and there is so much to do and I have just the spots. The first night would be slow paced to catch up and to set the expectations for the week. I would start with going to the theater to see a movie because it is something we loved to do. Then dinner and drinks at Fire Birds because it is near by.

Some of my favorite spots that I know my best friend would love for breakfast would be Another Broken Egg for a taste of New Orleans- the beignets are to die for. Stax Omega has really good Shrimps and Grits. We’re not big on breakfast, but these are places that I have given her ravishing reviews and told her next time she visits we have to go together.

There are several food trucks that I would love to try and what better way to sample food is with your bestie. Some of the city’s freshest, most interesting, and innovative tastes are rolling around on four wheels. The One Eyed Donkey is one of my favorites. Food trucks have so many choices. It is a great way to try different cuisines.
There are several parks to take a stroll, one of my favorite is Falls Park. It is a nature lover paradise. There are many boutiques and small shops around the city. Plate 108 is an awesome experience, even if you’re not into cooking. It’s a great way to learn and laugh at yourself, if you’re not the best.

For a night of fun, First Tuesday is a vibe. Aj’s social and cocktail event brings together professionals from around the city and it is a night of fun and laugther. It is always great to meet new people and network, Some of my favorite restaurants and bars are Gather Gvl, Dave and Busters, or Chop House 47. She is definitely in for a week of great food, laughter, and adventure. Let’s not forget craft ax throwing, I’ve always wanted to work on my aim. Top Golf is fun and I think she would love it. I’m not saying I”m the best, but I”ve hit around with the pros. To whine things down, we could always sip and paint.

For dessert- better than sex is a great place for sweet craving and if you love ice cream the crazy mason milkshake bar is a helluva treat. Let’s not forget Crumbl cookies, you won’t leave any crumbs behind.

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?
Starting my own business has been a very humbling experience. There were so many times, I questioned myself am I making the right decision or what was I thinking. I remember many times taking a walk and talking with God about my troubles and I would always listen to Tasha Cobbs Le0nard’s song You Know My Name. There is a verse that says, God you know me and I trust you with my life. I can’t express how many times, I felt like a failure and knowing that God knows me and the plan that he has for me. I trusted those words. It helped me through my most difficult times.

I’ve always believed that I’m assigned to people and that people are assigned to me. When life was challenging and I struggled, there were people that entered my life to give me what I needed to move forward on my journey. I can’t express how thankful I am for everyone that has played a role in my life. There obedience to there assignment is how I was able to get where I needed to be.

I do enjoy reading and I like to share how obsessed I am with hearing other people’s story. It encourages me. One of my favorite books is JUMP by Steve Harvey. It takes a lot for anyone to walk out on faith. It takes a lot to believe in yourself. It takes a lot to just do it. Reading Steve Harvey’s book showed me that the right time will always be now. I’m a spiritual person and I listen to what I feel the Holy Spirit is saying to me. I believe in signs and I pay close attention to where I feel God is leading me. If God has a plan and I’m being obedient, I won’t fail.

Website: www.twindlefoundation.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twindlefoundation/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/twindle-foundation-a5821520a/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TwindleF

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twindle-Foundation-108087411373679

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCbs3eCxC0AuxFkglq6sPtiw

Image Credits
Stacey Gardin Portraits