We were lucky to catch up with Tierra Hensley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tierra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

When I stepped into the world of real estate, I didn’t have the safety net that so many agents start with. I wasn’t from a family of realtors, I didn’t have a built-in network handing me referrals, and I certainly didn’t have the luxury of waiting around for business to magically appear. I was stepping into an industry where success often depends on who you know, and I knew… almost no one.

Before real estate, I had built a successful Etsy business, thriving off creativity, customer service, and hustle. But selling homes? That was a completely different game. I knew I had the work ethic, but without a solid sphere of influence, I was essentially starting from scratch. The risk wasn’t just financial—it was personal. Could I make a name for myself in an industry where relationships and reputation were everything?

I dove in headfirst, knowing that if I wanted to succeed, I had to create my own opportunities. I got scrappy with marketing, leaned into social media, and built relationships from the ground up. I made calls, knocked on doors, showed up at events—whatever it took to get my name out there. There were moments of doubt, plenty of “what am I doing?” conversations with myself, but giving up wasn’t an option.

And now? That risk has turned into a business I’m proud of. I’ve helped families find their dream homes, guided sellers through major life transitions, and built something that wasn’t handed to me—I earned it. Stepping into real estate without a sphere was a risk, but looking back, it was the best decision I ever made. It taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of betting on yourself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Tierra Hensley, a real estate agent in Middle Tennessee, helping homeowners sell with confidence and guiding buyers—especially those relocating—find the right home. My journey into real estate wasn’t traditional. Before this, I built a five-star Etsy business from scratch, mastering marketing, customer service, and the art of standing out. Those same skills became the foundation of my success in real estate.

I started without a built-in network, so I focused on what I do best—building relationships, creating value, and making the process easier for my clients. Selling a home isn’t just about listing it—it’s about strategy, positioning, and getting it in front of the right buyers. I help sellers maximize their value with smart pricing, strong marketing, and simple, impactful home prep. For buyers, I break down the process in a way that’s easy to understand, helping them make informed decisions with confidence.

I don’t just facilitate transactions—I create a strategy for success. No pressure, no gimmicks, just honest guidance and smart marketing to get results. The trust my clients place in me is what I’m most proud of. Many start as strangers but end up feeling like family. Whether buying, selling, or relocating in Middle Tennessee, I want people to know that I’m here to help, that knowledge is power, and that I’ll always work in their best interest.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I started in real estate, I didn’t have a built-in network, deep pockets for marketing, or a long list of referrals to rely on. I was stepping into an industry where connections often make or break success, and I had to build everything from scratch. It was overwhelming at times, but I refused to let that stop me.

One of my toughest moments came early on when I had a deal fall through at the last minute. I had poured everything into that transaction, working tirelessly to make it happen, and when it collapsed, I felt like I had hit a wall. It wasn’t just about losing the commission—it was the emotional weight of feeling like all my effort had been for nothing. For a moment, I questioned whether I was cut out for this business.

But resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about pushing through them. I let myself feel the frustration, but then I refocused. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, I took it as a learning moment. I doubled down on what I could control—building relationships, fine-tuning my approach, and staying consistent even when it felt like nothing was clicking.

That persistence paid off. The very next month, I landed a new client through my social media efforts—someone who had been following my content and felt confident working with me. That deal went smoothly, and it was proof that even when things don’t go as planned, staying the course and trusting the process always pays off.

Real estate is full of highs and lows, but I’ve learned that the only way to truly fail is to stop showing up. Resilience is what keeps me moving forward, no matter what obstacles come my way.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation in real estate has been built on consistency, transparency, and providing value beyond just buying and selling homes. Early on, I knew I had to stand out in a competitive market, so I focused on educating instead of just selling. That’s where YouTube became a game changer.

By creating videos that break down the buying and selling process, neighborhood insights, and tips for relocation, I’ve been able to connect with people before they ever reach out. It’s helped me establish trust with buyers and sellers who feel like they already know me before we even have a conversation.

Beyond YouTube, my reputation has grown through delivering on what I promise—whether it’s helping sellers strategically prep their homes or guiding buyers with honesty rather than pressure. Clients know I focus on long-term relationships, not just transactions, and that’s led to referrals from people who appreciate my approach.

Showing up, being real, and consistently putting value out there has made all the difference in how I’m known in my market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tierrahensley.exprealty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tierrahensley_realtor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCrafteeAgent
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqQq1B09nKBbPFOtXHCc-LA/