We recently connected with Sarah Stokes and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

Family businesses are a unique blend of deep trust, high expectations, and sometimes, complicated dynamics. I spent six years working in my family’s business, wearing many hats—Office Manager, Compliance Officer, Reporting Authority, Loan Originator, Loan Processor, and, my favorite role, Business Development. During that time, I gained invaluable experience in every aspect of running a company, from operations to client relations to growth strategies.

However, working with family isn’t always easy. I eventually realized that my contributions weren’t needed and it became clear that the environment was no longer mutually beneficial. It was a difficult but necessary decision to walk away. That experience taught me that while family businesses can be incredibly rewarding, they also require clear communication, respect, and fairness—without those, they can become quite challenging for all parties involved.

Now, I’m in the process of creating a new family business with my husband. We work as 100% commission-based employees at a company we love. We have the freedom to build our own brand, establish valuable relationships with realtors, financial planners, attorneys and regular people in the community. We truly take on new opportunities without any limits! This time, we are setting the tone, defining the culture, and ensuring that kindness, respect, and shared vision are at the core of everything we do.

We’ve embraced an entrepreneurial mindset in everything—from launching our podcast and newsletter to leveraging social media to educate and entertain, as well as leading and participating in several networking organizations. This journey has already brought its share of challenges, frustrations, and joys, but the freedom to build something meaningful together makes it all worth it. I firmly believe that family businesses can be incredible sources of growth and opportunity—when built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to success.

Sarah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Sarah Stokes, a mortgage loan advisor with a passion for helping people achieve homeownership and financial stability. My journey into the mortgage industry is deeply personal and shaped by both family legacy and life circumstances.

My father and mother founded the longest-established mortgage company in North Carolina, and one of the oldest in South Carolina. My father was the face of the business and he led with integrity and love, setting a high standard for excellence. Wanting to work with my family, I initially joined the business, but the experience wasn’t what I had envisioned. To preserve my relationships with my family, I made the difficult decision to step away and forge my own path in the mortgage industry.

Before entering the mortgage world, I was a Special Education (Exceptional Children’s) Teacher and a Lead Teacher – a leadership role, which I loved. However, a pivotal moment in my life forced me to make a career shift—I was in a difficult relationship and needed to ensure financial security for my children and myself. The decision to transition into the mortgage industry was clear: it allowed me to build a stable future while also leveraging my skills in problem-solving and leadership.

Now, I specialize in providing mortgage loan solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. I work with a diverse range of clients, including single mothers (a journey I personally understand), high-net-worth individuals, investors, first-time homebuyers, investors, those purchasing second or third homes, and veterans. I also assist homeowners looking to refinance to lower their interest rates or access the equity in their homes.

What sets me apart is my dedication to creative problem-solving. With access to 221 different lenders, I take the time to research and identify the best mortgage products for each individual situation. The mortgage landscape is vast and complex, but I thrive on finding solutions that make homeownership possible for my clients.

I am most proud of my resilience and my ability to turn life’s challenges into opportunities. My journey has been shaped by perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that I bring not only industry expertise but also a deep personal understanding of financial transitions, homeownership struggles, and the importance of making informed decisions. My mission is to provide personalized guidance, ensuring that each client finds the right path to homeownership and financial freedom.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience is something we all develop in different ways, and for me, it has come through deep self-discovery and the willingness to learn from my past. Like many, I’ve had to take an honest look at the decisions I’ve made—especially the poor ones—and understand the patterns behind them. That process hasn’t always been easy, but it has been necessary for my growth. Recognizing where I went wrong, making peace with those choices, and committing to moving forward—sometimes faster than others might expect—has been a key part of my journey.

One of the hardest but most defining moments of resilience for me has been stepping away from my family’s business. It’s a painful reality, and I miss the day to day with the employees I grew to love, but I hold onto the truth, which keeps me focused on what’s best for my well-being, and ultimately my children. I’ve been embracing The Let Them Theory, a mindset shift that encourages letting people be who they are instead of trying to control or fix relationships. It’s been a challenge, but it’s also been incredibly freeing.

Through it all, my husband has been my biggest supporter. He not only encourages me but also helps me peel back the layers of my experiences so we can both learn from them and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Having that kind of partnership has reinforced my belief that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about growing through it, making intentional choices, and allowing yourself the space to heal and move forward.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Well, I am still in the process of building my social media following, but I’ve been growing it organically and intentionally. Social media has been an incredible tool for me to connect with people, share valuable mortgage insights, and build authentic relationships with friend, potential clients and business partners.

I’m fortunate to have an amazing social media manager, Kat Caldwell, who helps highlight the best of my posts and reels, but I also put in a lot of work myself. Consistency is key—I post multiple times a day, leveraging reels and stories to educate my followers on the equities market and its impact on mortgage interest rates. I provide updates on when the Federal Reserve meets, what that could mean for rates, and insights into the economic calendar. Additionally, I break down mortgage loan products in simple, relatable ways to help my audience feel informed and confident in their home-buying decisions.

Beyond posting, I’ve built my audience through strategic networking. I’m actively involved in groups like the Union County Network of Women (UCNOW) and South Charlotte Women In Business, Women Trusting Women and two new groups to come, one in Asheville, NC and one in Charlotte, NC, where I support and uplift other women in business, and they do the same for me. I also send out weekly newsletters with engaging videos to keep my audience informed in a more digestible way.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is:

Show up consistently—whether it’s posts, stories, or engagement, don’t disappear.
Educate and provide value—people follow accounts that teach them something useful.
Network and collaborate—building relationships, both online and offline, will help grow your audience authentically.
Use video content—it’s more engaging and personal.
Be yourself—authenticity always wins over perfection.
Social media isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building trust, fostering connections, and positioning yourself as a go-to expert in your field. That’s been my approach, and it’s what I encourage others to do as well!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fullystokedhomeloans.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwhitleystokes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565798435758
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stokes-85096b16a/
• Twitter: https://x.com/SarahWStokes
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG7TM0dM3TgvtQHRinZWvOA
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@user79967790
  https://open.spotify.com/show/4bSsU4RLUdVN3IbdTw3mBX?si=a3f63fcca8094be6