We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Carmichael a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Many know me as an entrepreneur who works hard to bring change to the community. I sees value in other people when they can’t see it in themselves and love to give everyone an opportunity to live out their purpose. They would be surprised to learn that less than ten years ago, this was all bottled up inside with no hope of shining on others. Yet, as Alfa Holden wrote, “You can’t touch a woman who can wear pain like the grandest of diamonds around her neck.”
When I was growing up in the small town of Ingleside, TX, I was full of hopes and dreams but never shared them with others because for fear they might laugh at me. Although my family couldn’t afford many name-brand things, I daydreamed about being the publisher of a fashion magazine and spent hours sketching designs. When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to shadow people in the field of graphic design and impressed professional designers with a spontaneous and creative ad campaign idea.
Although I was one of the first in my family to go to college, I met a man who promised a happily ever after, so I set aside my dreams. However, the fairytale soon ended, as I endured verbal, emotional, and physical abuse. I tried escaping with my children but was unsuccessful several times. I loved being a mom, but it soon became a life of survival.
When I finally broke free from the bondage of abuse, I literally started over with nothing but the clothes I was wearing. I was both relieved and anxious. For ten years, I had been isolated and told that I was worthless, but I still dreamed about using my creativity to help others. I realized that the things I was most fearful of were being vulnerable with people and being rejected by a magazine, so that was what I needed to do to grow beyond myself, and I did!
Although I excelled in a newfound marketing career and things were falling into place – Hurricane Harvey hit, and business came to a halt. During this difficult season, my father passed away. To compound the loss, my new blended family was experiencing brokenness, and it was coming from someone I thought was a trusted friend.
I was so broken and wanted to bring positivity into my life, but the only thing I could control was how I served others going through a disaster while my life was going through a disaster. I knew what it was like to lose precious things and start over with nothing. I learned that the storm that was sent to break you is actually the storm that was sent to make you.
When a former high school classmate’s son was diagnosed with brain cancer soon after, I immediately volunteered to help. I was asked to help sell barbeque plates, but had a vision for something much bigger that could help many families of children diagnosed with cancer. That is how the nonprofit 501c3 Battlin’ BBQ was started in February 2018.
I accepted a position in business development for a large hotel chain in South Texas. It was a wonderful fit, but when COVID-19 hit, me and thousands of others were put on furlough in the spring of 2020. I found great joy in the time spent with my boys, and was equally excited to return to work in the fall. However, as the furlough was set to expire, 2,000 other employees were told that conditions had not improved and there was no work available.
I knew I could not just sit around and wait for someone to rescue me. I allowed myself to dream big and be vulnerable, and I prayerfully applied for many jobs. I knew that my creativity and marketing were a great fit for Real Producers and their parent company N2 when I read their mission statement: To build a nationwide company that honors God, strengthens the family, and creates financial wealth for everyone involved. Real Producers was a vehicle to do what was already on my heart.
In November 2020, I fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a magazine publisher and having an outlet to celebrate the success of others, collaborate instead of compete, and utilize hyper-focused marketing strategies. I began introducing the Coastal Bend to the new platform of Corpus Christi Real Producers, supporting and celebrating local people, businesses and business owners, and charities. My objective is to be a purposeful influencer, helping others understand and live out their worth, value, and true purpose. Each month my goal is to go bigger and better so that I can keep serving our community in bigger and better ways by connecting, elevating, and inspiring people.
Amanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Real Producers is more than a brand. It’s a movement.
A movement to strengthen our real estate community by elevating the current culture. We want to help facilitate positive change that will not only benefit us here and now, but that will position the next generation to be even more successful than we are. Everyone wants to succeed individually but we must remember that together we will always accomplish so much more.
Elevating a culture starts from within.
We live in a world of beautifully diverse people. A world where, no matter what you say or do, and no matter how kind and loving you are, there will always be adversity. There are those who will make you believe that who you are is not enough causing you to whittle yourself away to fit in and be accepted.
Playing small is a disservice not only to you but to others. There’s nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were all born with greatness within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone including you. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. You might be surprised at how a simple inspiration can be life-changing for someone. Life isn’t about being who others want us to be. It’s about being who we were born to be. It’s about letting our own greatness shine, and hoping by doing so, we inspire others to do the same. A night’s sky is awfully dark with only a few shining stars.
Sometimes all we need is for someone else to believe in us for just a moment, and I want to be the one whose belief in others brings them hope. We can change the world simply by helping elevate those around us. Sharing the inspiring stories of others helps overcome adversity and works towards making positive impacts in the lives of others.
Anyone listed as a “Preferred Partner” contributes to this movement. They will have an ad in every issue of the magazine, attend our events all while providing marketing for real estate agents to help grow their business. We don’t just find these businesses off the street , nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. Additionally, our partners have been vetted by the top producing real estate agents. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network , not only for the best REALTORS® in the area but the best affiliates, as well, so we can grow stronger together. Without them, there would be no magazine to share inspiring stories, no events to connect with the best in the industry and no platform to elevate our culture.
Our online presence allows the entire community to be introduced to licensed real estate agents and our preferred partners. The magazine highlights the top producing real estate agents, celebrates rising stars, show how brokers have impacted lives and reveal what makes preferred partners so amazing to work with.
Real Producers has been successful because of its ability to connect the area’s real estate industry titans. There are many reasons that make us successful, but at it’s core, that’s what it’s all about. Elevating the real estate community.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
“By serving others, your success will follow.”
When I initially adopted this mentality I read, “By putting others first, my financial abundance will come!’ This was a painful lesson on multiple levels. This mindset caused me to over pour into others, sacrificing my own wellbeing and attracting vultures. Going through this lesson I realized I needed to create and adhere to my own boundaries. If homes have fences, so should I.
Just as a fence protects and preserves our real estate property, so should personal boundaries protect our personal selves. The definition of a boundary is the ability to know where you end and where another person begins.
Boundaries are designed to protect and honor important parts of our lives. They are created to clarify the behaviors we view as acceptable and unacceptable in others. When we are clear about our own boundaries and understand the interpersonal dynamics involved, we can respect and honor the diversity of another’s boundaries.
This does not mean that we must put ours aside to accommodate another person’s boundaries at the expense of our own. It does mean that we are willing to discuss our perspective, learn about theirs and negotiate the best way to interact within the diversity.
What would you do if someone was to attempt to harm your child, fur baby or other loved one? We immediately become fierce and protective with that mama bear and raging beast instinct that we have to protect and care for the people we love.
Then why would you not do the same for your own protection?
Sometimes, boundaries are met with anger or resistance (hence our reluctance to set them). But it’s not wrong or mean to set boundaries. Boundaries aren’t meant to punish or control other people. We set boundaries for our own well-being, but they aren’t just good for us — they’re good for everyone involved.
People-pleasing is very normal and often comes from a good place — we all want to be liked and appreciated. But if pleasing people comes at the cost of your own happiness, it will lead to resentment not only toward them but also toward yourself.
The only people who get upset when you set boundaries are the ones who benefited from you having none.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Empowering others in their personal brand.
The phrase “personal brand” often brings to mind influencers and other people who need to proactively market their work. However, everyone can benefit from presenting their talents to the world, both online and in person.
You’re probably already doing this even if you don’t realize it. Personal branding can be as simple as being punctual, being kind, and choosing clothes that express yourself. It’s really an act of empowerment. Knowing your brand is understanding what makes you -YOU. Because there’s only one you, and what a beautiful thing.
Recognizing your own value will make you feel more confident. When you know that you’re capable and worthy of respect, that nervousness before speaking up at a meeting or taking on a challenging project feel a little less overwhelming. Which means you’re more likely to push yourself to achieve more. Other people will take note, too. People who can sincerely advocate for themselves make others feel confident.
Contact Info:
- Website: ccrealproducers.com
- Instagram: @ccrealproducers
- Facebook: @ccrealproducers
Image Credits
Brianna Cortez Photography TresPina Photography South Texas Photography Sarah Greaud Photography