Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayla Lemon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Kayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I have taken is becoming an entrepreneur. I was always someone who wanted to just go to college, secure a great paying job with a benefits, and climb the corporate ladder as opportunities arise. And yes, I went to college, graduated, secured the entry level position with benefits, but I learned quick that was not fulfilling to me. I was so upset because I felt like I had worked hard and prayed for years for the exact moment I was living in to feel selfish enough to not enjoy it anymore. I was feeling ungrateful in a sense. Fortunately, I’m going to be a honest— I have a relationship with God that if he make the most minor changes or allow me to experience setbacks I know it’s apart of his plan for me to grow. This alleviated some of the weight off my shoulders, but I still felt like I needed that job to prosper into my next level and assignment; plus I knew I would have to grow as a person which the thought of knowing I would have to change took a toll on me mentally as well. Unfortunately, everything started going wrong where I had no choice but to take a risk and grow. It was either take the risk or stay uncomfortable. I risked a steady salary that I worked and prayed so many years to gain in favor of self employment. After of months of questioning whether or not I made the right decision, I finally approached the journey to entrepreneurship with an open and learning mind. I must say the assignment was very clear “just show up”. The journey to entrepreneurship was far from easy, but just simply showing up and trusting God allowed me to build a sense of community which in return led me to greater rewards and resources to carry out the vision.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into real estate by alignment. It was something I was always interested in due to the fact my grandfather remodel homes, but the thought of actually becoming a realtor became randomly. It started as a thought then months later God starting placing people in my path who aligned perfectly with my own personal goals and where I was in my life.

I help first time homebuyers not only find the home of their dreams, but also secure the financing whether it be new construction or just a starter home. Reason I say financing because a lot of buyers do not understand the process to even be able to get approved for a home. Even though I do not serve as a mortgage lender nor give mortgage advice, I do educate my buyers on the process and work closely with lenders who provide a variety of loan options and programs.

What sets me apart is the relationship I build with my clients is far from transactional. I am proud of my ability to build genuine relationships as it allows me to assist clients better just knowing what it is they are trying to accomplish. Even though so many have been following my journey, I don’t feel like I have a brand. I have a purpose. As someone who comes not only from a low income family but a small town, God allows me to use my gifts and ideas to be a sphere of influence and help them feel comfortable enough to buy and sell real estate with a familiar face and story.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Knowing how and when to pivot in real estate is important, but it is also an essential life skill. As previously stated, when I decided to become a realtor, I was in a season in my life where nothing was working for me. I went from a 9-5 worker to an entrepreneur, a person who wanted to only invest in real estate to a realtor. From a girl who was so afraid to show the world her gifts, to a woman who was like “ok God, you can use me.” I went through months of questioning myself and evolving which lead me to pivot towards my purpose. My future seemed so unclear and still does, but when God calls you to do something the ability to trust that is golden. My whole first year was trail and error. I took the learnings and pivoted smartly without ruining anything I had already created and accomplished. I was still capable of accomplishing the tasks, but I had to pivot, improvise, evaluate the resources and what was best for allocation at that moment. So many pain points and surprise pivots were thrown in my path and the only two options is to allow it to stop us or reroute us- Luckily, I always choose to be rerouted and continue on.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

I had to learn how to be open to unexpected opportunities that was not apart of my original plans. I can honestly say the ideas and opportunities were God given but they aligned perfectly which allowed me to bring something not only unique but of value to the tables I was invited to have a seat at. I embraced the opportunities and found them to be a catalyst for personal and professional growth. I got a DM from a rising artist in the music industry known as JMB Juvie. I told him I was becoming a realtor and he agreed to work with me. I also get to be apart of and witness artists Tooley and Hotboy Spiffy grow. I took the songs that they wrote about their life and made them the visual foundation of telling my own story in hopes of inspiring others to chase their dreams and bring more attention to their platforms. As excited as I was to have the opportunities to bring my visions to life, I started becoming nervous because everyone I asked to be apart of it- agreed. The idea was very intimidating but I had the willingness to just start. What I felt like the odds being stacked against me because I wasn’t qualified to a carry task so big, really was God giving me an opportunity that prepared me for the things I prayed for.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.listedbykay.kw.com
• Other: LinkedIn: Kayla Lemon

Image Credits
KhyShotIt