Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lewa Owolabi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lewa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
At the very core of our mission is the pursuit of rendering luxury an attainable dream. Our main goal is to make luxury something that everyone can aspire to. This idea guides everything we do, from the start of our projects; acquisition to planning; to full execution. Growing up as the oldest daughter in the family, I learned how to make the most out of limited resources which strongly influenced my path. It’s a part of my personal and professional story which has taught me that Luxury doesn’t have to be expensive. Having a lovely home, with a modern design and state-of-the-art amenities, doesn’t necessarily have to mean breaking the bank. We design with luxury and affordability in mind.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m from Nigeria, West Africa, the first daughter and the first child in a family of four. We moved to the United States more than ten years ago. I started out working in the tech world, focusing on Cybersecurity, and also earned a Doctorate. I call myself a serial entrepreneur because I’ve tried starting different businesses, some of which succeeded, while some failed. These setbacks, however, have acted as pivotal stepping stones needed to reinvent myself. I enjoy learning, and I’m always taking part in several coaching programs to keep growing and improving.
Before I started Arise Homes in 2017, I was already in the real estate industry. In 2015, I received training from the respected Than Merrill. This training sparked my interest in Interior design, and I began creating designs for personal projects, friends, and family. The positive feedback I received on my color choices and design ideas was enough to motivate me even more. As time went on, I discovered my love for construction, transforming neglected buildings
into beautiful spaces. This experience led to the successful birth of Arise Homes, where we initially focused on remodeling, the process of “fix and flip.” While my early deals didn’t all bring in profits, they were very crucial for my learning journey. There were times I had to hire contractors who ended up failing woefully at the job. I had to step in and manage the project. Being directly involved in these projects gave me hands-on experience and allowed me to deeply understand construction, from planning designs to following building codes. As Arise Homes grew, our focus shifted from remodeling to new constructions, marking a significant step forward in our progress. Over the years, we’ve grown and now primarily focus on new constructions, including subdivisions. Our upcoming project, the Grace Haven, a new subdivision in East Austin that offers modern contemporary living, close to nature and highly coveted hiking trails, Austin amenities including the international airport, embodies our commitment to tasteful, modern design for single-family homes. In addition to that, we’re building and developing our model home, here in Austin, Texas. This space will allow prospective buyers to directly engage with our team, interact with architects and make personalized selections for their future homes. The model home will be open to the public in Q1, 2024
We have also evolved and expanded with the development of our new business, Arise Contractors Group (ACG), a specialized general contracting firm for residential and commercial remodeling, renovations and build out. Our dedicated network of vetted contractors, tried and tested and trusted, caters to customers seeking quality workmanship aligned with their unique designs. Currently, we have several ongoing projects, mainly in the commercial sector, where we collaborate with franchisees from diverse industries expanding to the Austin Market.
Our pride lies in two pillars: the Arise Homes team and our positive impact on the Austin community. We’ve contributed to the quest for affordable housing amidst the city’s rapid growth. Our commitment to maintaining standards while enhancing accessibility and affordability for homebuyers resonates deeply with us. Recently, we unveiled a rehabilitation program as part of our commitment to giving back to the community that has given us so much. This social responsibility program called Arise (Elevate) Rehabilitation Program, is a socio-economic impact program supporting homeless transition with 1 year of fully paid housing. We will be partnering with existing local non-profits like Green doors, Caritas in the space.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Undoubtedly, our shift towards new construction marked a turning point. The decision stemmed from our realization that creating from scratch allowed for a more cohesive vision. This evolution brought about Arise Homes’ dedicated team of seasoned experts who share our commitment to excellence. Our transition into new construction led to the creation of Arise Constructors Group, which is also a pivot in our business because we realized there’s a need in the market. Arise Contractors Group, addresses the need for trustworthy and accessible contracting services. This has allowed us to engage directly with clients and uphold the same level of quality for their unique projects.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team is a perpetual learning experience. I have learned that genuine care and respect for each team member beyond their role is key. Seeing every team member as an individual, and every team member as a part of the family. Much like a family, we create a safe environment where everyone’s strengths shine. Effective communication, trusting their abilities, and ensuring their well-being have contributed to a motivated work environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://arise.homes/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/arisehomesdesign?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ==