We were lucky to catch up with Lonnice Prayer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lonnice, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the early days of establishing your own firm. What can you share?

After working with my first real estate brokerage, as a new agent it was challenging to say the least. After about 4-6 months you may land 1 closing, after brokerage fees and a 40/60 commission split, you’re back to square one. I didn’t like it, I didn’t think it was fair at all, not to mention how unmotivated I was to close the next deal. So I decided I’d open my own firm and give agents the money they worked so hard for.. I included training, leads etc…. They were more happy, able to take care of home and was highly motivated.. Although it wasn’t an easy task. I hadn’t thought about the legal paperwork I needed, as a flight attendant, I didn’t know I would need to be at the office everyday, I thought I could do both no problem. Boy was I wrong. It’s like giving birth. You don’t deliver a baby and then leave them alone. They have to be nurtured and cared for, at least to a certain age. If i knew half of what I know now. I would definitely do it all over again, however, I’d give way more of my time instead of hiring people to do the things the CEO should do. My advice to anyone starting any business is to take the time to give your time and learn your craft. Later on hire someone to do those task or even hire an assistant, but you’d always know what’s going on and how things are supposed to work. But by all means jump off that cliff. Definitely do it!!!

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

My name is Lonnice Prayer, very humble beginnings. I grew up in the largest projects in the country, the infamous Robert Taylor Homes. Pretty much abandoned by both parents, youngest of 5 I still to this day never had a birthday party. I was never nurtured and for that reason alone I’ve become that momma bear and that sister to whomever lacked that love in that capacity.. I worked extra hard so now I’m a mentor/coach, flight attendant, CEO of Posh Property Shop Int and Body Silk llc, At Posh Property Shop Int. we offer staging, decor and design. We also refer to Atlanta’s top agents for any real estate services you may need. Posh Property Shop is a one stop shop for all your real estate needs. Body Silk llc , is an all natural skincare product to heal, tone and smooth your skin. Safe for all skin types, excellent for aftershave on any part of the body. Even safe to use on the kids. I’m extremely proud of this product and has been creating and using it for years. And at 50 years old, I’m always receiving compliments and asked what I use on my skin. Thanks to the vitamins and herbs that are in our product to nourish the skin. Available at MyBodySilk.com and on Amazon. PoshPropertyShop.com. I am passionate about people so my clients and customers always come first. I believe in giving back which includes my mentoring women and girls for almost 2 decades now. I don’t charge a fee,.Also I created a point of anonymous contact if needed LonnicePrayer.com and leave me a message..

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

I was a mother of 4 by the age 26. No child support no help from family not even my parents. I would always visualize a certain life although I was living in the ghetto. So I visited Atlanta as I was living in Chicago at the time. I stayed 4 only days and knew I was supposed to live there. I packed up 4 kids, gave 4 bedrooms of furniture away. Shipping only 8 boxes with clothes and belongings, borrowed $200 from a friend because I had no savings and hit the road to Atlanta. Everyone called me crazy or stupid but I didn’t have time to explain. I knew what I had to do and I thank God I did. My dreams were becoming a reality. One of the scariest times of my life, yet one of the greatest. That was the start of a new life for my children and I.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Well outside of old school telemarketing and just talking to people wherever I go. .. lol… I keep things simple and honest. I always let my clients know what’s what, I never leave them in the dark, I’m fair and honest and they appreciate that. Their response is loyalty, so I have longevity clientele and the first and foremost word of mouth is always the best way to grow your clientele. So for my clients I’m always forever grateful and always making sure they’re happy not just satisfied.

Contact Info:

• Website: LonnicePrayer.com MyBodySilk.com PoshPropertyShop.com
• Linkedin: Lonnice Prayer