Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to McKayla Hale. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi McKayla, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The inception of Empowered by Connection wasn’t just a lightbulb moment; it was a culmination of personal experiences, frustrations, and a burning desire for change. It all began with a series of professional networking events where I found myself feeling like an outsider, excluded from the tightly-knit cliques that seemed to dominate the scene. It was disheartening to attend these gatherings, only to feel left out, unwelcome, and disconnected from the community I sought to be a part of.
Each event seemed to echo with the same monotony – dry discussions about contracts, real estate, and other industry jargon that failed to inspire or engage. It became increasingly clear to me that there was a significant gap in the market; a void yearning to be filled with something more meaningful and impactful.
The frustration of being on the sidelines fueled my determination to create a space where women like myself could come together, not just to network, but to truly connect. I envisioned a community where women could engage in fun and interesting activities, where learning and collaboration would happen organically, and where everyone would feel valued and included.
The idea of Empowered by Connection ignited a fire within me because it wasn’t just about business – it was about empowerment, camaraderie, and elevating each other to new heights. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it addressed a problem that so many women faced but few were actively addressing. I saw an opportunity to offer a unique approach to networking, one that prioritized experiences over transactions and genuine connections over superficial interactions.
The logic behind the venture was sound – by tapping into the power of community and creating meaningful experiences, I believed we could not only improve individual businesses but also foster a sense of belonging and support that was sorely lacking in traditional networking circles.
What excited me most about this idea was the potential for impact – the prospect of bringing together a community of like-minded women, empowering them to thrive both personally and professionally, and witnessing the ripple effects of that empowerment was exhilarating.
In essence, Empowered by Connection was born out of a desire for change, fueled by frustration, and driven by a vision of empowerment and inclusivity. It wasn’t just about creating another networking platform; it was about building a movement, one that would leave a lasting legacy of connection, collaboration, and empowerment for generations to come.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m passionate about real estate and empowering my clients to achieve their financial goals through strategic investments. My journey into this industry began with a deep-seated fascination for transformation and value creation, inspired by watching my mom’s DIY projects and involvement in rental properties at a young age.
As an adult, I started investing in real estate with small projects and properties, gradually building up my portfolio through renovations and strategic refinancing. However, I became frustrated with the lack of expertise among some REALTORs, particularly in running proper calculations and analyzing properties for cash flow potential.
This frustration led me to obtain my real estate license and embark on a mission to provide a different kind of service to my clients. In addition to renovating properties and managing my personal portfolio, I work closely with clients, especially investors, to educate and provide tools that streamline the investment buying process here along the Emerald Coast in Florida and all over the globe.
One of the key services I offer is personalized consultations where I listen attentively to my clients’ needs, wants, and goals. Whether meeting in-person at a local coffee shop or connecting via Zoom for out-of-state clients, I ensure that each client feels heard and understood. By tailoring our property search to fulfill their specific criteria and aspirations, I guide them towards investments that align with their vision for the future. I also continue my connection with each client after our transaction is complete. I offer services to set up, advise on, and manage their short-term rentals as well.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my hands-on experience as an investor and my commitment to continuing education. I take my role as a trusted advisor seriously, constantly seeking out new knowledge and collaborating with industry partners to provide the best possible service to my clients.
What I’m most proud of is seeing the tangible impact of my work on my clients’ lives. From helping them achieve financial freedom to witnessing their joy as they enjoy their investment properties, these success stories drive me to continue pushing forward.
Ultimately, I want potential clients to know that I’m not just another REALTOR – I’m a dedicated partner committed to their real estate investment success. Whether you’re an experienced investor or new to the real estate game, I’m here to provide personalized guidance, expert advice, and unwavering support every step of the way.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Before I transitioned into the realm of real estate, wearing hats as both an investor and a REALTOR, I delved into the world of entrepreneurship with the launch of www.EODfudge.com, a chocolate company. This venture emerged during a profoundly challenging chapter in my life, marked by my husband’s service in Afghanistan, where he tragically lost his sight in a bomb blast in 2011. Four years later, another heart-wrenching blow struck when he lost his hearing to bacterial meningitis. Faced with these life-altering circumstances, we were compelled to adapt, charting a new course forward as our lives took an unexpected turn.
Aaron, my husband, possesses a deep-rooted passion for cooking, having served as a professional chef in the Navy before transitioning to become an Army E.O.D (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Tech. Following his injuries and illness, we made the decision to embark on the journey of starting a chocolate company, seeking solace and purpose during tumultuous times. Little did we anticipate that this endeavor would blossom into a thriving business, generating $300,000.00 in revenue annually. I took on the challenge of singlehandedly developing and structuring the business into a drop-ship company, utilizing Aaron’s cherished recipes as the foundation of our offerings.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
What began as a modest side hustle for our chocolate company, crafting treats for locals, family, and friends, swiftly transformed into something much larger. The momentum picked up rapidly, propelling us onto prominent TV shows such as the Racheal Ray Show and Fox Business, where we had the opportunity to showcase our delectable creations to a wider audience. With this newfound recognition, our side hustle evolved into a full-fledged endeavor, becoming our primary focus. I poured countless hours each day into building and promoting the business, leveraging social media as a key tool for marketing and outreach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mckaylahale.com | https://eodfudge.com
- Instagram: @heymckaylahale | @empoweredbyconnection | @eodconfections
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyMcKaylaHale/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@mckaylahalerealestate
Image Credits
I own all photos.