Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paulita Hood-barnes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Paulita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Success is often perceived as the result of hard work, talent, or luck but in my opinion, it comes from a mix of key factors. In my view, success for me is consistency, persistence, adaptability and a changed mindset. As an entrepreneur, I learned that a changed mind is one of the most important key factors to become successful in both personal and business development. Curating the right relationships and surrounding myself around the right people who share the same energy has been a dominant factor in my life. Using daily affirmations, reading mindset books like (Mind Power or Think & Grow Rich) and attending women empowerment seminars has played a significant role in nurturing my mind and has allowed me to tap into “The Woman I Desire To Be”.
As a young girl, I’ve always invision being a successful business woman, in a boardroom leading a fortune 500 company. I would see myself as the CEO, conducting a meeting in front of a whiteboard holding a long pointer stick. As I grew older, my vision never changed. I can honestly say, I conducted meetings in boardroom.
Paulita , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Paulita Hood-Barnes: God-fearing, Wife, and Mother. Born on October 27, 1971, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, I was raised as the only girl in a house with two older brothers. My parents were incredibly supportive, and we lived in a middle-class neighborhood, where I attended private schools. After high school, I pursued a degree in business administration at a college in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. However, my path took a different turn when I became pregnant with my daughter at the age of 19. Three years later, I welcomed my second child, a son, and shifted my focus to raising my children.
In 2004, I took a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta with my children, where I soon met my now-husband. In 2006, I gave birth to another daughter. Though I didn’t complete my degree, I built a career in banking, a field that had always aligned with my vision of myself as a professional.
Faith has been a constant anchor in my life, helping me navigate both challenges and blessings. Over the span of 20 years in the banking industry, I worked my way up, but often found myself being overlooked for the opportunities I knew I deserved. A small, persistent voice inside kept reminding me of my worth and the bigger dreams I held—dreams rooted in my purpose and passion to serve others and become “The Woman I Desire to Be.”
Motivated by that inner calling, I began immersing myself in community service, attending women empowerment events, and engaging in mentorship and coaching programs. I also connected with entrepreneurial networking circles, all of which fueled my personal and professional growth.
Though my journey hasn’t followed a conventional path, I’ve always trusted in God’s plan. Life has taught me lessons no classroom ever could, and I’ve grown in ways I never expected. Today, I’m proud of the family I’ve nurtured and the positive impact I’m making in my community. My life is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of believing in something greater than oneself.
My Brands: The Paulita B Lifestyle / Realtor- Paulita Hood-Barnes Luxerealtor/ I AM Luxury Financial Solutions/ The Woman I Desire To Be
“The Woman I Desire To Be”
Cultivating Confidence, Wealth and Luxury Within Our Community!
Her fearless nature propels her forward, unafraid to face challenges head-on and transform them into stepping stones towards her goals. “The Woman I Desire To Be”, speaks to women seeking empowerment, self-confidence and the freedom to live a life of purpose. As she navigates life’s complexities in pursuit of her dreams, uncertainty often holds her back. Although, she understands that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, she longs for support to overcome fear and anxiety. With a blend of courage and wisdom, her journey isn’t just about her own success – it’s about uplifting those around her. She inspires to motivate others with her relentless drive and positive attitude, empowering them to pursue their own dreams with the same passion.
Ultimately, “The Woman I Desire To Be” is not just in the process of becoming; she is already HER! Striving to live each moment with purpose, embodying the qualities she cherish and the vision she holds dear to her heart. Her presence is a testament to the power of self-belief and the beauty of living authentically. Through her actions and her spirit, she dreams of leaving a remarkable impression on the world, proving that true strength lies in being unapologetically oneself.
Is that woman you?
Her fearless nature propels her forward, unafraid to face challenges head-on and transform them into
stepping stones towards her goals.
Paulita B.
Confidence, Wealth, Luxury Strategist
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele as a Realtor and a Credit professional in network marketing begins with being my authentic self. It’s about showing up, looking polished, and being genuinely interested in people. I engage them with thoughtful questions like, *”Do you have a family?”* or *”What keeps you up at night?”* and even *”Do you keep your options open when it comes to making extra income?”* These questions not only open up a conversation but help me connect on a deeper level, building rapport from the start. A firm handshake and eye contact go a long way in establishing that initial trust.
I’ve found that people tend to respect you more when they see you as relatable. Sharing personal stories and demonstrating that you truly care about their challenges allows me to form stronger connections. Storytelling is powerful because it creates empathy, and it shows them that you’re not just there for a transaction—you’re there to make a difference.
To stay focused on these key principles, I created an acronym that reflects the essence of my approach: **C.R.T.R. Rule** Confidence, Relatability, Trust, and Repetition.
1. Confidence: People are drawn to those who are sure of themselves and their abilities.
2. Relatable: The ability to connect with people on a personal level fosters a strong relationship.
3. Trust: Without trust, no professional relationship can thrive.
4. Repetition: Consistent follow-up is key to turning prospects into clients.
I strongly believe that the fortune is in the follow-up. It’s not just about making an initial impression, but about maintaining that connection, nurturing the relationship, and being there when they’re ready to make a move.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most defining moments in my journey that truly tested my resilience happened early in my banking career. After working diligently for nearly a decade, I had my sights set on a promotion that I felt was well within my reach. I had the experience, the knowledge, and a solid track record of success, yet when the opportunity came, I was passed over. The disappointment was crushing. I had poured so much of myself into that role, and it felt like all my hard work went unnoticed.
In that moment, I had two choices: let the setback define me or use it as fuel to push forward. I chose the latter. Instead of allowing myself to get bitter, I dug deeper into self-reflection and faith. I realized that this was not the end, but rather a redirection. I began to focus on building my skills outside of the traditional corporate structure, attending networking events, engaging in community service, and immersing myself in personal development programs.
Through those efforts, I found new opportunities—ones that aligned with my deeper purpose of helping others. I entered the world of credit services and network marketing, where I could connect with people on a personal level, share my story, and empower them to achieve their financial goals.
That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward with a clearer sense of direction and purpose. I learned to trust in God’s timing, knowing that every setback is preparing you for an even greater comeback. Today, I’m proud of the career I’ve built, and I know that I wouldn’t be where I am without that pivotal moment of resilience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: paulitahoodbarnes_luxerealtor
- Facebook: Paulita Hood-Barnes
- Linkedin: Paulita Hood
Image Credits
Content Creator: SHE Finds Success The Brand
Stylist: Olando Narcisse Brand
Hair: HairbyKeanna
Makeup: Janiyah Barnes