We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Peta-gaye Mccalla. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Peta-Gaye below.
Alright, Peta-Gaye thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back at the decisions you made early in your career, particularly whether to join a firm or start your own, do you feel you made the right choice for that stage of your career?
When I started my career in real estate, I was eager to dive into the industry but unsure where to begin. I decided to join a brokerage with a team leader, believing it would provide me with the structure and resources I needed to succeed. Over time, I transitioned to working independently at my brokerage, and the contrast between these two experiences shaped my understanding of what it means to be a real estate professional.
Looking back, both phases played crucial roles in shaping me as an agent. Working under a broker gives me the training and experience I need to feel confident being an apprentice. Working for myself brought a level of satisfaction and control that I couldn’t achieve while working under someone else.
Now, when I look at my career, I see it as a journey of growth. Working for a broker provided me the foundation, but becoming independent allowed me to truly thrive. It’s a path I wouldn’t change, and I always encourage new agents to embrace both stages—learning under a broker and, when ready, stepping out on their own. Both experiences are invaluable.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Peta-Gaye McCalla, a passionate entrepreneur with 30 years of experience, a proud mother of two amazing children, and an author sharing my life journey. My first book, My Life Behind the Chair, reflects the lessons and growth from years of perseverance and dedication. Six years ago, I launched a boutique, blending my love for fashion with my entrepreneurial spirit. Now relocated to Houston Texas as a real estate agent while still open to my first love of beauty and fashion.
“I specialize in residential and luxury properties in the Houston area, particularly in neighborhoods like Manvel, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Pearland. I focus on helping clients find homes that align with their lifestyle and investment goals, whether they’re first-time homebuyers, relocating, or expanding their portfolios.”
“I’m known for my strong client relationships and personalized approach. I take pride in understanding my clients’ needs, providing them with expert advice, and guiding them through every step of the real estate process. My background in business management and e-commerce also allows me to leverage technology and marketing to give my clients an edge in this competitive market.”
“I’m most proud of my ability to transition into real estate while maintaining my core values of hard work, integrity, and client care. Helping my clients find their dream homes and watching them achieve financial success through real estate has been incredibly rewarding.”
What sets me apart is my diverse background in entrepreneurship and home remodeling, which gives me a unique perspective in real estate. I not only understand the market but also have a keen eye for property potential, renovations, and investment opportunities. Additionally, my adaptability and experience in client relations ensure that each transaction is seamless, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing.”
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
When I first ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, I knew I had something special to offer—products and services that resonated with people’s needs. But what I didn’t fully grasp at the time was the power of social media to turn a small idea into a thriving business.
It all began with my e-commerce boutique, launched during the pandemic. Like many, I faced uncertainty, but I also saw an opportunity. I turned to Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, not just to sell products, but to connect with an audience. By sharing authentic posts, creative visuals, and relatable stories, I built a community around my brand. Followers weren’t just customers—they were people who trusted me, believed in the value of what I offered, and often shared my products with their own networks.
Over time, my consistent social media presence paid off. I learned how to interpret analytics, identify trends, and run targeted ads that brought in the right customers. My boutique grew into a six-figure business, and I realized I wasn’t just selling items—I was building relationships.
When I transitioned into real estate, social media again became my secret weapon. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn allowed me to showcase properties, share market insights, and build credibility in a new industry. By staying active online, I was able to reach a broader audience, connect with prospective clients, and even collaborate with other professionals.
What sets social media apart is its ability to make the world feel smaller. Whether I’m connecting with first-time homebuyers or experienced investors, social media gives me the tools to tell my story, educate my audience, and be accessible in ways that traditional marketing never could.
Social media hasn’t just built my business; it’s become an extension of who I am as an entrepreneur—a platform where authenticity, creativity, and strategy come together to create success.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience has been the cornerstone of my journey, woven into every challenge and triumph. One defining chapter of my life began six years ago when I decided to launch an e-commerce boutique. It was an exciting yet daunting venture, one that required me to learn an entirely new industry while juggling the demands of life.
When the pandemic hit, my boutique faced its toughest test. Like many small businesses, I was staring down the uncertainty of supply chain disruptions, changing consumer behavior, and financial instability. Instead of succumbing to fear, I adapted. I re-strategized my marketing, leaned into my customer relationships, and redefined my approach to ensure I stayed connected with my audience. That period of uncertainty became the turning point for my boutique, which went on to achieve six-figure success.
But resilience isn’t just about professional achievements—it’s about personal growth. When I transitioned into real estate, I was stepping into an entirely new industry in a new city. I knew this would test my ability to adapt, learn, and thrive once again. The steep learning curve and the competitive market were intimidating, but I drew on my entrepreneurial spirit and determination to carve out a space for myself.
Through each challenge, I reminded myself of a simple truth: obstacles aren’t roadblocks—they’re opportunities to grow stronger. Whether it was learning new skills, rebuilding from setbacks, or finding creative solutions, I faced each challenge head-on. My journey taught me that resilience is not just about enduring hardship but about embracing it as a catalyst for transformation.
Today, I continue to face challenges with the same mindset. Resilience is what carried me through difficult times, helped me build businesses, and allowed me to thrive in new ventures. It’s the belief that no matter how tough things get, I have the strength and resourcefulness to rise above and keep moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://quintessentiallifestyles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialpetagaye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petagaye.mccalla/
- Linkedin: Peta-Gaye McCalla
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtQCZCxVeNk&t=25s
