We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sally Briseno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sally, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Starting my own brokerage wasn’t initially in my plans; it felt like God’s direction. I’ve always enjoyed leading, teaching, and helping others build wealth through real estate. After years of team leadership and encouragement from a mentor who saw my potential, I decided to pursue my broker’s license. The process took about a year and was filled with challenges and self-doubt, especially during a tough real estate market.

What made it all come together was the unwavering support from my business partners, who wanted me to be their broker. Their belief in me reignited my motivation. I passed my broker’s exam on the first try and immediately set up Texas Community Realty. I had already invested in building our office space inside our family-owned hair salon, but I knew more was needed—systems, software, and a supportive culture.

The biggest breakthrough was realizing this wasn’t just my journey—I invited those agents who believed in me to join as co-owners. Together, we’ve built an innovative, inclusive, community-focused brokerage where everyone has a seat at the table. Texas Community Realty is more than a business—it’s a vision brought to life by shared belief and collaboration.

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

I’m a first-generation Mexican American with roots in Guanajuato, Mexico. Growing up, we moved between the U.S. and Mexico frequently, which gave me a deep connection to both cultures and fluency in English and Spanish. My parents separated when I was 11, and my mom raised us as a single parent. Around that time, I decided I wanted to earn a college degree and become a school counselor, inspired by the support I received during a difficult period.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2014 from The University of Texas at Dallas while working full-time at Parkland Hospital. At 21, I purchased our family’s first home, which sparked my interest in real estate. Though I worked in various fields, including loan processing and commercial property management, I was continually drawn back to real estate. In 2019, I got my real estate license and began volunteering to teach first-time homebuyer classes with Dallas Area Habitat and other organizations. Teaching people about homeownership and real estate investment became my passion.

That same year, I met my husband, who was a mortgage lender at the time, through our work in real estate. We quickly connected and got married later that year. Both he and my mom have been my biggest supporters. My mom taught me to work hard, follow my dreams, and trust in God’s provision even during tough times. My husband, on the other hand, has been my rock—my sounding board and the one who helps me bring my visions to life. Now, he’s part of our team at Texas Community Realty, and I truly couldn’t have done any of this without their unwavering support.

In July 2024, I teamed up with close friends and fellow agents to launch Texas Community Realty. Our brokerage is built on community, collaboration, and education. We help clients buy, sell, lease homes, and even find apartments. What sets us apart is our commitment to building relationships and empowering clients through education, ensuring they’re confident at every step.

Beyond real estate, I’m also the president of a non-profit organization called Empower Her Mind, founded by Jamie Lopez. Through this organization, I’ve been able to bring education and resources to women entrepreneurs and forge powerful collaborative relationships.

I’m proud of the legacy we’re creating, focused on collaboration, education, and giving back. As a wife and mother of two young children, I want to inspire my kids to see the value in helping others and to understand that true rewards come from serving our community.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I got my real estate license, I was pregnant with my first child, ready to dive into my career. Then COVID hit, slowing everything down just as I was getting started. I felt frustrated, thinking I wasn’t producing enough and that I was costing more than I was earning. Shortly after, I found out I was expecting my second baby. A scare in my third trimester, when I ended up in the hospital due to dehydration from overexerting myself, made me realize I couldn’t do it all alone.

I had been working with another agent and friend, Edgar, on a few deals, so I asked if he’d team up with me. He handled the showings while I focused on contracts and scheduling. This partnership was a game changer—together, we became more efficient, and our production increased significantly.

This experience taught me that trying to do everything on your own isn’t always the best way. There’s real power in collaboration. Not every partnership works out, but when you find someone with similar values and work ethic, it can be incredibly successful. This mindset is what led me to build Texas Community Realty with partners who share my vision. Instead of struggling alone, we’ve come together as a team to create something bigger than any one of us could have done alone. There’s strength in numbers, and we’re proof that collaboration can lead to long-term success.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on the way I treat everyone I interact with—whether it’s clients, other agents, or partners like lenders and title companies. Respect is key, and I’m always eager to learn and collaborate. If I don’t know something, I find out. My approach is thorough and hands-on because I see us all as part of a team working toward the same goal: helping our clients. I’m assertive when needed but always respectful and professional. I focus on collaboration, not competition, which is why I was selected as the MetroTex SE Dallas Area representative. I take pride in uniting our industry, bringing value by organizing speakers and events that help all of us grow. Ultimately, it’s about creating a positive experience for everyone involved, while staying committed to integrity and service.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallybrisenorealtor?igsh=N3BjYmFjdnQyYTVo&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/zp821qabLSHKNiQW/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-briseno-85620755/

Image Credits

Felicia L Garcia