We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Trenesha Harrison . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Trenesha below.
Trenesha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
When I think about the majority of people who support my business and my brand, I’ve always felt that, in comparison, it’s been from people who have done business with me. I get most of my referrals from past clients and from people in the real estate industry. I have found it really challenging to get the majority of my support from family. I think some of my family sees me only as their relative and it may be challenging to see me in a business sense, and trust that I will be a professional when they know me so personally. I’ve been practicing giving people grace in this area, and also doing a better job supporting my own friends and relatives in the things that they do. Just as I know it doesn’t take a lot for people to share, comment, and like my posts, I need to realize I can also show support in the same ways.
Trenesha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Whew, I always feel strange telling people about myself. I’m a high energy type of person. I have a fun and easygoing personality. I love Pilates and Dancing, and my love language is music. I can sit and listen to music for hours. I love singing along and dancing to music. If I had to choose between being blind or being deaf, I would choose blindness, because the thought of losing the ability to enjoy music would be devastating to me. At night, you will find me eating pasta, and when I don’t feel like cooking I resort to popcorn (a favorite snack of mine) and wine. I enjoy cooking, but I enjoy cooking for others, I get satisfaction from them enjoying my meals.
I got into residential real estate about 10 years ago by way of new home sales. I didn’t know what I was getting into, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, but I actually ended up loving it. I tied my desire to help people with my love of houses, and I was able to actually find my passion, and realize I’m actually a natural born leader.
When I got my real estate license, I knew I would eventually become a broker, because I loved coaching, mentoring, and branding. What I did not realize, is that I would have a really awesome and amazing team and an environment of inclusion. People look at my company with pride, because instead of being the minority among the group, they see our pride of being a black and female owned firm that offers a place where agents and clients alike, can feel important, seen, and heard.
We work hard, we do everything at a high level, and one thing that remains consistent when people think of iLove Realty, is how our brand looks high end and well marketed. I have been branding and creating event and party fliers for years, before it was even a thing. I actually didn’t know it was called branding when I started doing it. I just liked making unique graphics and used tools that didn’t require me to have much help since I didn’t have a graphic design background. As time went on, I realized that not only did I enjoy marketing and branding, but I was really good at it. I’m able to assist my agents on creating their brand identity and making their brand image stand out.
All in all, I’m glad I discovered real estate and it still makes me so happy when I’m able to assist someone purchase a home and sell a home. The reason I love residential real estate, is because it’s emotional and people get really excited about finding the right home. I’m trying to find ways to step out of my comfort zone, and use the gifts and talents that GOD has given me. I’m still trying to discover what that means for me, but I’m ready for what my future will bring.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I am a suffer in silence type of person. I’m not sure why I don’t let people in like that, but I don’t like to burden people with my problems, and I don’t like being negative. 2021 and 2022 were very hard for me personally. While my business was booming for myself and my team, things were literally falling apart for me at home. 2021 was was the year I separated from my husband, I isolated myself, and worked, and it was also the year that I got a hysterectomy, where the recovery was a lot more challenging than I anticipated. I was going through a lot emotionally and so many people had no idea what was going on with me, because I hid it so well. In 2022, I physically separated from my spouse and we got divorced later that year. This was a big adjustment because I had never lived alone before. My 23 year old son, and some of my bonus children were a big help for me during this time. They cheered me on, cheered me up, and helped my transition a little bit easier. I spent 2022 discovering me again, finding out things that I like doing, working on myself, and traveling. This is also the year people discovered that I was actually truly divorced from my ex-husband. I have been able to build new friendships and enjoy new hobbies and discover new things about myself. I’m stronger that I’ve given myself credit for. I’m proud of myself.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Social Media has been the best source of acquiring new clients. I’m pretty consistent with marketing. I created a brand for myself in 2018 and I’ve been consistently marketing that brand since then. People recognize it and It’s something thats made me really proud. My business is also based on the relationships I make and nurture, so I get a lot of referrals from friends, family, but the love that my former clients show me is unmatched. They believe in me, love me, and continue to keep my business thriving.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.iloverealtyok.com
- Instagram: @lovetrenesha and @ilove_realty
- Facebook: @trenesha.harrison and @iloverealtyok
Image Credits
Jaleccia Ates Photography