We were lucky to catch up with Winnie Paris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Winnie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with important influences in our lives. Is there a historical figure you look up to?

For me, Maya Angelou is a powerful influence in how I treat people. Her infamous quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” is a quote I live by. When you make people feel seen and heard your encounter will be that much better. I encourage, uplift and cheer for others naturally because we are all great in our own manner but we have to believe it. With this mindset I often have people tell me that I am a ray of sunshine during our conversations and that is a great way to be remembered.

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.

If you are unaware of who I am, I am Your Home Girl. My name is Winnie Paris, and I am a realtor licensed in Tennessee. I reside in Ooltewah with my family who make me push to be better every day. Over my life, I have ventured into various career paths, and it didn’t take long for me to get bored or frustrated. I knew I didn’t like people telling me what to do so a traditional 9-5 was a struggle. I wouldn’t last long before I quit. Being my boss was the best option because I could listen to myself and control my day. Deciding on what industry fit me became the next decision.

Customer service, networking, and helping others were all things that I enjoyed but I wasn’t sure how that could translate over to a check. I did enroll in college to see if additional classes would help guide me in the direction I should go. While taking my classes I found out that I could a be realtor with only 90 hours, which was attainable. Being a valuable resource to people looking to buy or sell their homes was something I figured out and it was fun. As a point of contact, I can walk people from beginning to end and provide additional resources to those I meet. I could help people, provide them with customer service, and network with various people which filled my cup and made me happy. When you love what you do it shows, and it becomes that much easier. When you don’t focus on the money, the money comes to you.

What sets me apart from others? I am going to willingly help everyone, happily. I am not in it for the money, I am in it for the lives I get to affect positively. I want people to walk away empowered and feel better prepared for what’s to come. My knowledge isn’t state-specific so I can help that many more. When you see the yellow, which is my branding color, you will know that you are in capable hands and will not be misled. I am most proud that people want to work with me when there are thousands of other options out there. I am going to work hard and ensure the best possible experience for everyone involved.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Becoming a realtor was a pivot in my life. After many years of career hopping and totally walking away from the workforce to be a stay-at-home wife and mom, I wanted a change. Enrolling in a local university to help me figure it out was the first big step. Adjusting to studying and being somewhere at an appointed time was a shock after many years of not doing it. While working towards my bachelor’s degree in marketing and entrepreneurship I discovered that I wanted to do marketing in detail but wasn’t fully sure how. I could sell who I am easily but knowing in what industry was the challenge. I know it sounds so cliché because many stay-at-home moms become realtors, but this was truly a great fit for me. I can still be home when I want to be, market my skills and earn a profitable income. I knew that I wasn’t a salesperson but I could help people. With this pivot my family had to adjust to sometimes I am not available at that very minute because I am working. I wanted to contribute to the home finances and make my own hours and this was the outcome.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe that my goal of being non-traditional helped build my reputation in this market. I wear yellow every day. I am authentically myself in any setting and I wear that proudly. People want someone that they can trust and rely on, and I show up as that every time. This assisted in attracting others to me and my brand. I am fortunate to have people in my life that know who I am and what I stand for and they will not allow anyone to speak otherwise. I don’t waver on my morals or values and treat everyone equally. In a world where it’s easy to be one person on social media and another in reality, I am the same in both. Real is rare.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsherwinnierealtor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winnieparisrealtor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsherwinnie/