Today we’d like to introduce you to Celena Evans.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a business owner, I’m constantly reminded that success doesn’t happen by accident; it comes full circle. Many success stories are actually years or even decades in the making. Whether I’m guiding a client to their dream home or helping an entrepreneur find their footing, each milestone reflects dedication, learning, and hard work built over time.
My passion for real estate started early. I still remember the excitement as a toddler when my family built our first home in Rochester, New York, in the late 1970s. I also remember dreamily poring over the Sunday real estate listings and driving through beautiful neighborhoods whenever friends visited. That curiosity for homes never faded. After moving to Atlanta just after the 1996 Olympics, I purchased my first home in Tucker at age 22 and have since owned several homes and rental properties. It has been fascinating watching the city evolve over nearly three decades—growing, innovating, and redefining what home means for so many.
Before real estate, I spent more than 20 years in corporate roles spanning engineering, project management, and business leadership. That experience gave me both a strategic mindset and the discipline to navigate complex transactions with integrity and precision. My transition into real estate was driven by a desire to align my work with my values—to create impact, flexibility, and fairness in how people buy and sell homes.
Beyond business, I’m deeply committed to strengthening the community. To me, houses are more than structures; they’re the backbone of neighborhoods and the foundation of opportunity. Over the years, I’ve volunteered and served on boards supporting women, children, literacy, and housing, because building strong communities starts at home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to success hasn’t been smooth. It’s been a series of twists, turns, and the occasional roadblock. My mother once told me, “If the road to success is crowded, take the woods.” I’ve done just that. My path may look unconventional to some, but like a strand of DNA, it’s uniquely mine.
I studied engineering and began my career in manufacturing, where I learned to anticipate and solve problems. From there, I earned my Project Management Professional (PMP) designation and transitioned into project management, refining my natural strengths in planning and organization. For more than a decade, after getting an MBA from Emory University, I led product management and marketing teams in corporate America, developing my ability to lead and influence at all levels, work cross-functionally, and see major initiatives through from start to finish. Later, I managed teams both as a board director and volunteer leader, learning to meet people where they are and inspire them to be their best.
For a while, I measured success by traditional corporate milestones and felt frustrated for not climbing higher, faster. My last corporate role became a turning point. I remember thinking it would either be the job I stayed with until retirement or the catalyst for change. When I was part of a restructuring only a year into that job, I felt relief more than disappointment.
At first, I tried to force a path into consulting, believing that was what I was supposed to do. But through a chance reconnection with a business school classmate, I found my way into real estate, a field that had fascinated me since childhood but that I had always dismissed. Within months, I realized everything I had done up to that point had prepared me for this work. The skills, the setbacks, the perseverance—it all aligned.
This journey has not been easy. There have been months when I made nothing and weeks when multiple contracts fell through. But I love that real estate allows me to bring my best self to the table, to serve others, and to pursue the causes that matter to me. Every challenge has been a lesson preparing me for where I am now. I would not trade this path for anything because, like DNA, it is distinctly mine.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I understand that buying, selling, and investing in real estate are among the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. You may only go through this process a few times in your lifetime, which is why who you work with truly matters. People’s lives are impacted by the information I provide and the decisions I help them make, and I take that responsibility seriously.
I work closely with my clients to understand their unique needs and develop tailored strategies that fit their goals. Drawing upon decades of experience in engineering, project management, and marketing, I guide clients through every stage of the complex real estate process. My background as a corporate leader provides the business acumen to evaluate options, build strong partnerships, and negotiate the best outcomes. As a long-time metro Atlanta resident, I bring deep local knowledge and connections, as well as a genuine commitment to giving back through my service on professional, nonprofit, and community boards.
My personality and approach are a rarity in real estate. I do not consider myself a salesperson but an advisor. It is never about simply closing a deal and moving on. What sets me apart is my commitment to excellence, reliability, and accountability, ensuring all parties stay on track to exceed expectations. My goal is to build trust and serve as a lifelong real estate advisor, someone who can be relied on long after closing. I am proud to offer a well-defined process, individualized guidance, and a genuine dedication to making every real estate experience as smooth and successful as possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest in my work is honoring commitments, seeing a job through to completion, and knowing that I have made a genuine difference. There is a deep satisfaction in guiding someone to their dream home, helping them achieve their goals, or contributing to my community. I take pride in doing what I say I will do, delivering quality results, and creating positive outcomes that matter.
What truly fills me with joy is when a past client calls again, refers a friend or family member, or invites me to be part of another major life milestone. Those moments remind me that my work extends far beyond a single transaction. It is about lasting relationships, trust, and being a consistent source of support through every chapter of my clients’ lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://celenaevansrealestate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celenaevansrealestate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CelenaEvansRealEstate/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celenaevans/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/celenaevansrealestate
Image Credits
The Snappy Diva (for images #1, #2 and #3)
