Today we’d like to introduce you to Arin Jackson.
Arin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m an NFL wife, mom, artist, real estate agent, and world traveler.
I started singing in church. I think I sang before I could speak full sentences. I’m from New Orleans, LA where music plays a huge part in our everyday life. I come from a family full of talented singers. I began singing in a group with my sister and cousins. We were blessed to be able to perform all over the U.S.
At around 22, my sister Alexis and I formed a group called Elysian Fieldz (it’s a street in New Orleans and it means Heaven in greek). We opened up for TI, Fab, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Marley Brothers and so many more.
We also sang back up for Tamia, Eric Benet, Fred Hammond, and Chaka Khan. We have performed at New Orleans and Heritage Jazz Festival for 4 years in a row on the famous Congo Square Stage, been the house band for the New Orleans Pelicans ( formerly the New Orleans Hornets), and most recently, recorded a song featured in “Vanishing Pearls” a movie on Netflix.
After about 17 years in the music industry… I got kind of burnt out and needed a new avenue of creativity. So, my husband suggested me taking my love of real estate to the next level.
THE NFL WIFE AND REAL ESTATE AGENT
Being an NFL wife allows you to meet so many people and enjoy so many wonderful experiences. It also means you move… a lot. There is off-season training, different teams, and your home base. My husband, Tyson Jackson, is a 9 year NFL veteran (Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons), so we have moved quite a lot.
I learned how to find the best parts of town and best homes on a moment’s notice. I would have so many of my NFL and Non-NFL friends ask me for advice on where to move and what parts of town would best fit their lifestyle. So, transitioning to real estate was a natural progression for me. I really love helping people find the best homes for their families. I also lost my home, everything I owned, and father due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, so I understand just how important owning a home is and the emotional connection people have with their homes.
I got my license on May 6th,2018 and already have an A-list clientele that boasts NFL players, musicians, business owners, investors, and first time home buyers. I’m an expert at investment properties, knowing the up and coming areas all around Atlanta, saving my clients money, and all things Gwinett county. I have to give all glory to God for taking my passion for real estate and turning it into a bonafide business.
Mom and World Traveler
I’m so fortunate to be the mom of two amazing boys Cruz, 8, and Cal, 3. When I’m not working… my family and I are traveling the world. I also realized that I could still do music but in a new way! So, my sister and I are currently working on a children’s album that will be released soon.
I’m so grateful to be from New Orleans and live in a city like Atlanta. I always say Atlanta is a city where dreams turn into reality. It is so encouraging to raise my family here and know that this is a place that welcomes dreamers and supports do-ers.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road/my life has not been smooth. Nothing knocks you on your feet like being homeless… I couldn’t see myself out of the tunnel. I really had to hold on the what little faith I had left. In August 2005, my family lost everything homes, clothes, pictures, and businesses. My father went back to see our home a few months after Katrina and died of a massive heart attack on December 17th, 2005. Just four months after, we lost it all.
Even in real estate, I failed my test TWO TIMES before finally passing the state exam.
In music, I have heard the word NO so many times… I’m immune to it.
I mentor young girls in New Orleans and I always tell them… don’t give up and trust God! All of the things in my life that would have destroyed other people have only made me more resilient. I know that faith is the only thing that you can depend on when your world comes crashing down. Self-pity won’t help you … you have to keep moving forward. I would also say use all of your gifts and don’t let anyone limit you. Do it all! Work hard and be creative when you hit a roadblock. Think outside the box!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with @AllthingsArinJackson – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m so proud to be a licensed real estate agent in the state of Georgia with Keller Williams Realty Atl Partners. I’m still young but this is a somewhat of a second act in my life. I have been so blessed with Professional Athletes, Artist, Business owners, and so many wonderful people as clients.
I specialize in getting the job done and saving money for my clients! I don’t care how much money you have… I’m always looking for the best deal! Gwinett county is my area(it’s where I live) but I also specialize in knowing all of the up and coming areas in ATL. I will read probably about a 100 articles a day pertaining to Atlanta Real Estate just so that I can stay ahead of the curve.
I’m also proud to be a wife and mom. It’s my greatest joy Being a mom has definitely inspired my new music… kid’s songs that moms can love too!
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
That being a mom hinders your career in some way. You have seen it recently with Cardi B. She got so much backlash for being pregnant at the height of her career. Being a mother only makes you work harder in my opinion… motherhood has helped me see the true value of hard work. History has been filled with great moms who also lead. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Madeline Jones (my mom), Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Eva Longoria, Kimora Lee Simmons, Beyonce’, Keisha Lance Bottoms are great examples of this.
Contact Info:
- Email: arinJackson@kw.com
- Instagram: allthingsarinjackson
Image Credit:
Taun Henderson, 360 firm, cyoer photography
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