Life & Work with Elanese Gaines of Auburn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elanese Gaines.

Hi Elanese, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story isn’t one of a straight path…it’s one of resilience, rebuilding, and refusing to stay where I started.
I became a mom at 16 in Chicago, and from that moment on, everything I did was about creating a better life for my children. By 20, I had relocated to Milwaukee, pregnant with my fourth child and staying in a shelter. That season could have defined me, but it didn’t. I made a decision then that I would never look back.
Nearly 10 years ago, we moved to Atlanta, and that’s where everything began to shift. When I first got here, my family of eight was living in a one-bedroom with a friend. It was humbling, but it lit a fire in me.
I went to run a salon in Norcross for four years, learning firsthand what it takes to grow and sustain a business. That was another moment where I had to pivot instead of quit. From there, I expanded stepping into Airbnb hosting, real estate, and building a seasonal Christmas tree business, all while growing as a content creator and navigating life as a wife and mother of six.
There were people who counted me out. Moments where things didn’t go as planned. Seasons where I had to start over more than once. But every time, I found a way to rebuild stronger, wiser, and more intentional.
Now, when I look at my life, it feels like a full-circle moment. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s proof of what’s possible. My story is still being written, but everything I’ve built so far is rooted in perseverance, faith, and the decision to keep going no matter what.

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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all.

I owned a salon in Norcross for 4 years, and after the pandemic, I had to make the hard decision to close it. The industry shifted fast, and with salon suites taking over, we just couldn’t keep up with the wave the way we once did.

When I first moved here, my family of 8 was staying in a one-bedroom with a friend. That alone will humble you real quick. We’ve had setbacks, moments where things didn’t go as planned, and times where it felt like we were starting over.

But every single time, we figured it out.

We adjusted. We grew. We kept going.

And that’s the part people don’t always see… the pivots, the pressure, the rebuilding. But those moments? They built the life we have now.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a luxury real estate agent, content creator, and entrepreneur who’s built my career by evolving through every season of life. I started out in the beauty industry and owned a salon in Norcross for four years. That experience taught me how to build, manage, and market a business, but after the pandemic, I had to close it when the industry shifted and salon suites began to take over. It was a tough transition, but it pushed me to pivot.
Since then, I’ve expanded into multiple streams. I run a Christmas tree business during the holiday season, creating memorable, full-service experiences for families, and I’ve built a brand in real estate where I specialize in helping clients navigate homeownership with confidence.
Alongside that, I create lifestyle content centered around home, motherhood, and intentional living. I’m known for making real estate feel approachable while also sharing my life in a way that’s both aspirational and real.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to rebuild. From living in a one-bedroom with my family of eight when I first moved to Georgia, to now creating a life rooted in growth, stability, and purpose….we’ve had setbacks, but we’ve overcome every single one.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just sell homes, I connect with people. I understand the emotional side of building a life, not just the transaction. Everything I do, from real estate to content to seasonal business, is rooted in creating experiences that feel intentional, elevated, and real.

What does success mean to you?
I define success by the life I’m able to live, not just what I achieve.

For me, success is time and freedom…..the ability to be present with my family and not feel like I’m constantly chasing or missing moments. It’s knowing my family is doing well, that my children are supported, and that my home feels peaceful and secure.

It’s also having a strong, healthy marriage. That matters just as much to me as any business milestone. Being aligned, growing together, and creating a solid foundation—that’s success.

And beyond my personal life, success is measured by impact. The lives I’m able to touch, the people I inspire, and the doors I help open for others… that’s what makes everything meaningful.

Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about what I have, it’s about how I live and who I’m able to pour into along the way.

Pricing:

• Creator Academy that is $97 teaching how to monetize your social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lavishhhliving-s-site-947a.thinkific.com/products/courses/new-course
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavishhh_living_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elanese.gaines/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lavishlivingatl
• Other: https://linktr.ee/neesyg

Image Credits
Jay Nelson