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Meet Sharmelle Brooks

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharmelle Brooks.

Sharmelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a licensed Georgia REALTOR, but my path to real estate wasn’t a straight line. My journey to Atlanta was an interesting one that started when the recession struck in 2008. Like many, all my plans were rocked as a recent college graduate. There was one bright spot during this year that changed my life. I received a graduation gift from my grandmother, which was a trip to Atlanta — a nice break from the constant job hunting I was doing during this time. But when the week long trip ended, I decided I wouldn’t be getting on the plane back to the Midwest. Instead, I would make Atlanta my new home. There were a few challenges I had to face on this journey: 1. I only had $30 in my bank account, 2. I had no job; 3. I had no car, and 4. I had bad credit. I know you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket, but I was willing to take the risk because I knew what to expect if I went back home. I was ready to walk into the unknown at this point to hopefully experience a different outcome.

So, I stepped out on faith and called the one family member I knew in Atlanta and they agreed to let me stay with them for a brief time. And my journey of building my new life began. My first role out of college was as a Marketing Coordinator for a small company that flipped residential properties in Atlanta. I enjoyed the creative freedom I was given to market newly renovated homes in the city. However, with the recession taking down small businesses left and right, I decided to take my marketing skills to other industries such as nonprofit, government, and IT.

I didn’t let my circumstances deter me even though it was depressing at times, and I walked out of a lifestyle of lack feeling empowered. My personal journey of building a new life ignited an entrepreneurial spirit in me, prompting me to go back to the real estate industry and pursue my license. I transformed my lack into abundance and it’s a testimony I’m passionate about sharing in hopes that it helps someone else.

Has it been a smooth road?
There were no smooth roads for me because I was building from the ground up. When you’re creating a new path and have no one in your life that has gone before you, you tend to make more mistakes. And that’s just what I did. But I use the challenges I faced to help my clients have a smoother journey to homeownership.

I didn’t learn the importance of having good credit and finances until I was an adult. By that time, I had to trek through credit card debt and work with my creditors to rebuild my credit so I could purchase a home before I was 30. That was a goal I set for myself and I made it happen! But it took hard work and dedication to dig myself out of that mess to meet my homeownership goal.

What I’ve learned is how important your attitude is in helping to override your circumstances. A positive attitude is the first step to unlocking what you want to manifest in your life. I spoke positively over my situation in the midst of it and I believe that’s why I have the business I do today.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a REALTOR who serves clients in both the residential and commercial space. I’m known for giving people the resources to connect with their community. Creating this connection energizes me because owning isn’t just about your individual home or business, but the impact and value you can add to the neighborhood around you. In addition to finding the perfect place for my clients, I provide them with information about their new community, such as contact information for their district’s State Representative, nearby organizations for which they can volunteer, and small businesses they can support or partner with.

Ultimately, I’m most proud when I’m able to find my client the perfect space for their needs. It’s exciting to me because I know their investment is a great stepping stone to building wealth. There are so many ways to make money from a real estate investment. And over time, they could possibly finance other dreams they have from this one purchase.

What sets me apart is I’m always looking for ways to give back to my community through volunteering. It’s not only fulfilling but also keeps me humble. I serve as an official community ambassador for Rockdale County, which allows me to represent the county during community events, strategic planning sessions, and Board of Commissioner meetings. In addition, I serve on both the Commercial Connection and Housing Opportunity & Diversity Committees for the Georgia Association of REALTORS. And, I’m a Project REAP alum (Atlanta cohort)—a nationwide program on a mission to improve diversity within the commercial real estate industry.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that Atlanta is a city that is ever-growing, and the suburbs are also expanding. What’s nice is that whether you like a city or suburban life, you’re never far from fun activities. I enjoy the city’s proximity to mountains, beautiful state parks and trails, and quaint towns in rural areas. Being from the Midwest, Lake Michigan was at our doorstep. I do miss the quick access to a large body of water. It brings me peace and tranquility. However, it is nice that within a few hours’ drive, I can see the ocean.

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