Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanelle Barnes.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chanelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since 2011, I’ve been hustling through the real estate industry trying to find my niche. It wasn’t until recently that I became sick and tired of being sick and tired, of working in Corporate America. I was a senior portfolio manager for a property management division and I hated it. And by hate, I felt that I should be doing more for myself than for someone else. Since I can remember, I’ve been a “boots on the ground” kind of girl with a million and one creative ideas, but I realized I was fearful of my own capabilities. Yep, I definitely said that right! So life literally pushed me (and I mean hard), off the ledge of faith. And let me just say that the entrepreneur route is a box of chocolates. You definitely do not know, what you’re going to get at times. As an entrepreneur, I have faced more no’s that I’ve ever experienced before in my professional career. In the same breath, I joke all the time about how I am something else to work for. Each no I’ve received, I’ve flipped it like an investor and found a yes; and that by itself is hard work. To put things into perspective, since June 2018 I’ve become engulfed into my brand and business full speed ahead; I’ve taken three days off since. Yep, I said that right too.
Ever see those memes that say, “What society thinks I’m doing, what my family thinks I’m doing, etc.? Yeah, they’re fun to read, but it’s the honest to God truth. Being a brokerage owner and blogger is not a game. However, I feel that my specialty is to be an educator and to find ways to simplify information to be more precise and understandable. Just in conversation, it’s apparent that many people have no idea of what their options are when it comes to owning property. And what upsets me at times is when I see other agents only promoting the glitz and glamour, the money being made made, and showcasing high end luxury homes. Not the educating factors, the hard work to get a client across the finish line or even the possibility of being able to have your own luxury at the price you can afford. VenChi is about enhancing peoples livelihoods, neighborhoods and overall community, whether residential or commercial; utilizing those very factors but most importantly being an educator in the midst of it all.
I love Atlanta and its “melting pot aura.” I love how each smaller-inner city has its own thing to offer from homes, local businesses and eateries; so I figured why not be a source for those interested, uninterested but slightly curious or more importantly those who have no idea where to start. VenChi is here to connect the dots, refashioning neighborhoods one castaway at a time.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Listen, anyone who says that building a business is easy is a liar! However, it is so liberating to see your dreams and goals come into fruition. Many times, I find myself looking back and saying, “Oooop! You did that Chanelle!” The feeling is like no other! However, I will say being an entrepreneur isn’t for the weak minded; I truly thank God for my work ethic and my family’s support. Especially my husband Darius, an entrepreneur too, who has been my cheerleader and peace in it all. I swear he carries the patience of a saint. And believe me, your patience can and will be tested as an entrepreneur and as a Realtor.
I remember a deal that went completely sour, on so many avenues, and there was nothing I could do about it. I was frustrated, panicky, tearful but it was what it was. I had to keep it pushing and move on to the next. And after instances like those it can be upsetting to hear people say, “Being a realtor is easy. All you do is sell homes and make a lot of money.” WRONG! Realtors are the epitome of monkey in the middle. As a Realtor, you are literally relaying messages back and forth, while juggling negotiations, inspections, lenders; being a counselor, confidant, and cheerleader and naturally maintaining composure while proving you’re the best of the best for clients. But I think it’s important to remember we’re human too, and “ish” happens!
So, I say all of that to say this (especially to my strong women of power out there) SANKOFA! What’s that you say? It’s a word in the Twi language from Ghana, meaning to know where you come from to know where you’re going. At your weakest moments, a strong foundation reminds you why you started this in the first place. I’m big on setting foundations because I believe it keeps me grounded, and is a great and constant reminder to keep pushing because I will succeed.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about VenChi – what should we know?
VenChi is a major project that is continuously evolving, in which produced a new branch called VenChi Homes; my new real estate brokerage in Atlanta. As the Owner/Broker & Blogger, my purpose is to provide knowledge and have conversations with not just realtors, but more importantly individuals who aren’t realtors. It’s because of them that I dig deep to understand and teach about what real estate has to offer, as well as assist with making their dreams of owning real estate, into a reality. VenChi’s focus is to ensure that all client’s E.A.T. Educated before, during and after their real estate transaction. Their property value has great potential to Appreciate in a short period of time. And to Takeaway an amazing experience! This is the foundation and motivation for VenChi as a whole.
I have been in the industry for almost ten years and have gained knowledge from various avenues, with so much more to gain. From managing real estate portfolios, working with government housing programs, to selling new construction properties, I didn’t realize until recently how vast real estate can be. And now it’s time for me to fuse all that I’ve gained thus far, apply it accordingly and take on more to continuously perfect my craft. Although I’ve been in real estate for a while, this by far the most intricate as well as the most fun I’ve had in since starting in the industry almost 10 years ago!
Many believe that being a real estate agent only consists of buying and selling a property. Believe me when I say that’s the bare minimum of what I do. My slogan, “refashioning neighborhoods one castaway at a time”, is geared for those who are looking to live a lifestyle that they deserve, but are fearful for different reasons. Financing, belief that a neighborhood has nothing to offer, commitment, responsibility, the list is LONG. Yet, my goal for VenChi is to be that resource not just for real estate sales but for established and new communities, amazing restaurants and attractions, local businesses and most importantly, helping people be able to live the lifestyle they deserve and E.A.T.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
1. Be careful of becoming who others need you to be. When you become engulfed in someone else’s vision, following their path, it is very hard to navigate yourself if they no longer care to tag along for the journey.
2. Become great at writing what you want to express.
3. Some are pastors, some are preachers, but everyone is a firm believer; in something.
4. Try.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.venchi.life
- Phone: 9544955787
- Email: cbarnes@venchi.life
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/venchilife/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/venchi_life/
Image Credit:
Designer: Live Life Create, Photos: Shots by Ranata, Hair: Glitter by Bella
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