Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly “Houston Shelly” Scanlin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shelly. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My very first job was a Sonic car hop. Yes, you read that right! From the age of 16, I had a desire to hustle, even if that meant I had to roller skate drinks to customers! I look back on those times and chuckle now, but my experiences from a young age having to work for every cent I’ve earned taught me true grit and work ethic.
Fast forward through undergrad, I worked in the hospitality industry, coordinating weddings and doing catering sales. I soon moved over to corporate group sales, then had the pleasure of opening the JW Marriott Houston Downtown while working with Pearl Hospitality. My last hospitality gig was with Wynn Resorts, based here in Houston. That was by far, my favorite brand to represent. I learned so much from my time at Wynn Resorts and use much of what I learned in my business today.
I’ve always had an adoration for the real estate industry. It really mirrors what I learned in Hospitality, and that is what customer service is #1. I started to dabble in real estate through my investments while still in Hospitality. Soon after, I decided to get my license and try it out part time. Part time lasted for about three months! My first year, I was named Rookie of the Year at the brokerage I was at.
Two years into the business I decided I wanted to launch my own brokerage – what is now Styled Real Estate – a brokerage that also helps clients with their design & renovation needs. As any business owner can relate to, there are constant ups and downs when starting a new company. We had our fair share of trials, and mountains to climb. Within the first six months, we were blessed with a connection that would solidify the trajectory of the brand moving forward. While at a job fair at Champions School of Real Estate, I met designer Chevon Richards, with Paragon Design Firm (who was studying to get her real estate license). She invited me to their design center to interview her to join our brokerage – as she also envisioned design + real estate complimenting each other.
Chevon gave me a tour of the building, and within ten minutes of knowing each other, I propositioned her to open our brokerage within the design center walls. Fast forward two years later, we have now expanded the closet (seriously – my first office was 250 sq. ft.) we began with, and now have four additional locations throughout the surrounding Houston area.
On a personal note, I think it’s important for anyone reading this to really grasp that although it may look “easy” on social media, the struggle is real. I want women to understand that they CAN do anything they put their minds to if you don’t give up. Once you overcome one obstacle, you’re never in the clear. As you continue to grow in business and as a person, the obstacles presented to you are a right of passage – be thankful for them. Throughout the past four years, I’ve moved three times, got married, built our forever home, and we’ve grown the Styled brand. However, what you don’t see is to do all of those things there has been a major personal sacrifice for both my husband and I.
Looking back at how much has change in the last four years, two years, and the past year I’m continually blown away by the opportunities that have presented themselves, and the people who have come forward to make all of this happen.
Has it been a smooth road?
There is no such thing as a smooth road in an entrepreneur’s life. Shortly after launching the company I had to take a step back and rebrand due to the swift departure of a business partner. This was a huge undertaking and a huge expense for a new company still in the red to take on. At the time I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, and worried about “what everyone would think” rebranding so quickly. In my eyes this could only be seen as failure. I had the help of a few trusted advisors to get me through this stage. Thus far in my business this was a defining point for me. You have two choices. 1) Give up, tuck your tail and close up shop. 2) Don’t worry about what anyone says – this is your life – and your dream. Shake the haters off and GET TO WORK. Number two was by far the tipping point for the brand my career. It was the harder and pricier decision to make, but since then, the company has quadrupled in size. Please pay attention to your road bumps, and they are often your biggest opportunities!
Please tell us about the business.
Styled Real Estate is a traditional real estate brokerage that handles both residential and commercial real estate. Our agents assist an array of clients, including investors, first time home buyers, luxury clientele, new construction, custom build on your own lot, the list goes on.
In addition to brokerage services we differentiate ourselves in the market by our partnership with Paragon Design Firm. Our primary location is within a 8,000 sq. ft. design center, which gives our agents the unique ability to help their customers envision a home that is in the right location, with good bones, but needs updates. Need a renovation loan? Our preferred lending partners can help you finance your renovation. Our commercial clients can visualize their finished product by handling their design selections in house, walking away with a 3D rendering of the finished product, and also quoting the build out itself should they need that service.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I was born and raised in Nebraska. Omaha, NE to be exact. While Nebraska is my birth state I’m a Texan through and through. Houston is extremely diverse in both culture and business. I love that there is never a dull moment, and there is always something to do. The city is a melting pot of so many interesting individuals. Our culture here of open arms and open doors is what I love about Houston most. If there is a need to be heard rest assured someone in our city has the answer, or knows someone who can help. I’ve never met a stranger in this city, and I think our openness to new cultures, businesses and ideas is what helps the city thrive.
I wouldn’t say I like the traffic and how it can seem to take an hour to get anywhere. It’s a small price to pay for the benefit of having such a large city to roam!
Contact Info:
- Address: 19103 Interstate 45
Spring, TX 77388 - Website: www.styledrealestate.com
- Phone: 832-652-7589
- Email: shelly@styledrealestate.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/houstonshelly
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