Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalisa James.
Jalisa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Jalisa James. I am a graduate of Prairie View A&M University. I have a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Marketing. I’m also a single mom of beautiful twin girls who are turning eight this year!
My journey has been a long one. One year out of college I found out I was going to be a mom. Life sped up quickly and I knew I had to do something quick. I knew my 600$ checks every two weeks weren’t going to cut it. It was hard breaking into the communications industry so I was a substitute teacher at the time trying to make ends meet.
I decided to go into becoming a certified teacher since I was already in that field. I failed the exam three times and felt like that line of work must not be what God had for me. I tried one more time and I finally passed. I was overjoyed. I passed my exam at a time where there was only one more job fair to attend.
I walked in with my head held high, and walked out 30 minutes later with a letter of intent to work for a neighboring school district as a first grade teacher. I was overjoyed and knew at that moment my kids and I were going to be ok. Six years later here I am. I’m still a first grade teacher and rocking it!
2 1/2 years ago, I knew I needed more income for my family and decided to look into self-employment. I fell in love with Real estate. I passed the exam the first time and everything else just fell into place.
I bought my first home at the age of 28. The purchase of my first home was the first transaction I ever did under my license. I was so grateful to be able to be a homeowner and give my kids the stability I wanted them to have.
I am now in transition into becoming a full time realtor in June 2021. My dream is to help others achieve the dream as I did, because everyone deserves a chance!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Most definitely! Financially I struggled to pay day care and pay household bills. I was on food stamps, WIC, and Medicaid before I became a teacher. It was a hard road but I made it. I know if I can go from nothing to something, others can too. It’s never too late.
Please tell us about Jalisa James- Licensed Realtor.
I am a licensed realtor and I work through Exit Realty 360. I specialize in residential sales in the Houston and surrounding areas. What set me apart are my drive and my eagerness to help others acquire the dream of home ownership. I work hard as a single mom, teacher and realtor. I want EVERYONE to reap the benefits of the great programs that are out here for consumers and give them the knowledge to move forward.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
My attitude would be a lot more positive. There were so many times I thought I wasn’t going to make it, but God always got me through it. Now, my uplifting spirit shines through like no other because I know everything will work out.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4012 Chartres Street
Houston, TX , 77004 - Phone: 832-977-7582
- Email: jalisatherealtor@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/Jalisatherealtor
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/jalisatherealtor
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