Today we’d like to introduce you to Anike Akinbode.
Anike, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story has just started and I still have more chapters to add to it! Well, before I got to where I am today, I worked in the Human Services profession for over 20 years providing Mental health, Developmental disability and Homelessness services to vulnerable individuals and families. I absolutely have a heart for the underserved and unserved communities but it became very overwhelming while being underpaid. I remember praying to God one day for a change in careers that would allow me the opportunity to work for myself but to also be in a position to serve the underserved. I quit my job in 2015 to pursue entrepreneurship as a full time Professional Master of Ceremonies or Emcee; hosting weddings, birthdays, concerts and more! I became an online radio host with my own two-hour talk show called “Let’s Chat” and I was a model for various designers and brands. It was all good for quite some time but money wasn’t coming in steady. So I eventually went back to a 9 to 5 career. I was unhappy and still making little money answering to someone else. Then COVID came and I had to pick up and relocate with my family from NYC to Houston, TX. I got a job within three weeks of relocating and got an apartment within three months of working! Whew! God really blessed me during a trying time for the world and I am so grateful. But I just couldn’t do it! The 9 to 5 isn’t for me.
In 2021, I quit my job again! I was jobless for a while with my husband stepping in and supporting us. I had quite a few Emcee gigs that kept money in my pockets. I also started a side hustle as an Uber eats and Favor delivery driver which I still do now on occasion. One glorious day as I was delivering food, I received a notification from my bank. I opened it and saw $1,000 sent to me with a note that read “I believe in you, get your Real Estate License”. I was shocked and immediately tears came down my face. I couldn’t believe friends like my sister-friend exists. Wasting no time, I registered for classes. It wasn’t easy, because I still had to be there for my daughter and husband while hustling to keep money in my pockets. A few of my friends would send encouraging messages, Starbucks gift cards and so on! I was motivated!
I completed my courses successfully and after sleepless nights of studying, I took the exam and passed it on my first attempt! The sense of pride that came over me was overwhelming and I was so happy I accomplished what I set out to do! Today, I am happy to announce that I am a Realtor® in the state of Texas working with a great Brokerage and looking forward to helping families and individuals achieve their dream home! There are so many things I want to do as a Realtor® and I pray that God opens those doors for me. This agent is on a mission to accomplish so much more in the world of real estate and beyond!
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 definitely wasn’t a smooth road! There were times I had to go out with my daughter in the car to do deliveries just to stay afloat financially. I would be so tired that I wouldn’t be able to give my husband much attention and this caused us to drift apart a bit. I knew I had to get organized and better prioritize my days.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Realtor®, I offer services to customers interested in buying, selling, leasing or investing in property. I am known for my ability to engage with others with ease; building an instant relationships. I believe my innate ability to adapt in any environment sets me apart from others. I just started the business but what I am most proud of thus far is my ability swiftly build a social media presence and maintain the page daily.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice to those just starting out in the real estate industry is to have patience, be intentional, change your mindset, be consistent, be prayerful and align yourself with successful people in the business. Before starting this business I wish I knew it would be costly to maintain. I am not working so I have to go the extra mile hustling to have money to maintain my membership dues and other tools essential to keep my business running.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://linktr.ee/anike.ade
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/agent.on.a.mission
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/agent.on.a.mission
