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Upon completing the requisite 50 to 80 hours of real estate training and passing the licensing exam, many rookie agents expect they’ll be ready to sell real estate. It’s a reasonable expectation. And technically, they are officially qualified.  But the bridge between “qualified” and “successful” can take a long time to cross.  Dionte Chantel shares her story of success and how she’s been able to teach other successful real estate students using smart, unconventional strategies and modern marketing methods to attract clients.

Tell us about your business?

My business stretches across different aspects of real estate. I am a real estate developer, investor, agent, and general contractor. I also have a non-profit organization, Prism Urban Initiative, which aims at quality affordable housing, financial freedom and literacy. Also, this year I started a podcast, Journey to DevelopHer™ where I interview various entrepreneurs and business owners who share their business journeys that have led them to real estate.

From online feedback I have started a mentoring service, entitled the Journey to DevelopHer Academy. This academy focuses on turning newbie investors into real estate developers. In the academy I give my personal journey as well as train the mentees hands-on to avoid some of the mistakes I have made. The academy also focuses on personal development, spiritual development, and economic development as well. We teach the foundations and structures of generating wealth through real estate. My target audience consists of black and brown innovative individuals who are looking for new streams of income, strategies to build generational wealth, and understands that they mentally and spiritually have to become the best versions of themselves to do so, in order to close the wealth gap.

photo by Ty Firestorm Media

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place? 

A business owner to me is an individual that knows there is, no cap on their income. There is a lot of hard work, but you do have the freedom to live your life as you see fit. As a business owner you are able to leverage your time and resources the way you’d like to and you’re not trading time for money.

I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, with the goal being Financial Freedom when I left corporate my boss was making $500,000 a year. I was probably making about $70,000 a year and I did all of his work. I might as well put the same energy into my own business without any caps on my income. I have more freedom to generate and create my own wealth. And I now have the freedom to help myself and others create wealth for themselves and their families. I became a business owner to get my freedom and help others do it also.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

God has been the greatest influence in my business. God is the CEO of my business and my life. He has given me so many ideas that I have implemented in my life and business, that have brought me favor and provisions. He has given me spiritual downloads as to what He wants me to do and what my purpose is on this Earth. Therefore, I have to give God all glory.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

My greatest professional accomplishment to date, when I was a New York City realtor. I successfully facilitated relocation services for over 100 families living in homeless shelters in New York City. Apart of my purpose is to help those who are consistently discriminated against with tough housing requirements. The demographic of my rental clients stems from ex-offenders to individuals with low credit, low income and those who have a past history of eviction. The country has very strict fair housing laws, however, the landlord’s often find loopholes to disqualify individuals from renting out their unit. This has caused more individuals to end up in homeless shelters and homeless.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

The best business advice I have received was to start a business. Many people get stuck at the starting point. They are scared to get started and/or fail. They are afraid of imperfection. If I would have waited to start my real estate investing business, I would not be in the real estate industry.

photo by Ty Firestorm Media

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

I’ve learned that everything you do should have a purpose and a reason behind it. Every company that I’ve started and invested in morally has a purpose and can help others. I try to morally invest in businesses that are compatible with my vision. Being a small business owner has taught me so much about budgeting and personal finances. Learn everything there is to know about your business, create simple systems for operating your business, learn to leverage your knowledge and understand your calling and God-Given purpose on this Earth. If you make sure your business solves a problem that others may be facing, it will always be a success.

Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)? If so, please tell us about it. 

Yes, in 2021 we have scheduled 8 to 10 single and multi-family residential homes will be built in the New Jersey area. We are also acquiring acres of land in the following states Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

What is the number one business goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?

My number one goal is to encourage and educate others, as they begin their real estate developer journey. My goal is to create 100 black and brown real estate developers in 2021.

photo by Erick Robinson

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I encourage everyone to get educated about their potential business or passion, seek God first and ask for clarity for your purpose, use your voice to reach people with your story, and sell your story not your products. Don’t let someone else’s experience be projected onto you. Remember that you have favor and the rules will be different for you. Your limitations create innovation. Never wait for the right time. Get started anyway! Waiting for the right time… when nothing is right that is the right time. Create what is not there, create what you need. Remain coachable and teachable.

What’s the best way for the readers of Sheen Magazine to connect with you (feel free to include the links to your social networks and websites)?

The best way for the readers to contact me on Instagram, Twitter, and Clubhouse @DionteChantel and @JourneytoDevelopHer

 

Contributing Writer – Dr. Cozette M. White, Tax and Accounting Strategist for Million-Dollar Executives & CEO’s.  Learn more about Dr. Cozette M. White at www.cozettemwhite.com. 

Follow Dr. White – LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube TODAY!

 

Featured Image by Erick Robinson