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Sheen Magazine had the opportunity to chat with Gabby Maddox who is a trailblazing entrepreneur making history as the youngest Black woman franchise owner. With a passion for business and a commitment to breaking barriers, she has quickly risen to success, proving that age is no limit to leadership and innovation. Her journey is an inspiration to young entrepreneurs everywhere, as she continues to pave the way for the next generation of business owners. We was able to get into some deep hard hitting questions. 

 

Breaking Barriers: What inspired you to enter the real estate industry, and what motivated you to start your own brokerage franchise at such a young age?

Gabby Maddox: I entered the real estate industry because I saw it as a path to financial freedom and generational wealth—something that wasn’t widely discussed in the community I came from. I grew up in a place where the average income was $14,000 a year, and I had no knowledge of building wealth through real estate. At 23, I joined Keller Williams, and by 33, I became the proud owner of one of the fastest-growing real estate offices in Atlanta. My motivation to start my own brokerage at a young age stemmed from a deep desire to create opportunities for others, particularly those who may not have had access to the knowledge and resources to succeed in real estate. I wanted to build a space where agents could thrive, learn, and build wealth.  

Challenges & Triumphs: As a young Black woman in a male-dominated field, what were some of the biggest obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Gabby Maddox: As a young Black woman in a male-dominated industry of operating franchises in Real Estate, I had to constantly prove my expertise and leadership ability. Many people underestimated me, and I often had to navigate spaces where I was the only person who looked like me. One of the biggest challenges was securing trust and credibility, both from agents and industry professionals. I overcame these obstacles by being relentless in my pursuit of excellence—consistently delivering results, building strong relationships, and never allowing doubt to dictate my actions. I also leaned on mentorship, my faith, and a strong community of supporters who encouraged me along the way.  

Leadership & Vision: What makes your brokerage unique, and how do you see it evolving in the next five to ten years?

Gabby Maddox: What makes my brokerage unique is its culture of inclusivity, growth, and empowerment. We are not just about transactions—we are about transformation. We focus on helping agents build wealth, create lasting businesses, and achieve their personal and professional dreams. In the next five to ten years, I see us expanding into multiple markets, continuing to develop top-producing agents, and making a larger impact through education, technology, and wealth-building initiatives. I want our brokerage to be a national model for what’s possible when you combine leadership with purpose-driven real estate.  

Mentorship & Community Impact: How do you use your platform to mentor or uplift other young women, especially those from underrepresented communities?

Gabby Maddox: I use my platform to mentor and uplift young women—especially those from underrepresented communities—by sharing my journey, providing hands-on coaching, and creating spaces where they can learn and grow. Whether it’s through direct mentorship, speaking engagements, or business training, I strive to show others that success is possible regardless of where you start. I also focus on financial literacy and real estate education because I believe knowledge is the key to breaking cycles of poverty and creating lasting change.  

Lessons & Advice: what’s one key lesson you’ve learned in your journey that you wish you knew when you started?

Gabby Maddox: One key lesson I’ve learned is that success is a mindset game. Early on, I focused too much on external factors—market conditions, competition, other people’s opinions. But I realized that my biggest asset was my belief in myself. If I could go back, I would tell my younger self: “Trust yourself, move with confidence, and don’t be afraid to take up space. You belong in every room you step into.”  

Legacy & Influence: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the real estate industry, and what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to follow in your footsteps?

Gabby Maddox: I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, wealth-building, and representation in real estate. I want to be known for breaking barriers, helping others achieve success, and creating a brokerage that changed lives. My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay consistent, be willing to outwork everyone in the room, and always operate with integrity. Build something bigger than yourself, and never lose sight of the impact you can make.

Photo Credit: Gabby Maddox Davis