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From an Abandoned Teen to a Real Estate Mogul and TV Producer, ArLancia Williams Shares Her Journey of Resilience, Success, and Paying It Forward

For many, the idea of being left alone to fend for oneself at sixteen seems unimaginable. But for ArLancia Williams, that experience was just the beginning of a journey that would see her overcome extreme adversity, build a thriving real estate empire, and use her success to empower others, especially women. Today, as the Owner and Principal Broker of Platinum Trust Realty, ArLancia oversees more than 700 tenants across Washington, DC, and Maryland, and is on the brink of becoming the first Black female owner of a Keller Williams franchise! Her story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring—a testament to resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Growing up in Capitol Heights, Maryland, ArLancia faced a harsh reality. Her stepfather was abusive, and she recalls being “always on guard, always on defense.” The pain and turmoil of her early years were compounded when, at sixteen, her mother and newfound father abandoned her. ArLancia returned home from school one day to find an empty apartment. The days turned into weeks, and it became clear they weren’t coming back. Forced to support herself, ArLancia turned her talent for hairstyling into an income, working part-time in a salon and even styling friends at school. “I never had the luxury of childhood,” she reflects. “I had to grow up fast.”

Despite these hardships, ArLancia’s early experiences fueled her dreams rather than deterred them. With a fierce determination, she moved forward, eventually working in corporate settings and starting her own business ventures, including a full-fledged hair salon, all while raising three daughters. Along the way, she discovered a passion for real estate, seeing it as a way to build wealth and stability not only for her own family but also for others in her community.

Her dedication to generational wealth is not just about money; it’s about breaking cycles of poverty and lifting others up. “I want people, especially women, to know that it’s possible to create a better future,” she says. “You have to put the work in, but it is achievable. No matter where you start, don’t let your past dictate your future. Let it fuel your future.”

In 2018, she launched Platinum Trust Realty and has since acquired and managed over 650 residential and commercial properties, many dedicated to providing affordable housing for low-income families in Washington, D.C. “Everyone deserves a place to call home, a place they feel proud of,” ArLancia says. Her success has not only elevated her status as a real estate mogul but also empowered her to become a voice for those who are often overlooked in the housing market.

A natural-born mentor, ArLancia is committed to teaching others how to build wealth. Her advice is rooted in hard-earned wisdom and a mindset of resilience. “You have to want it, you have to believe you can do it,” she says. “Life is hard, but once you accept that, it gets better. Challenges don’t mean you stop; they mean you keep going.”

Her story is also a powerful example of reinvention. Beyond real estate, ArLancia is branching into television as an executive producer of two upcoming reality shows: A Place to Call Home and Flip Queen. Through these shows, she aims to dismantle stereotypes, particularly about women in real estate and construction. A Place to Call Home will feature Black women realtors in Washington, D.C., renovating an eight-unit apartment building from start to finish. “People think women can only decorate after a place is built, but we can do it all,” she asserts. The show aims to showcase the grit, expertise, and vision that women bring to the table, while also providing affordable luxury for families in need.

Meanwhile, Flip Queen is set in Atlanta and features three female real estate flippers competing to renovate and sell a property under strict time and budget constraints. With celebrity judges like Quiana Watson and Kendra Robinson, the show is designed to showcase the talents of women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. “These shows are about so much more than just flipping houses,” ArLancia explains. “They’re about showing women that they, too, can be successful in this industry, without compromising who they are or what they stand for.”

Her commitment to empowering women and underserved communities is a natural extension of her own journey. ArLancia and her husband, a business powerhouse duo in the D.C. area, are deeply invested in creating opportunities for others. “There’s nothing holding me back,” she says with a calm yet resolute determination. “This is what I want to do, and I’m doing it because it’s my dream.”

When asked how she balances her many roles—real estate mogul, executive producer, author, mother, and wife—ArLancia’s answer is simple yet profound: “It’s all about making time for what you love and doing what makes you feel fulfilled.” Her story is a beacon of hope for women who may feel confined by their circumstances. She emphasizes, “When one door closes, it’s not locked. It’s just closed. You have to keep knocking.”

For ArLancia, generational wealth is not just about accumulating assets but about creating a legacy that can be passed down through her family. She clarifies, “Generational wealth starts with you. It’s about passing down knowledge, values, and the tools to build a better life.” Her forthcoming book aims to demystify the process of building wealth, especially for those who don’t come from privileged backgrounds. “I didn’t come from a family with a silver spoon—or even a plastic one,” she says with a laugh. “But I always thought differently, and that mindset is where it starts.”

ArLancia Williams’ journey from abandoned teen to real estate mogul is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and a fierce dedication to giving back. As she puts it, “If I can do it, anyone can. You just have to believe, work hard, and never give up.”

As we celebrate women in entrepreneurship, ArLancia is confirmation of what’s possible when you refuse to let your circumstances define you and instead use them as a launchpad to achieve greatness. For any woman on a journey to build a brighter future, her message is clear: “You’re stronger than you think, and your dreams are worth fighting for.”

Keep Up with ArLancia Williams: @arlanciawilliams_mogul

 

 

Photo Credit: Nathan Pearcy