Today we’d like to introduce you to Briante Wells.
Hi Briante, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Yes, thankyou so much for having me! So I originally wanted to be a fashion designer. I went to high school and college for fashion design and everything! But after my freshman year in college, I realized quickly that fashion design was no longer an interest of mines, after racking up all these student loans! I ended up switching my degree to Physical Therapy since both my mother & grandmother did Physical Therapy. I began my career in that field in 2015. After only working for a year, a friend of mines introduced me into the real estate world. He had already started different businesses and dived heavily into the entrepreneurial world, real estate investing being one of his businesses. Which at the time, I really knew nothing about because I was taught, “Go to school, get a degree, work in your career field.” So, when he would come around with these different business ideas, I would kind of just let it go in one ear and out the other. Until one day we had sort of a dispute & he stated, “you think because you got a little piece of paper (he was referring to my degree), that you good for life!” I’m not gone lie, I was mad at him at first but I look back and laugh because he gave me the fuel I needed. So, I called him over, asked him to walk me through how to get started in real estate investing, and got my first property shortly after. My 1st investment property was the HARDEST but it was definitely a learning experience for me and it’s where I found my passion! I began flipping houses 1 by 1 and realized I was good at it! I decided it was something I definitely wanted to do full-time, so I ended up leaving my 9-5 & dove head first into the real estate world. I started getting a lot of inquiries over the years from people, especially women asking me how to get started & things of that nature, which led me to start “She Invests Rehabz,” a boutique business specializing in real estate home remodeling & investment mentoring. All of this had me thinking, “okay well Briante, you really should get your license to just make it all a one-stop-shop for your clients!” So, I got my Real Estate license which has led me to where I am at today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road has been everything BUT easy! I’d be lying if I said I haven’t had a lot of crying days during this journey. It’s so hard when you’re coming from consistently getting paid every 2 weeks to now your paychecks are determined on how hard your hustle is! I’ve had times where I’m like, “ok was this a mistake, should you have stayed working a little bit longer!” But I snap out of that mode immediately and get myself together! There are many struggles I deal with being a female investor. Contractors feel like I don’t know anything & think they can get over money-wise. My first property, I got screwed over so bad. I actually DIDN’T know anything at the time. Which is why, I want to provide to other women what I wish I had back then, guidance in this field! I feel like you’re not taken seriously as a woman in this type of industry. Which has made me want to dive harder into it. I can tell you what though, I don’t get screwed over anymore!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Briante Wells Real Estate is Briante Wells the agent! I work with clients who are looking to purchase a home, sell their home, investing or pre-selling development properties. She Invests Rehabz is a boutique business specializing in real estate home remodeling. We offer services to our clients who are looking to refresh their home’s interior. Rather it’s a home they’ve been living in or a home just bought, we guarantee a positive experience for our clients as we work towards creating their best lifestyle. We also offer our She Invests Rehabz academy, catering to women who want to learn how to get into Real Estate investing & 1 on 1 mentoring for women ready to flip their first investment property, taking them through the entire process from beginning to end, up to the point they’re ready to put it on the market to sell. This mentoring program will provide them with all the resources they need to successfully complete their investment property. I basically want to eliminate the trial & error experience that I went through because it sucks! Altogether, I feel like I got known more for flipping houses. That’s what came first, Briante Wells the investor. I built my brand around that. I feel like that’s what sets me apart, the fact that I started as an investor so I’m always looking at a property for my clients from an investing standpoint. Becoming an agent was an added bonus that just opened up more doors and opportunities for me. I am in a rebranding process currently that I am super excited about because I’m combining my services as a real estate agent with my investing & remodeling services. As I stated it’s a one-stop-shop! I’m here to help my clients succeed in this real estate world so if I can assist with that, I am all for it!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about St. Louis is our unique language & culture. I can’t even explain it, you just have to be from here to understand. I love the support of small businesses this city provides. I wish i can see more of that. This city can have somewhat of a “crabs in a bucket” mentality at times that i just really dislike! We have so many talented and ambitious people in St. Louis, I would love to just see us all support and build up each other!
Contact Info:
- Email: briante@briantewellsrealestate.com
- Website: www.briantewellsrealestate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briante_therealtor/
- Other: https://beacons.page/briantewells/
Image Credits
Mena Derre Photography
Metrospect Media
