We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ana Banda. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ana below.
Ana , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
In a recent conversation, I asked my only child, my adult son, to describe me in one word, immediately he said “resilient”. I still want him to elaborate, but this got me thinking. I think back on the obstacles and trials that I have overcome, and most of my resilience does stem from a combination of factors. Growing up in my childhood home, my parents, especially my father, always advised me that everything has a solution, and if there isn’t one then there’s no reason why I can’t create one. “Remember, everything that breaks is man made, therefore you can figure it out and even make it greater,” he would add.
My older brother also impacted me greatly, of course at the time, I may have felt that his words of advice might be crass or insensitive, but in fact, they opened my eyes to always search for solutions in my obstacles. “Things will break, that’s inevitable, so why be upset about it, just fix it and move on,” he once advised me. Together, both my father and my older brother instilled this mindset that challenges are simply problems waiting for solutions!
This may have frustrated me at the time, as this way of facing my challenges didn’t allow me time to sit and wallow in my sorrows. I was forced to stand back up and face my fears. Trust me, this wasn’t always easy! But, somehow the combination of my family’s expectations and way of thinking and my own personal pride, staying down for too long, was just not acceptable. I have since been told, that this “fix it and move on” mentality has shaped me into a leader, entrepreneur and a community advocate that I am today.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At 25, I was a single mother with a vision—to become a homeowner. Despite my boss telling me I would fail because I was “just a woman and a Mexican woman at that,” I chose to prove him wrong. I reminded myself that being a Mexican woman meant working harder—“echándole ganas”—and never giving up.
Now, 20+ years later, I am a licensed Realtor dedicated to empowering others to achieve homeownership and generational wealth. My goal is more than just a transaction—I’m here to encourage, guide, and build lasting friendships.
If this Mexican American single mother could do it, so can you! ¡Sí se puede!
Ana participates in these two organizations, Helotes Chamber of Commerce and Asian Real Estate Association, AREAA.
Traveling Realtor- My recent international trip was to Berlin, Germany for New Years and my birthday! It was a fantastic experience.
Travel/Brand Ambassador/Social Media Influencer Nominee for the Reader’s Choice Awards 2024, Ana is passionate about uplifting her community. She contributes to Inspiration4Life Magazine as a co-host on live radio and Facebook live feed, and Street Talk Magazine, while also recognizing and highlighting outstanding community members each month. Dedicated to supporting and promoting small businesses, Ana uses her platform to make a positive impact.
Ana has been featured in Live with Rita and Inspiration 4 Life front magazine cover.
Street Talk Magazine front magazine cover
Nominee – MYSA Reader’s Choice Awards Social Media Influencer in San Antonio 2024
Rosalind – you tube IADM- It’s Already Done Ministries
Leena Asher -You tube channel
Shout Out Magazine feature
Voyager San Antonio Magazine feature
BOLDJourneyInterviewComingSoon
KLMO and Roku with John Boyd
Commercial feature on KSAT at 10 o’clock news
Commercial feature on KENS 5 at 10 o’clock news
Contributing Writer for Live from the South Side with April Monterossa 2021
Celebrity Judge for Southside’s Got Talent, with April Monterossa Live from the Southside Magazine
Insirational Speaker, Beauty in Unity Annual Conference
Her own alumni brick with her name Carved on it located at TX A&M San Antonio
Spanish Translator for the YOU TUBE interview with local Band Saving Jackie with Abdul Whitemetal, Coloquiando con Abdul – 2024
Featured in the Saving Jackie music video
La Princesa
In 2020, Ana won the title of Princess 2020 for Street Talk Magazine’s Beauty Contest
Ana is blessed to have her parents Jose & Teresa and her boyfriend John who encourage her to always go after her dreams.
Ana is a mother to her son, Christian and a glowing grandma (grammy) to her adoration, Lorenzo.
You can reach or follow Ana:
Phone: 210-316-8432
Email: [email protected]
FB: Ana Banda, Realtor at LPT Realty, LLC
IG: anabandarealtor
Hablo Español
Publications
www.inspiration4life.org/magazines
www.streettalkmagoftexas.com page 24
IG: TheAnaBanda
FB: Ana Banda
Email: [email protected]
Shop with Ana:
Shop her Boutique:
www.marykay.com/AnaBandaBoutique
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resourceful
Optimistic
Humble
Spanish Speaking
Always learning
Looking back at my journey, I am proud to say that I have kept myself learning something everyday. I was actually laughed at by a coffee shop owner when I mentioned that I was taking college courses as an adult. I think back at that moment, and realize more than ever that I am a student of life! If I can go back to college right now I would! I love learning!
I would encourage anyone to keep learning! Keep reading, keep plugging in to positive mindsets books, podcasts, conversations! The mind can be a scary place to be in if you are not feeding it knowledge and positive information. I know personally that when you decide to stop learning, reading, living, your mind becomes filled with negative thoughts, emotions, and unproductive results. I have to remind myself daily to keep focused because it isn’t an easy thing to do to stay optimistic. It is a choice. I have also always remained humble in my journey because I know that no matter how much we have or how far we have come, it can all be taken away in a moment’s notice.
I am proud of my Spanish speaking journey as it is a reminder of the sacrifice that my parents made to offer me a better future by moving to the US before I was born. I practice speaking Spanish and enjoy working with Spanish speaking clients.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me are their words of advice.
At the time, it was difficult and challenging to accept and practice their advice. As an adult, looking back, their words have been very impactful with my life and my life’s choices.
I hear about the “Let them” movement now. My mother told me this in Spanish back when I needed to hear it most. In my early 20’s I left a marriage that left me disillusioned, disappointed and betrayed. Once the marriage was over however, there were rumors that would make their way back to me. At the moment, I wanted to run out and fix this! I was desperate to have my side heard! This can’t be! I did no such things! No! Please hear my side! I wanted to run out and explain to anyone who I thought may have heard these rumors. I cried to my mother, and she quietly and calmly advised me, ” tu hisiste lo que hablan?” (did you do what is being said about you) I cried and said, “no, I did not”. Then my mother continued, “entonces tu dejalos! “Dejalos que digan y hagan y lo que sea”. (then let them! Let them say and do what they wish) But how mom? And my mother said to wait and let them.
It was one of the most confusing, frustrating and helpless moments that I can remember, but true to her word, I let them say what they wanted and it all worked out. Years later, I learned that people who know you, KNOW you! My mother was right. “Let them” “Tu dejalos”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anabanda.lpthomesearch.com
- Instagram: Ana Banda Realtor
- Facebook: Ana Banda
- Linkedin: Ana Banda
- Youtube: The Ana Banda
- Other: https://www.marykay.com/anabandaboutique
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
