Meet Kristi Mishaw

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristi Mishaw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristi below.

Hi Kristi, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I’ve learned to be successful and effective in rooms where I’m the only person who looks like me by owning my presence and focusing on what I bring to the table. I walk in prepared, with confidence in my knowledge, my work ethic, and my purpose. Early on, I realized that I can’t shrink myself to make others comfortable—and I won’t. Instead, I lean into my difference as a strength. Being the only one in the room doesn’t intimidate me—it motivates me to excel, to represent, and to open the door wider for the next person. I’ve also learned the power of listening, observing the room, and adding value in a way that’s undeniable. That’s how I’ve built trust, respect, and real results, even in spaces where I may not have been expected to thrive.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Kristi Mishaw—Detroit-based Realtor®, lifestyle curator, and co-founder of The Mishaw Team under Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | The Loft Warehouse. I specialize in residential and luxury real estate across Detroit and southeastern Michigan, helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the market with confidence, clarity, and white-glove service.

What I find most exciting about what I do is being able to serve people at some of the most pivotal moments of their lives—whether it’s finding a dream home, selling an estate full of legacy, or making a strategic investment. I bring a unique mix of strategy, interior design expertise, and heart to every transaction. My goal is always to make people feel empowered and educated—not pressured.

What’s special about my brand is that it’s deeply rooted in authenticity. I don’t try to be someone I’m not. I show up for my clients with style, substance, and soul—and I believe that’s why people trust me. I love this city. I loved Detroit when we were bankrupt and the butt of every joke, and I love it now as it’s rising in value and visibility. My business reflects that same grit and grace.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding deeper into the luxury market. I just closed a $799,900 townhome in Brush Park and have new listings coming up in historic and high-growth areas like North Rosedale Park and Bagley. My husband Clarence and I recently launched The Mishaw Team as a real estate power couple, and our co-branded marketing, videos, and events are building serious momentum.

We’re also members of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce and actively farming upscale neighborhoods like Bloomfield Hills and Riverfront Towers. Expect to see more community events, video series, and buyer/seller education campaigns soon—especially as we head into the summer and fall selling seasons.

Whether you’re looking for your first home, your forever home, or your next investment property, I’m here to help you buy and sell with confidence and class.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities that shaped my journey have been resilience, relationship-building, and confidence in my competence.

Resilience – Real estate is not for the faint of heart. Deals fall through, people ghost, emotions run high—and you have to keep showing up. Resilience kept me grounded during slow seasons and helped me push through when things didn’t go as planned. For anyone just starting out, understand that setbacks aren’t signs to quit—they’re invitations to level up. Keep going.

Relationship-building – This business is 90% about people. Clients don’t just hire you for your license—they hire you because they like and trust you. I’ve learned to build authentic connections by listening more than I speak, following up consistently, and treating every client like they’re my only one. My advice? Invest in your relationships more than your marketing at the start. People refer who they trust.

Confidence in my competence – Early on, I had to learn to silence imposter syndrome and lean into what I do know. I studied the market, asked questions, shadowed great agents, and kept my clients informed every step of the way. Knowledge builds confidence—and confidence closes deals. For new agents or entrepreneurs, the best way to grow is to stay curious and take action. Confidence comes from doing.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Three books that have played a major role in my personal and professional growth are Sell It Like Serhant by Ryan Serhant, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and Atomic Habits by James Clear. Each of them shaped a different part of my mindset and how I show up in my business.

From Sell It Like Serhant, I learned the importance of branding and positioning. Ryan talks about building a persona that’s bigger than the business card—and that stuck with me. It reminded me that people aren’t just buying a house; they’re buying into you. That gave me the confidence to lean into my voice, my style, and the experience I deliver.

Think and Grow Rich taught me about the power of focus and faith. It’s not just about dreaming big—it’s about being relentless in your pursuit. One of the quotes that lives in my head is: “Success comes to those who become success-conscious.” That helped me rewire my mindset around money, worth, and what I believe is possible for myself and my family.

And Atomic Habits brought it all together by showing me that small, consistent actions are what actually move the needle. I used to get overwhelmed trying to do everything at once. But now, I prioritize what matters most, build better systems, and trust the compound effect of daily habits—because that’s what builds momentum and long-term success.

Together, those three books helped me grow as a businesswoman, a mom, a wife, and a leader in my community. If you’re early in your journey, start with those. Highlight them, re-read them, and most importantly—apply them. That’s where the magic happens.

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