Makina Winters, REALTOR, PMP, CSM’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We recently had the chance to connect with Makina Winters, REALTOR, PMP, CSM and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Makina, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely! I’d hire me in a heartbeat and not just because I believe in myself, but because I run a business, not a hobby. I bring a powerful mix of professionalism, passion, and purpose to everything I do. I don’t just chase transactions; I create transformations.

Whether I’m helping a client secure financing as a loan officer, guiding a first-time homebuyer, crafting a business strategy through Closing Deals In Pearls®, or leading a project team, I show up with integrity, empathy, and excellence every single time.

I may not always be the “popular” choice, but those who’ve had the privilege to work with me know firsthand the value, commitment, and care I bring to every experience. My clients know I’m not just here to get the job done, I’m here to get it done right.

At the end of the day, I’m not just about closing deals; I’m about building trust, creating impact, and delivering results that make people excited to work with me again and again.

That’s the difference between running a business and building a brand people believe in.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Makina Winters, a dual-market REALTOR®, Project Manager, loan officer with Quontic Bank, and the founder of Closing Deals In Pearls®. I lead a results-driven real estate team serving the Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia metro areas, helping clients buy, sell, and finance their homes with confidence, care, and clarity. I’m also a Master’s degree candidate in Technology Management with a specialization in Cybersecurity Management, which allows me to blend business strategy with financial expertise for every client and project I take on.

I don’t just close deals, I create transformative experiences. Whether I’m guiding a first-time homebuyer or supporting a family through a complex move, my focus is always on people, purpose, and possibilities.

My signature P.E.A.R.L.S. Principle: Professionalism, Ethics, Accuracy, Relationships, Leadership, and Success ensures that every client feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Outside of work, I’m a doting wife and bonus mom, an Alabama native, and a proud University of Alabama at Birmingham alum. I’m also deeply committed to my community as a sustaining member of the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) and an executive board member of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Heart of Birmingham Chapter. When I’m not helping clients or leading initiatives, you’ll find me cherishing time with my husband, family, and friends, getting lost in a good audiobook, or sharing a funny meme or random video to make someone’s day.

For me, Closing Deals In Pearls® isn’t just a brand; it’s a lifestyle. I help clients unlock possibilities, build memories, and achieve their dreams, combining professionalism, expertise, integrity, and heart to deliver results that last a lifetime.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person who saw me most clearly before I could see myself was my late mother, who passed away in 2006. As her only child, I was her world, and she poured every ounce of her love, faith, and wisdom into me. She taught me the power of character, integrity, and perseverance, showing me that faith could carry me through even the toughest challenges.

She pushed me to reach higher, to never settle, and to believe in my own potential, even when I couldn’t. Even on days I doubted myself, she believed in me without question, reminding me that with faith, discipline, and determination, I could achieve anything.

Her love and vision continue to guide me in everything I do. The heart, purpose, and passion behind Closing Deals In Pearls® are a direct reflection of her legacy; every client I serve, every deal I close, and every project I lead carries a piece of her unwavering belief in me.

She may no longer walk beside me, but her voice, her lessons, and her faith are my compass every single day.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, music was my refuge. I would lose myself in songs that lifted my spirit, gave me hope, or reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Whether it was gospel that strengthened my faith, smooth R&B that soothed my heart, jazz that calmed my thoughts, or even trap music that matched my energy and drive—each sound helped me process my emotions and find courage in moments of uncertainty. Even today, I carry that same love for music into my life and work, using it as a reminder that inspiration, reassurance, and joy can be found in even the simplest things.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
That’s a great question and one I love talking about! I think a lot of people today are getting it wrong by treating being busy like it’s the same thing as being successful. We’ve glamorized the grind so much that slowing down almost feels like slacking off, but it’s not. Constant motion doesn’t always mean real progress.

As an advocate for self-care, I’m a firm believer that “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. You can’t show up as your best self; at work, in relationships, or anywhere; if you’re running on fumes.

Sometimes the smartest move you can make is to pause, recharge, and turn up your favorite tunes or whatever you enjoy that matches your mood while you reset.

In life and in my career, I value balance, integrity, and authenticity. You can have all the strategy and credentials in the world, but if you lose your peace, your empathy, or your joy; what’s the point?

The real win is building success that feels good, not just looks good.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
If there’s one thing I would regret not doing, it’s pursuing dental school. As a child and young adult, I was and still am fascinated by the science, precision, and care involved in dentistry. I’ve always admired the ability to help people improve their health and confidence through such a skilled craft.

Although my journey ultimately led me in a different direction into real estate, project management, and entrepreneurship through Closing Deals In Pearls® that same curiosity and appreciation for mastery never left me. As a PMP®, CSM®, and a master’s candidate in Technology Management with a specialization in Cybersecurity Management, I’ve continued to channel my love of learning into every facet of my career.

At heart, I’m a philomath; someone who finds joy in learning just for the sake of it. Whether it’s exploring new technologies, developing innovative business strategies, or guiding clients through major life decisions, that same spirit of curiosity drives me.

Even though my path looks different than I once imagined, it’s a reflection of everything I value: growth, purpose, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Images: D. Jerome Smedley Photography and Eric Dejuan Photography
Makeup: Millicent Payne Beauty
Nails: Jazmine Jones of My J, Nailz
Hair: Alicia Jenkins

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