We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kalima Grair a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kalima, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Building my confidence and self-esteem has been a journey shaped by both struggles and determination. When I got licensed in May 2023, I was passionate about real estate, but I quickly realized how isolating it could feel without guidance. I had no one to turn to, no clear direction, and I began questioning if I was capable of succeeding. It was a low point, but it also became a turning point.
Instead of letting doubt consume me, I decided to push forward. I educated myself, sought out opportunities to connect with others in the industry, and eventually found a mentor six months later who believed in me and gave me the guidance I needed. That experience not only strengthened my skills but also reminded me of the importance of perseverance and the value of self-belief.
What once felt like an impossible challenge became the foundation of my confidence. I learned that being resourceful, determined, and willing to ask for help are key traits that allow me to grow. Those lessons shaped the professional I am today and gave me the self-assurance to navigate challenges, advocate for my clients, and strive for excellence in everything I do.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a multi-state realtor, business owner, and investor, I specialize in helping clients navigate the real estate markets in Ohio, Georgia, and Texas. My experience as an investor gives me a unique perspective, enabling me to provide valuable insights and strategies to buyers, sellers, and fellow investors alike. Whether assisting first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, or sellers looking to maximize their return, I take pride in tailoring my services to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to create lasting opportunities for my clients and myself. Real estate isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building wealth, creating security, and making dreams a reality. My own journey as an investor allows me to better relate to my clients’ experiences and offer them practical advice that leads to informed decisions.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding my brand by offering educational resources for buyers and investors, such as workshops and digital content, while continuing to grow my own investment portfolio. I’m also launching a mentorship program for aspiring agents, sharing the knowledge I’ve gained from both sides of the industry to help them build successful careers in real estate.
My brand stands for excellence, integrity, and empowerment. I want people to know that whether they are buying, selling, investing, or looking to grow their real estate knowledge, they have a trusted partner in me
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building. Each of these qualities played a significant role in shaping my path and continues to guide me today.
Resilience was critical because the real estate industry comes with its share of challenges—deals that fall through, market fluctuations, or setbacks in business. I’ve learned to view challenges as opportunities for growth, which has allowed me to keep moving forward even when things didn’t go as planned. For those just starting out, I’d advise embracing setbacks as learning experiences. Stay focused on your long-term goals and remind yourself why you started this journey.
Adaptability has been another game-changer. The real estate industry is constantly evolving, whether it’s market trends, technology, or customer needs. Staying open to change and willing to learn has kept me competitive. For anyone early in their journey, I’d suggest prioritizing education and staying ahead of industry trends. Take courses, attend workshops, or connect with mentors who can help you stay informed and prepared.
Lastly, relationship-building has been invaluable. Real estate is a people business, and building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and industry professionals has opened doors I never thought possible. My advice is to be genuine in your interactions, listen more than you speak, and always look for ways to add value to others. Trust is earned over time, and those relationships can turn into long-term partnerships and referrals that are key to growing your business.
If you focus on cultivating these qualities, your journey will not only be impactful but also fulfilling in ways you may not yet realize.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am always open to partnering and collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a passion for real estate, investing, and creating value for clients and communities. I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:
Investors: Those looking to expand their portfolios or explore new markets. I bring expertise in multi-state transactions and a deep understanding of investment strategies that drive profitability.
Real Estate Professionals: Agents, brokers, or other industry professionals who are interested in referrals, co-listings, or learning from one another. Collaboration is key to growth, and I value partnerships that enhance service for our clients.
Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Whether you’re in a complementary field like property management, lending, or interior design, I’d love to explore ways we can team up to offer clients more comprehensive services.
Mentors and Mentees: I’m passionate about learning from those who have paved the way and equally excited to guide new agents and investors on their journeys.
Dedicated Agents: I’m actively working on building a team of committed and driven real estate agents who are passionate about providing exceptional service to clients while growing their own careers.
If you’re reading this and feel we’d make a great team or have a project in mind, please reach out! You can connect with me directly via email at kalima@kalimaayana.com or by phone at (216) 246-2135. I’d love to discuss how we can work together to achieve our shared goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kalimaayana.com
- Instagram: kalimaayana
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1883QjNxZo/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: Kalima Ayana
Image Credits
Kaylan Birks
Kennedy Ashford
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.