Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Harris
Hi Lindsay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been actively involved in the Austin real estate market for the past 20 years. Here’s what I’ve learned: take a little, leave a little. Trust your gut. Invest in things you believe in and get excited about. There’s always another deal to be found. Always speak your mind and be yourself. Become a creator, not a competitor.
In 2004, I was exhausted from working three jobs to pay off my student loan debt. Looking for a way out, I read a stack of investment books and discovered that I had the potential to make money by purchasing a home with little to no money down. A few months later, with only $119 at closing, I bought my first home in East Austin. Trusting my instincts, I took a chance on the Holly Street neighborhood because of its proximity to downtown. That investment turned into a $150,000 profit just two years later.
With a new understanding of how to make money work for me, I began driving through the streets of East Austin with two babies in tow. I looked for homes with boarded-up windows and overgrown grass, wrote down addresses, and contacted owners to see if they were interested in selling. This approach allowed me to buy and sell dozens of undervalued homes, turning a profit each time—for both my clients and myself. In just a few short years, I paid off my student loan debt, built a thriving real estate business, and now own a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio. Through real estate, I discovered my knack for finding opportunity and, in the process, developed a powerful sense of self-esteem.
Since then, I’ve continued working as both a broker and an investor. After running my own brokerage for many years, I joined Compass Real Estate as a founding member in November 2018. In 2024, I launched Feminine Grit, a coaching business designed to help other women find their true calling and learn to trust themselves. I’m excited to use my business expertise to bring my love of inner work full circle and help women become all they can be.
Over the years, I’ve learned that I can accomplish so much more by building a team that combines diverse skill sets, abilities, and experiences. I am incredibly proud to influence other women, by equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to take risks. I want them to experience the rewards of success, no matter their industry.
To me, real estate is about much more than selling homes. It’s a passion that came unexpectedly and gifted me with the incredible means to support my family. As a single mother of two grown boys who juggles many responsibilities, I understand how overwhelming life can feel.
I want women to know that through the power of thinking big, collaborating, and believing in their dreams, they can move mountains. And this doesn’t just apply to women in real estate.
Successful entrepreneurs from a variety of fields have inspired me. I believe the key ingredients to success are surrounding yourself with a supportive tribe, trusting your intuition, taking leaps of faith, persevering through doubt, and, most importantly, wanting success more than you fear it. I hope my journey inspires other women and gives them permission to follow their dreams.
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?
There have been so many ups and downs in life—relationships, raising teenagers, market changes. Business and life have taught me that loving myself is the most important way to navigate these highs and lows. When I take care of myself spiritually, mentally, and physically, the ups and downs become easier to manage.
I am also a very strategic thinker, so I like to consider worst-case scenarios and always have an exit strategy. Learning to let go of my expectations of others has helped, too.
Getting older is a bonus—I feel more sure of myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Feminine Grit?
Feminine Grit is a coaching business I started in 2024 to combine my years of business experience and inner work to help women learn to trust themselves so they can create the lives of their dreams. I have been blessed with a tenacious spirit that allows me to take risks in the face of fear and navigate uncertainty. It hasn’t always been easy, but learning to overcome fear and self-doubt is a critical step in building a life you love.
I have been committed to learning how to love myself since I was a teenager. After years of inner work and taking career risks, I realized it was time to use my skills to give back to women by sharing what I’ve learned (and am still learning). I love mentoring others, offering encouragement, and giving people permission to trust themselves. Often, we already know the truth—we just need a compassionate person to help us process it.
I use a direct, loving, and fun approach in my coaching to inspire courage in others. Feminine Grit is my passion. I offer one-on-one coaching and courses to help women set themselves up for success. Your desires are a roadmap to your calling—they show you what’s possible for you. Don’t ignore the whisper.
How do you think about happiness?
The simple things in life: laughter, coffee, children, love, art, a great meal, nature. I am happiest when I’m with the people I love and my heart is open. I don’t need a lot of “stuff” to make me happy.
Image Credits
Mackenzie Smith Photo
