Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrienne Gravens.
Hi, Adrienne. I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in San Antonio and moved to Austin shortly after as a baby. It’s a city that’s always had a special place in my heart growing up; things were rarely easy. My mom struggled with addiction and poverty, and I attended over a dozen different elementary schools as we moved around a lot as a result. Being raised by a single mother in less-than-ideal circumstances taught me resilience and empathy and gave me a killer work ethic. Despite the challenges, I always tried to stay positive and developed a hunger to break generational cycles. Even as a kid, I knew I was destined for greater things and was a natural entrepreneur. In kindergarten, I used to walk the neighborhood and offer my lawn services for payment. I am sure I did a terrible job, but I was cute, and people happily threw a dollar or two my way. I was in business! I was a gifted child, but I struggled with paying attention, always getting reprimanded for talking too much, and not applying myself, but I still got A’s, frustrating the hell out of some of my teachers. It turns out I just had ADHD, a tale as old as time.
Unfortunately, when I was in 5th grade, my mom was hit by a car while crossing the street as a pedestrian in Dallas. We were told she wasn’t going to live, and my sister and I were sent to Ohio to live with our grandparents, but we did not know. My mom did eventually recover and suffered lifetime trauma and brain injuries as a result. Living with my grandparents was a complete culture shock for me, going from my pseudo-bohemian life walking everywhere, taking the city bus to school, being exposed to live music and community to Baptist church three times a week, bedtimes, minivan school drop-offs, and no tv besides approved videos rented from the library.
The crazy thing is that I had been craving structure, and I took to it. It was nice to have a pretty house to come home to and dinner on the table, but I missed my mom and our adventures, feeling like it was us against the world. When her amnesia went away, and she was cleared from the hospital, we moved back in with her and didn’t look back. I may have had things rough, but I will never take the love she gave me for granted. She loved me so much. She always made me feel so seen and heard. Because of her, I am confident and can give and receive love. At 37, I can reflect on what a gift that was.
Yes, this is the condensed version. Ha! The only reason any of that is important to share is because I wouldn’t be who I am without it. Also, though I don’t consider myself especially inspiring, I want to be honest about where I come from so that if someone struggles to break past the cards they were dealt, they may feel less alone. That, and I am in an industry that can feel superficial and icky at times, a lot of smoke and mirrors, and sometimes people look at me and think that I must have it all figured out and things must have come easy. I truly believe that we are the masters of our destiny.
I didn’t go to college and worked in the service industry from when I went out on my own at 16 until I transitioned into sales around 2015. Speaking of my industry, I am a local real estate advisor in Austin, Texas. Oddly enough, moving a lot and having ADHD are superpowers in my business because my brain works quickly, and I can shift gears seamlessly. I also can connect with people from all walks of life quickly and easily. My ability to connect makes my clients feel safe and builds trust. Mine is not a transactional business but rather one of building relationships.
In addition to real estate, fashion has been a consistent thread throughout my life. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of style and self-expression. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with fashion and beauty brands through social media and attend invite-only events. It’s been an exciting avenue to merge my love for aesthetics with my professional endeavors. Many clients choose to work with me because my style allows them to know more about me and trust my eye for design.
Social media has been a game-changer for me. Beyond showcasing my fashion interests, it’s become integral to my real estate business. I started teaching social media strategies for realtors within my brokerage and beyond, helping them leverage online platforms to connect with clients. This generated leads for my own business and allowed me to make a meaningful impact in the real estate community. Showing up online in an authentic way is something I initially shied away from, but I wish I had done it years earlier in my business. I encourage anyone reading this who is struggling and procrastinating to take their business online to do it yesterday. It will initially feel a little cringe, but you are your worst critic. With love, no one cares!
Embracing an online presence has been monumental. It’s not just about posting listings but creating a personal brand that resonates with your ideal client. By sharing my journey, insights, and, yes, even my passion for fashion, I’ve connected with clients on a deeper level and worked with clients I feel aligned with. It’s all about authenticity, and I’ve found that people appreciate the personal touch.
I’m excited to share that for 2024, I joined the Austin YPN (Young Professionals Network) board of directors. Being a part of this organization allows me to impact the local real estate community positively. I’m particularly passionate about the platform it provides to make real change and bring representation for others like me who may need to fit the cookie-cutter real estate mold. As a childless queer woman under 40 with a little bit of a wild streak, I don’t see too many people in this space like me. It’s essential to show up as you are because it allows others the quiet permission to do so, too. Being professional and having a particular look or lifestyle are not mutually exclusive. I am a damn good Realtor. I believe success is about personal achievements, lifting others, and creating positive change in the community. I’m grateful for the opportunities to make a difference in my professional and personal spheres.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
I wrote the first part with this, including not knowing there would be other prompts. I am happy to share more challenges if need be; lord knows there have been plenty, lol.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Same thing here as before. I work with self-employed people, business owners, creatives, and tech innovators. Most of my business is with women making solo purchases and LGBTQ+ individuals. I work in residential real estate with both buyers and sellers. I specialize in downtown high rises and central Austin, though I have many clients and experience in Austin’s many suburbs. I emphasize educating clients throughout the process and assisting relocating folks with neighborhood education and selection. I also help clients with design and provide resources when remodeling homes on any budget.
Contact Info:
- Website: adrienneatxrealty.com
- Instagram: @adriennegravens
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agravens
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennegravens/
- Youtube: @lgbtqaustinrealtor
- Other: https://linktr.ee/adriennegravens
Image Credits
Headshot by Cody Kinsfather
