Today we’d like to introduce you to Khani Zulu.
Hi Khani, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I embarked on my real estate journey in March 2016 in Austin, Texas, with an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for creating meaningful experiences. Before diving into the property, my background had been a mosaic of diverse experiences, including theater production, choreography, retail management, fashion design, teaching yoga, and managing a renowned tattoo studio with my husband. Each endeavor shaped me uniquely, fostering creativity, customer service skills, and a deep understanding of human connection. March 2016 marked a pivotal moment as I embraced the world of real estate. My experiences in theater production and choreography allowed me to see properties as stages waiting to be set, transforming spaces into captivating scenes for potential buyers. Retail management and fashion design honed my eye for aesthetics and trends, enabling me to present properties in their best light. Teaching yoga deepened my understanding of human needs and nurtured my ability to build trust and rapport with clients on their journeys.
This diverse background became the bedrock of my success in the real estate industry, allowing me to offer a unique perspective and create extraordinary experiences for my clients. Managing a renowned tattoo studio with my husband further cultivated my entrepreneurial skills, providing invaluable insights into negotiation tactics, marketing strategies, and the art of delivering exceptional customer service. With each transaction, I strive to craft a masterpiece, attending to every detail and ensuring a seamless and memorable journey for those seeking their dream homes.
Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the winding path that led me to real estate. It is a culmination of my passions and the desire to serve others. Guided by an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and a diverse skill set, I am dedicated to creating exceptional experiences and leaving an indelible mark on those I encounter. Let me be your guide in this captivating world of real estate, where together, we will turn your dreams into reality and weave a tapestry of unforgettable moments.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
My real estate journey has not been without its fair share of struggles. As an entrepreneur in the real estate industry, one must learn to navigate many facets of business, projects, and people that all come with challenges. After 4 years, I chose to end a seemingly successful business partnership operating like a very dysfunctional marriage. We had built a solid reputation and were well-known in the industry, but ultimately it would need to be more sustainable. In September 2022, just when the real estate world came to a slow grind due to a steep hike in interest rates, I decided to take this leap of faith and start over! I chose to leave that partnership and build my brand.
I have had to learn the intricacies of building successful business partnerships and assembling a competent team. Collaborating with professionals in the real estate industry requires effective communication, trust, and shared goals. Overcoming challenges in aligning visions and managing expectations has been a learning process that involves fostering open dialogue, compromise, and finding common ground. These experiences have shaped me into a resilient and adaptable real estate professional equipped to navigate future challenges and seize growth opportunities.
These struggles taught me important lessons about adaptability, perseverance, and navigating challenges. Each obstacle presented an opportunity for growth and honed my skills as a real estate professional. These experiences shaped me into a more resilient and capable practitioner, ready to overcome future challenges and seize opportunities in the dynamic world of real estate.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Curated Collective RE, we take a unique and creative approach to the real estate business. We go beyond the transactional aspects and strongly emphasize fostering long-lasting relationships, delivering elevated experiences, and forming partnerships to help you achieve your goals. In addition to assisting people to buy, sell, ad invest in real estate, we also offer design consulting and project management. Our VIP club offers access to a network of trusted trades, and vendors vetted through our personal experience.
Our creative approach involves thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions that align with your vision. Real estate is an art form, and each property has its own story waiting to be told. We curate a personalized experience that combines aesthetics, design, and functionality to create spaces that resonate with you.
Our ability to blend analytical expertise with a creative mindset sets us apart. We understand the market dynamics and bring a fresh perspective and artistic flair to our work. Whether it’s staging a property for maximum impact, designing unique marketing materials, or finding creative solutions for your real estate needs, we are known for our attention to detail and distinctive approach.
Our creative philosophy extends to building relationships with our clients. By nurturing these relationships, we create a strong foundation of trust and collaboration, ensuring that your real estate journey is successful and enjoyable. We take the time to understand your unique aspirations, preferences, and lifestyle, allowing us to curate a tailored approach that meets your needs.
At Curated Collective RE, we want you to know that our creative approach is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our ability to think differently, bring a fresh perspective to the real estate industry, and deliver outstanding results; partner with us to experience a real estate journey infused with creativity, innovation, and a passion for turning spaces into remarkable experiences.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents. Their constant belief in me and encouragement to pursue my passions have been the foundation of my entrepreneurial spirit. They instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of following my dreams. Several individuals deserve credit for their unwavering support and guidance in my journey toward success.
I am also incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my husband. He has been my pillar of strength, providing the love, support, and understanding that have empowered me to overcome challenges and pursue my ambitions in the real estate industry. His steadfast belief in me, constant encouragement, and willingness to be my sounding board have been instrumental in my journey.
Furthermore, I am grateful for the mentors, coaches, and colleagues I have encountered. The guidance and insights I received through the Tom Ferry Network have been invaluable in shaping my approach to real estate. The support and camaraderie of my colleagues, both locally and from across the country, have provided me with a strong network of professionals to learn from and collaborate with.
Also, I want to acknowledge the support, hard work, and belief in me of my colleague and friend, Izabella Pham. She has been with me through some of the most challenging times and continues to stand beside me as we grow this business together! I remember the mentorship of two of my sales managers, Steven Edwards and Jennifer Lewis. Their leadership, industry expertise, and unwavering belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my professional growth and success. Their guidance and resources have equipped me with the tools and knowledge to excel in the real estate industry.
Finally, I would like to nod to my previous business partner. Their partnership and collaboration were pivotal in shaping my understanding of entrepreneurship and the real estate industry. Together, we navigated challenges, made critical business decisions, and created a foundation for growth. Though our paths may have diverged, I am grateful for the lessons and experiences we shared
To all these incredible individuals, my parents, my husband, mentors, coaches, and colleagues, I am truly grateful for your role in my journey. Your support, belief, and guidance have shaped my path and have been instrumental in my success in the real estate industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.curatedcollectivere.com
- Instagram: @Khani.Zulu, @CuratedCollectiveATX
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khanizulu/. https://www.facebook.com/CuratedCollectiveRE/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanizulu/
- Twitter: @khanizulu
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KhaniZulu.CuratedCollectiveRE
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/khani-zulu-curated-collective-re-austin
Image Credits
Felicia Reed
Alissa Cordoba
