Hello Friend,
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?’”
—Martin Luther King Jr.
I started my career in retail, selling clothing and the experience of how delightful shopping can be at high-end stores like Louis Boston, Burberry London, Relish, Sid, and Ann Mashburn. It was certainly satisfying to see the smiles on women’s faces as I helped them look their best, but for me, it just wasn’t enough.
When I got into real estate, that feeling that Dr. King spoke so eloquently about multiplied for me. Now I am not just helping women look their best, I am helping people live their best lives. Those smiles I saw from customers/friends looking in the mirror are now portrayed on such a wider canvas, as I help them find a place to call home, a place that will define them for the coming years.
As I approach the anniversary of my birth on Monday, as President Biden—and Kamala Harris!—go to work repairing the country, as Amanda Gorman lifts us up with her stirring poem, and as we celebrate Dr. King’s words and actions that resonate so much more at this turbulent yet optimistic time, I am so happy to walk this path.
If I can help you find your “place,” please let me know. It’s what drives me in this year of recovery. I am honored to have a birthday 10 days after Dr. King. I only hope that I can continue to live up to the values and practices that he preached. Happy 2021! Maxie and I look forward to catching up with you and hearing how we can be helpful in actualizing your dreams.
Hey Nya, how is the market?
The market is beginning to bloom again for both buyers and sellers. As our beloved America shifts gears into rebuilding itself, so does the Real Estate market in meaningful ways.
Properties that were taken off the market for the in-between-time of Christmas, New Year, and the Presidential Inauguration are returning. Those who have been renting for the last 5 -10 years are now activating their home search, seeing not only the value of an appreciating market but also reacting to what 2020 taught each of us about what it means to have a sanctuary that supports the now blurred lines of work and life sharing the same space.
I am ever hopeful that this year will be the best we have seen yet with an increase in inventory, the delicate balance of supply and demand, and a return to balance.
What am I LOVING right now? One Night in Miami.
I’ve only been able to see clips so far, but I can’t wait to see the new film, One Night in Miami. It’s about a legendary meeting in February 1964 between Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown—following the victory by Ali (who was still Cassius Clay then) over Sonny Liston for the heavyweight crown. Lesley Odom Jr., who played Aaron Burr in the original Hamilton on Broadway, is said to be a revelation as Cooke. (Also a shout-out to his real-life wife Nicolette Robinson who plays his wife in the movie). The film documents the events that led up to Cooke writing the civil rights anthem, A Change Is Gonna Come, and his singing it on The Tonight Show. Sadly, there is no footage of that historic episode. “Since there is no video footage of it, that gave us the confidence to take a little bit of a leap of the imagination and do something that not only honored Sam and the piece that he wrote, but also the story being told in the film,” says Odom. Check out Sam Cooke’s original version here. If you see the film, please let me know what you think.
Lifestyle: Home, Health, & Wellness Tips.
FOR YOUR HOME: After a long hiatus, I have made a return to the kitchen. I noticed a few weeks ago, that I was longing for the meals that I grew up with. The comfort, nourishment, and peace of the food I experienced in my aunt, grandmother, and mother's kitchen was calling me. Even though my family has lived in America since 1995, you can always find Ethiopian food in the house I grew up in. Even now, when Mom comes to visit, she will make fresh injera and all the toppings. I was stumbling around Salt & Sundry in the Union Marker District and noticed this gorgeous Ethiopia cookbook. the recipes are delicious and easy to prepare. As you sift through the pages, you can see the beauty of the Ethiopian people, culture, and landscape. Get yourself a copy, and let me know which recipes are your favorite!
FOR YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS: I have always been fascinated with people who know all about the moon and its cycles. Even more with those who align themselves with the cosmos and how they affect our behavior, challenges, and experiences here on Earth. I also LOVE to plan and have a healthy appetite for collecting journals, so for me, this is a win-win. This Magic of I planner will help put you in alignment with all that surrounds us. In it are also pages to chart out what you would like to manifest in your life, as well as actionable steps you can list to get to where you want to go. Take the journey, you might surprise yourself with what you learn not only about our Universe but what is unEarthed in you.
Wisdom from Max the Maltese
Max has all sorts of non-verbal wisdom that I am fortunate to receive from him daily. This month Maxie says, "Things Are Looking Up. I think Mommy was surprised when our friend Ronn sent her this picture. It shows the view that I see the world. I’m pretty small—even for a dog—so I’m always looking up. But I’ve decided that instead of sulking about it, I embrace it. Let’s all look up in 2021. Yes, 2020 was a tough year for all of us—I could see the constant stress on Mommy’s face, even from down here—but 2021 is going to be amazing! We have new leadership bringing with him the most diverse cabinet ever! But most importantly—and as it should be—we have two of my fellow brethren returning to the White House: Champ and Major. Maybe I’ll get to meet them! So here’s to 2021! Things are indeed looking up! Embrace it and as Mommy often says, Live Your Best Life.