Meet Debbie Adokpaye | Realtor, Author & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debbie Adokpaye and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?

I’m deeply intrigued by the complexity of the human experience. There’s a particular spark that ignites within me when I’m able to form meaningful connections. Given my inherently sociable nature, I love participating in a collective effort toward a shared objective. So a successful realization of a shared goal is truly SO inspiring to me. It’s almost like witnessing a symphony of human collaboration.

Simply put, when I establish a genuine rapport with someone (client or otherwise) and its founded upon a mutual passion and dedication to a common goal, and together, we navigate the challenges toward its achievement—that’s when I feel truly invigorated and ready to tackle any challenge that comes my way.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started my career as a Real Estate Agent back in 2018. I actually gained my RE license as far back in 2014 when I was still in Law School. My father was always very involved in the purchase and sale of RE back in Nigeria and I remember being intrigued by his day to day dealings but nonetheless, I was determined to be an attorney at all cost!

I began my education in the United States at Louisiana State University and then went on to continue at Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston in 2009. On completing law school, I immediately sat for the bar exam but was disappointed and then depressed after failing the test not once, but 2 times!

Having failed the Texas Bar Exam, it was not easy to keep my head up and continue to persevere. This was also undoubtedly my biggest setback but in retrospect, I’m glad it happened. It created major doubt in myself about my skills as an entrepreneur and was my quintessential rock bottom. I overcame this hurdle by picking up the pieces and deciding to use my fundamental knowledge of Property and Contract Law to start my RE business in earnest. It was at this juncture that I learned a very important lesson: “Life is what YOU make it!” I could keep wallowing in my sorrow, or I could see the glass as half full. I chose the latter!

When deciding specialization for my RE business, I was torn between Short Sale & Foreclosures vs. Relocation so I decided to get certified in both areas. Within my third year in RE, I found that the relationships I had created with my Relocation clients were nearer and dearer to my heart than all the others so I shifted my focus there. As you can imagine, in a city where there are thousands of other realtors, it was hard to stand out. I made my mark by putting my head down and learning how to SERVE my clients rather than make profits. This helped my business take on a much more personal and dependable feel because I valued the relationships I created and nurtured them not with the goal of closing a deal, but rather catering to a friend or family member in need. This is what makes my business stand out, rather than regaling potential clients with my number of units sold, I am happier to develop a trusting and dependable relationship that will ultimately achieve their real estate goals to a T.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok!! So we have a week in Houston to entertain a buddy, here’s what we’re going with. For a place to stay, I would suggest the Westin in the Galleria mall (for at least half of the stay) because of its proximity to the mall and well…everything! For brunch, we’re going to the Breakfast Klub, Tiny Boxwoods and Liberty Kitchen in River Oaks. I’ll definitely recommend we catch a game at the Minute Maid Park if any of our teams are in season. Visiting the Gerald Hines waterfall and the Museum of Natural Science to get some Instagram-worthy shots is a must as well as sauntering through Herman Park and Discovery Green. The Post will also be a go-to for us and while we’re downtown, we’ll stop at the Houston aquarium and the Houston Zoo. For lunch, I’d bring my friend to Xochi’s downtown or Taste Bar in Midtown. For dinner, we’re definitely going to Lucille’s as well as the Chef’s Table. For a dinner with some flair, I’ll also suggest Koya!
For live music, we’re headed to the Continental Club or Rockefellers. I love all that Houston has to offer and sharing with with folks who come from other cities has become not just my occupation but a source of joy and fulfillment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big shout out to my amazing friend and partner Kenneth Dorsey. Your belief in me, even when I doubted myself, has truly been a game-changer in my life. Your commitment to hard work has been such an inspiration, teaching me that with persistence, I can achieve anything. I’m incredibly grateful for your constant support and for always pushing me to be my best self. Cheers to you, Ken, for being such an incredible mentor and friend

Website: https://stan.store/debbieahoustonrealtor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbieahtx/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbieahoustonrealtor

Image Credits
Valentina Li (@vsphototx on Instagram)