Meet Amani Penn-Gilbert | Real Estate Agent & Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amani Penn-Gilbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amani, how do you think about risk?
Great question, I like to think about risks as a bet on yourself or ideas. If the risk is thought out, strategic, or sometimes even planned, it could be one of the best decisions you make for yourself, if it’s in terms of business.

For me, taking risks and believing in my ideas led me to new heights that in the back of my mind didn’t know could actually work! But on the other side of the coin, I’ve also taken risks that led to some pitfalls that in hindsight I could only be grateful for because of the wisdom I gained through the process.

I would always tell any current or aspiring entrepreneur, if you want to be successful in business you have to look at the data and be strategic with your planning. But if there’s no data well that’s where your faith kicks in. (Hebrews 11:1)

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed Real Estate Agent & Interior Designer in the Greater Houston and Surrounding Areas. I believe what sets me and my business apart from other real estate companies is the ability to have a concierge service when it comes to your real estate needs. Many real estate brokerages help you FIND a home, but very few help you MAKE a home. And what I mean by that is, partnering my expertise in real estate with design allows for me to get even more intimate and intentional with all of my clients. I love being able to help and build relationships beyond the transaction and setting up a life of ease, comfort, and confidence when they step away from the busyness of life so they have their own sanctuary that they can be proud of.

Getting to where I am in my business today took ALOT of work. Im talking physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Being an entrepreneur is a calling and the ones who understand that just do. Nothing in my business came easy, in fact nothing in the industry I serve does which is why I have so much respect for the ones who dug deep and climbed their way to the top. I give all of the credit to the most high God for where I am today, because without him I would still be stuck wondering. Wondering of the possibilities, my potential, or even what I was capable of.

I believe one of the biggest lessons I learned along the way was that I had to choose my hard. Do I choose the hard of having to work late nights and early mornings? Having to wear multiple hats and learn every role within my business? Or do I choose the hard of having to answer and show up for someone else’s dream? Having someone else be in control of my time and how much I get to spend with my family? Figuring out how I wanted my story to be written and realizing that nothing worth working for would come easy was when I made the final decision that my soul would be obedient to my purpose.

If I wanted the world to know anything about my business or life it would be that, this is tangible evidence of God’s movement and intentionality in our lives. The most high is in all things not just the church, he’s the best business partner or shareholder one could have.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I was showing my best friend around the city some of my favorite areas to visit would be the museum district or River Oaks area! Just knowing my bestfriend and how we like all of the finer things, I know she would love to know more about the city so visiting any type of museum or cultural attraction would be amazing. Shopping or a quick stroll in the River Oaks area or inner city would also be the cherry on top! As far as food goes, we love good eats so it doesn’t matter where it’s at, if it’s good (with good reviews and customer service) then we’ll be there but The Breakfast Klub and Lotus Seafood would be a non-negotiable!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Whew, if I could choose just one person I honestly would. But, I would like to give a personal shoutout to close family and friends who supported me since the start of my entrepreneurial journey back in 2019. After scaling one business, then turning around to give up everything I’ve built to pivot and follow my purpose in real estate. From losing my son in 2022 to be blessed to welcome new life in 2023, the way they showed up for me, licked my wounds, and encouraged me when I couldn’t do it myself is what being a village is about and I make sure they know it every chance I get.

Instagram: @Amanimyrealtor

Youtube: @Amanimyrealtor

Image Credits
All of the images I’ve provided were shot by the amazing @novai_mages on instagram!