Chantay Bridges is a Realtor, Writer, Speaker & Coach. Her Company Clear-Choice Realty & Associatesis located in Los Angeles, California
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do professionally.
I am committed to excellence and putting my clients first and foremost. I believe in utilizing my gifts and abilities in outreach to my community and world around me. Being a philanthropist with a strong business acumen, has allowed me to reach new heights in real estate services. I have worked with numerous high profile clientele, celebrities, political and chief executive officers.
I have worked with a vast amount of VIP’s, political and business pioneers throughout the years including Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, Dustin Hoffman, Jennifer Hudson and many, many, more.
I have had the opportunity to be a contributing author to several books including:
MAXIMIZING THE SELLING VALUE OF YOUR HOME
THIS IS HOW TO GET YOUR NEXT JOB
THE MODEST WOMAN
POUND FOOLISH; financial industry
JUST CALL ME, MR. MRS. OR MISS MILLIONAIRE
I have had the honor of receiving several awards including
WINNER “INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR” 2012
WINNER “CITIZEN OF THE YEAR” 2012
WINNER “BEST REALTOR IN LA” MY FOX LA HOT LIST AWARDS: 2012
TOP 100 REAL ESTATE AGENTS
FORBES: NOMINATED – TOP 100 WEBSITES FOR WOMEN
Among others
What do you enjoy most about your profession and why did you choose it in the first place? What was the inspiration for your company/project?
I enjoy the myriad of opportunities I have to influence others, from stay at home moms, entrepreneurs, students to celebrities and well known CEO’s.
The inspiration for my business was wanting to make a difference in the life of others. Encourage and teach financial literacy with basic step by step tips easy to grasp for the newcomer all the way to savvy seasoned investors
Tell us about any new projects you have coming up (or recently completed).
Last year I drafted an extensive twenty five page grant proposal on behalf of a non-profit seeking start up funding and assistance.
I was featured in Redbook and Womans Day magazines for their summer editions.
I have had the opportunity to visit a high school’s career fair and share with aspiring students about their goals, aspirations and providing tips. Mentorship is invaluable and it is imperative that individuals find time to give back to others.
What is a typical day like for you?
No day is typical, yet an average day can be like this:
Beginning the day with prayer to God and bible reading. Arriving at the office, answering and responding to emails, checking voice mails and following up on paperwork. Later meeting with clients and scheduling appointments for the week.
Tell us about your community involvement – what you are passionate about outside of work and home and why/how you participate?
I have been a faithful and active community member for over 20 years. I am committed to the things, people and work of needy. I continue to reach out, everything from providing help to the needy, to grief/sympathy coordinator, for those who have lost a loved one.
For over 18 years, I have volunteered and spent many weekends at juvenile hall. My team and I go into the facility to inspire, educate and motivate the kids to live and be better citizens. It’s been said, their presence has lowered the suicide and return rates. Many of the children’s life’s have been touched and affected. Many of these children come from broken homes. Some are kids of gang bangers, single families with no true parental guidance or direction. Several are hopeless and looking for someone to believe in them.
I have worked with Habitat for humanity: Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
A volunteer for Toys 4 tots program. They collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to less fortunate children in the community. I take off from work and spend time visiting the warehouse where the toys are stored and distributed.
As a volunteer, I have worked with Make a Wish Foundation, serving as a wish granter, fundraiser and special events assistants as well as numerous other capacities. Last year Macy’s partnered with the foundation. I weekly visited Macy’s, picking up letters for Santa, sorting, counting and mailing them. Each letter to Santa was matched with a donation to the organization from Macy’s.
I serve as a Board member and active volunteer at House 2 Home a women’s transitional facility. The non-profit works to provide a home to the homeless, transition women back into the workforce and acts as an advocate to the hurting. I serve as their Realtor, media & publicity strategist. I have made gift baskets for all of the women, to make certain every person had something on Christmas day.
I have also given my time to various other nonprofits such as Christmas Sharing, Advocate to the needy, Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc. among others.
What is the biggest risk you ever took professionally and/or the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
Leaving a secure 8 to 5 career position and going into partnership with a total stranger to try our hand at a retail specialty gift store. Being, neither of us had any experience it was extremely challenging and there was huge learning curves. Eventually, we did well, obtained a large number of celebrity clients and was well thought of in the industry.
From where do you draw inspiration? Who have been your role models, mentors, etc?
I draw inspiration from within. I believe everyone has God ordained gifts and talents, it’s up to us to take what we’ve been given, nurture it and share it with the world.
Role models:
My Pastor – a true example of godliness, holiness, wisdom and giving of your life in service to others
Mother – purchased her first piece of real estate at a very young age, an example of class and smarts
Oprah Winfrey – after working with her on numerous occasions, her work ethic and style is impeccable
Marshawn Evans – Not only is her niche similar to my own, she also an attorney, author, speaker, coach, all around entrepreneur
What do you do to keep yourself sharp? What one thing have you done in the past year that has made a significant difference in your life/your business?
I am an advocate for literacy that includes all areas. I continue to train, take courses, stay involved with my community and grow. I attend church services, spend time with my family and attempt to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
I was interviewed, featured and published at over 100 media outlets. The media continues to contact me regularly when seeking out experts.
What one thing would you like to learn this year?
How to make every day count, know everyone is important and never forget to reach back and help someone else.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Being a New York Time best selling author!
Helping others to make a choice for Christ, knowing He’s the reason why you were born!
What do you do for fun/relaxation/entertainment?
I enjoy going to the spa, massages, dining out with friends and watching live sports events.
What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?
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