My goals were only achieved because I put in the work and created a plan to make them a reality. There were a lot of obstacles I needed to overcome, but I never let that deter me – with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
It had been my dream for as long as I can remember – I was ready for a fresh start. It had always been my plan to move out of my hometown, and I was finally ready to make my dreams a reality. While searching for places in Atlanta, I found a rental company that offered the first three months rent-free. That was all the time I needed to find my way to a new city. I was going to make this move work and create the life I had always wanted.
I have been self-sufficient and driven for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the projects of New York, I was very conscious of what I wanted for myself and the work I would need to do to get there. I began working at the age of 14, and I saved almost all of my summer earnings to pay for my own things and school supplies. My mother and my family were always there supporting me as I worked hard to get good grades and set myself up for success. I’ve always had the mindset of “I can do it myself.” It is a running joke in my family about how I attempted to walk multiple blocks on my own because I wanted to go to the store - at 3 years old!
When the time finally came for me to move, there were many massive shifts happening in my life! Within a year, my boyfriend and I got engaged, we flew to Atlanta put a contract on our first home, then we got married, had our son, Sati, finally moved to Atlanta and settled into our new lives. It was quite the year for us! As a mother, I was determined to be very involved and present in Sati’s life. I was a stay-at-home mom for a while, but I eventually decided to return to the workforce - seeking a career that would allow me the flexibility I needed.
Before relocating, my past career was in social work, first working at homeless shelter for women and children and later investigating allegations of abuse and neglect against children with Child Services. Working directly with families was both an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience. I was able to use my skills and knowledge to make a real impact on the lives of those in need. It fueled my deeper desire to help others and make a difference.
Even though I enjoyed social work, I wanted a career with more flexibility to be with my son. I became a hairdresser, and if Sati wasn’t at school, he was by my side. When I first became a REALTOR®, I did it part time while still working at the salon. I had a lot to learn. I was new to the industry and had to navigate the ins and outs of the business. But I was determined to make it work. I was excited about the opportunity to connect with people, understand their needs and help them achieve their goals.
My real estate business started to take off within the first year, and by the second year, I started to feel overwhelmed juggling my role as a mother while simultaneously working two jobs. Something had to give. I was doing too much, and it was taking a toll on me. My inner voice was telling me to do real estate full time, but I continued to push it off until I couldn’t anymore. There was a lot of pressure to continue balancing it all, even though I didn’t want to anymore.
Becoming a full-time REALTOR® is one of the best decisions I have ever made. All my concerns about juggling everything disappeared as I realized how much better of an experience I could create for my clients when my full focus was on real estate. I learned an important lesson to always listen to my heart and stay true to my inner voice.
As I look back on my journey, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions as I reflect on all I have overcome. When I set my mind to something, I will make it happen. My focus and consistency has allowed me to create the life I always wanted and have a positive impact on others.
Helping families find a place to call home, guiding them through the process of buying or selling a home, and being there for them during the emotional rollercoaster of it all is similar to social work in many ways. I not only coordinate the transaction but also provide emotional support for my clients as we move through the process together.
As a REALTOR® since 2015, it brings me a great deal of pride to know that many of my clients rely on me and trust me like a friend. They know I can provide the information, knowledge and support for any of their real estate needs. By fostering a relationship built on trust from day one, I help relieve the stress from my clients and create an experience that is fun and exciting! When you work with me, our relationship spans even beyond the transaction. I will be ready to offer guidance and professional advice for all future real estate needs as your REALTOR® for life.
Sincerely,
April Rogerson