Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Johnson.
Hi Whitney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in a small city, Lexington, Kentucky. I grew up very family-oriented with two older brothers and a younger sister. My family was known for being entrepreneurs and in real estate development. At 19 in 2009, my life came crashing down when I unexpectedly lost my brother to gun violence. We were very close and looked more like twins. It was devastating; a harsh reality that would forever change my life. It would become my new normal. In 2013, at the age of 23, I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Los Angeles, CA to follow my older brother who was already living there. It was the start of a new life.
Within three months of moving to LA, I started working for the largest hospitality company in the world, SBE. They specialize in catering to high-end clients with luxury hotels, nightlife, and restaurants. It was like graduating high school and going straight to the major leagues. I literally went from not knowing anyone or anything to having an all-access pass to everything in LA and other major cities. It was challenging at first and something that I wasn’t used to but I rose to the occasion. During my time working at SBE, I grew a very niche high-end clientele that would transition me to what my real estate career is today.
I started my boutique Real Estate firm, WMJ Real Estate, in 2016, starting off in property management which lead me to become a real estate agent, working with private clients specializing in residential and commercial sales. My firm reached $10 million in sales in 2021 and I’m currently working on my broker’s license to open my brokerage in 2022.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I truly believe either life can kick you and knock you down or you can use those same hardships as fuel to your fire. I always try to make the best of any situation. Growing up in Lexington was like being a big fish in a small pond with all of my friends and family. Moving to Los Angeles was the complete opposite; I was a small fish in a big pond and I didn’t know anyone. I had to allow myself to be okay with being uncomfortable.
Being a woman in a male-driven industry can be incredibly intimidating. You have to stand in your power and confidence. I was very intentional with creating my brand as being knowledgeable for clients and being able to close deals without feeling fear. This is incredibly important in building a reputable career in real estate.
We’ve been impressed with WMJ Real Estate, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a black young female in a white-male-dominated industry so that already sets me apart! Real estate can be very intimidating for first-time buyers or even experienced buyers. For that reason, I always create an undemanding, straightforward, and effortless client service experience. Whether they are buying or selling, I surpass industry standards of client service excellence. I go above and beyond for every client, keeping their interests as my highest priority.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Losing a sibling at 19 was the hardest crisis that I’ve ever had to deal with. My brother was a really strong person so, in his memory, I push myself to keep going. The lesson I’ve learned is that, even when it doesn’t feel like it, there is always an inner strength that you have access to, that will push you through any hardships or crises. Find it, recognize it and use it to get thru.
Contact Info:
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Email: Whitney@wmjrealestate.com
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Website: www.wmjrealestate.com
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Instagram: @iam_WhitneyMarie & @wmjrealestate
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Facebook: @whitneyjohnsonrealestate
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Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/
whitney–johnson-luxury-real- estate-beverly-hills?osq=real+ estate+Whitney
