

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda Felton.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m originally from the Midwest. I moved to Los Angeles from New York in 2011, and other than two years living abroad, this has been my home since.
I went to school to become a lawyer and followed that path for several years. By the time I arrived in LA, I knew I wanted to do something different. I’d always been interested in real estate, so I started the process and eventually became a broker.
When my daughter was born, my priorities shifted. I decided that I needed to build something for her. I left the large national brokerage I had been at since the beginning of my real estate career and went out on my own. That was six years ago. It’s definitely had its ups and downs, but I’ve never regretted it.
Haven Real Estate Group was born in late 2019 when I felt ready to grow. I had big plans for the brokerage but got the same wake-up call as everyone else in the world in Spring 2020. With a young daughter at home instead of at school, not to mention other family issues, I had to press pause on my career (although I was finally able to finish my children’s book).
When things started normalizing in summer of 2021, I went back to developing Haven with a new commitment. Three percent of my commissions would go to local organizations helping the unhoused. It’s a relatively small gesture, but I love the fact that I’m able to give back to the city that’s given so much to me. I think the covid pandemic has taught us that we are all connected and, in a way, responsible for each other’s well-being. As the mom of a daughter who is always looking for ways to help her community, it’s also a nice thing to be able to share with her.
The other thing I love about Haven is our commitment to diversity. I work with three amazing women who I’ve known since our college days at Spelman. There’s not enough representation across the real estate industry, and one of my goals is to change that. I live in the mid-Wilshire area, and our office space is downtown, in the heart of the city. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Being your own boss is a challenging proposition. I made a lot of mistakes in the beginning, especially when it came to marketing and following up with potential clients.
I also had to effectively shut down my business during the covid lockdown era, which was tough. I’m comfortably back in the swing of things, but it took about a year. Like most working moms, I struggle to find the right balance at times. I’m grateful to have a village who shows up when I need help, so I’m able to focus and be fully present for my clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Haven Real Estate Group specializes in Los Angeles real estate with a unique social impact. Three percent of all broker commissions earned are donated to local organizations committed to the unhoused. I’m most proud of this commitment, and I think it makes us unique amongst the many brokerages in the LA area.
Haven primarily represents buyers and sellers in residential sales. We also do residential and commercial leases and offer property management and relocation services.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I loved the world of theater from a very young age. When I was about eleven, my mom started taking me to see all the touring Broadway shows that would stop in Columbus. We’d sometimes go out for lunch afterward. It was such a special time with her, and it really opened my eyes to the thoughts and feelings of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: havengroupla.com
- Instagram: @havengroupla
- Facebook: facebook.com/havengroupla
Image Credits
Ilene Squires