Life & Work with Tamika Carter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Carter.

Hi Tamika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I worked for a nail salon brand called Olive & June from 2017 until 2020 I worked my way up from a Beauty Coordinator to a Regional Manager overseeing all three salon locations in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Pasadena. Unfortunately, due to Covid and the restrictions on Nail Salons, the company closed all salon locations, and I was laid off. The brand kept making products and is now a major brand in nail care. Losing my job sucked and it was frustrating but I didn’t let that keep me down.

During covid, I decided to study Real Estate since it was something I had been interested in but hadn’t pursued. I took classes during COVID-19 and studied, and finally, in 2021, when restrictions started to lift, I took my Real Estate exam. I took my test and didn’t pass my first time. I missed passing by 1%, and I remember being so upset and disappointed. I contacted my study course instructor and let him know what section I missed, and he told me what area to study, and I did. I drove all the way to San Diego to take my test a week later and I passed! I felt so accomplished to finally have my license and finally be a Realtor. I now have been an agent for almost three years, and I love it.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, from me having to take my test twice and then with the market in California being insanely crazy during 2021 and 2022 with bidding wars, paying way too much over the asking price and waving contingencies. It was tough, but I was still able to navigate through it and get my clients into homes.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Realtor, so I help people purchase, sell, or lease homes. I do it all in real estate, but currently, I have been working with a lot of first-time home buyers. I really enjoy helping people find their dream homes because buying a home is one of the biggest purchases in someone’s life. And for me to be able to help my clients accomplish home ownership really makes me proud and happy. It’s the best feeling on closing day when I had over the keys to my clients, and they are so happy because at most times they were not sure if home ownership in California was even possible, and now they are holding the keys to their home. What sets me apart from others is I’m not just about the commission and I care about getting my clients in the best home for them and making their home-buying process as smooth as possible.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would say have someone that you look up to in your field or in life mentor you. Networking you have to get out and meet and talk to people. Both have worked for me in my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: luxurycollectiverealty.com/team/tamikacarter
• Instagram: @tamikacarter and @tamikacarter_realty

Image Credits
Headshot by Bobby Swan @bobbyswaan