Interview with Christina Shuler – Designer

A female carpenter who enjoys remodeling homes.

Rock Hill, SC

Glam Farmhouse LLC

Glam Farmhouse, LLC | glamfarmhouse| glamfarmhouse.com

What inspired you to start in real estate and how did you motivate yourself to keep going?

When my husband and I purchased our first home in 2017 we didn’t have the money to pay contractors to renovate the home for us, so I started doing projects myself. Completely flipped our first home and now working on our second and started an LLC for carpentry to help others renovate their properties as well.

Comparing your business from back then to now, what has been the main thing that allowed you to expand your business?

Growing my brand name to be a recognize-able name and one with great reviews has really helped me. When first starting out it is hard because you haven’t built up the reputation yet.

What’s the most profitable aspect of your business, why do you think this is and how can others apply this to what they are doing?

Learning how to design around pricing. Finding alternative items that look the same or similar to achieve the desired look. Working with clients who appreciate good work and are willing to pay me to do it.

When did you realize you were successful/made it and how did you feel/celebrate?

My first full year in business pulled in over $150,000 in revenue. That’s when I knew I had “made it” and now I am striving to increase that number each year by growing mentally, emotionally, and physically by expanding my knowledge and possibly hiring employees.

Looking back, what could you have done sooner to get to that point quicker?

Not listen to doubters and nay-sayers who said I couldn’t do it. Quitting my corporate job sooner (I was afraid of the lack of pension/benefits).

What should other real estate entrepreneurs reading this be focusing on to expand their own business?

Build your brand, network, make connections and relationships. Always carry business cards with you to get your name out there. Have a great elevator pitch and be confident when reciting it to possible clients. First impressions are essential!

How has social media and online marketing affected your real estate business? How much more success have you had now after implementing social media and online marketing efforts?

Social media has dramatically helped with my business. Having grown my following and sharing tips and tricks has helped not only my business grow, but has also helped others grow as well.

How did you build your team?

Ironically I am a one-woman team right now. I am planning to expand and hire my first employees soon.

How did you become a good leader?

I grew up playing sports-starting with gymnastics, then moving on to track & field, volleyball, and basketball. I went on to play division 1 volleyball at USC. I learned how to be coachable, be a team player, set goals for myself, and be a leader through sports. I was also the captain of my team more so than not which helped me learn to lead.

Did You Experience Failures? If So, What Did You Learn From Them?

Ive experienced MANY failures. Failures are what makes a successful person successful. Without them we could never learn how to improve and be better. Every time I failed, I would figure out a way to be better and better. Always improving even to this day.

What do you consider the main differences between those people who have been successful in your industry and those who have failed?

Patience, determination, and hard work. Everyone I know who hasn’t been successful lacked one or more of those traits. You can be determined, patient, but lazy and you won’t be successful. You can be a hard worker, determined, with no patience and not be successful. You must have all three.

What’s Your Approach To Marketing?

Be transparent and myself. Put my best foot forward and constantly put my name out there. Ive gotten to the point now where the word of mouth from previous clients is the majority of my marketing.