Living on purpose, Toni “Harmony” Fletcher

Interview by Ericka Stafford

Every day I come across interesting people, but this one woman in particular, I met a few months back has been inspiration to me and I felt that she could inspire many others as well. Her name is Ms. Toni “Harmony” Fletcher. Harmony is a 29 year old woman, born with half a right limb, Harmony is a very successful Real Estate agent in Detroit Michigan. I asked to do an interview with her because after talking to her, I knew she had a story to tell.

ES: I know of your personal testimony. You were born with one arm tell us some of the things your mother that your mother said to you that made you feel like you were just like everybody else because in actuality you really are?

TF: Well it wasn’t just my mother, it was my grandma and granddad as well (all R.I.P),   they all played a major part in my development.  Firstly growing up, they treated me equally with my other relatives. I got whippings just like everyone else would.  They allowed me to seek out any endeavor I wanted. The scripture, I was taught that I also have written on my desk is that “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.

ES: Sometimes in school  kids can be really cruel and say some pretty mean things how did you get pass those moments?

TF: Well growing up I’ve rarely experienced that problem; as the people I’d grew up with were – oddly enough comfortable with my arm. I think it’s because I have confident in myself, in addition I had a best friend name Christa, who had my back if anyone opted to talk negative about me. Lol.

 TF: I confess to you that I never thought of my disability as being a negative. Negativity is a state of mind, which I refuse to allow myself to be a part of. I turned my disability into a positive, by having faith that God put me here for a purpose. Once you start to understand that purpose, it’s a beautiful thing and its no stopping you. I was blessed to have that support system, so now that I’m older; I want to be that support system to someone else out there.

ES: Since we are co-workers I get to witness your beautiful smile on a daily how do you keep yourself motivated and a smile on your face?

TF: I would have to say it’s my angel in the sky, my mom. She passed away in 2007, from Lupus related issues. She motivates me daily, because even when I feel like giving up, I think about the strength she portrayed even in her last days, it motivates me to keep going and puts a smile on my face knowing that she hasn’t left me.

ES: Tell me how you would inspire someone who is dealing with a handicap of there own?

TF: First, I would tell that person that you have to learn how to LOVE yourself first, and everything else is secondary. I look at my disability as a blessing; to tell you the truth I wouldn’t change anything about me. I like being different, when that song by 2 chainz came out “I’m different” came on the scene.  You couldn’t tell me anything, because now I had my own personal song. Lol. I am the way I am, because I didn’t allow anyone stop me from my success, and whatever disability/handicap you may have you are beautiful. Also if anybody is going through anything that they feel they can’t go through it alone, please contact me; I would love to be your support system.

ES: Tell us about why you decided to become a Real Estate agent; especially since the market is so tough now due to unemployment making people not be able to afford to buy a house any more?

TF: Becoming a real estate agent was really something that I feel was destined in my life, this was not my career goal at all, my plan was to become public relations specialist, but God had a different plan for me. Basically I followed his footprints, and this is where it brought me too. Being a real estate agent is not easy what I learned in my voyage, is that this is not a job, this is business which means a job is a place where you have consistency, you provide a service and in return you get a paycheck, but when you have a business, you will experience wins and losses, and if you don’t grind/hustle you will not make it in this career. One of the first things that my broker told me when I joined my brokerage, which is Front Page Realty is that only 20% of the agents are making money, and the thing that motivates me is to make sure I position myself to be #1 in the 20%.

Within the battles of real estate finding buyers, and listing properties, it can be difficult in today’s economy, but the goal, is to brand yourself in a way where when someone is looking for property, you will be there go to person. Also with the unemployment rate where it is, it allows you to develop short sales, when foreclosure takes place. The Idea in the business in real estate is to be fluent in every aspect of real estate, appraising, inspections, property management and etc.

If you’re interested in purchasing homes in the Detroit, Michigan area

Feel free to contact Ms. Fletcher @ 313.877.9020 or go to her website @ harmonyhomesworldwide.com.

Contact Ericka Stafford at:

www.hottesturbanfictionreviews.com.erickastafford@gmail.com When not writing or interviewing the next hot author in her Author Spotlight she can be found spending time with her five wonderful children or enjoying life with her friends.