The process of buying and/or leasing a home has the potential to be very stressful and when going through the process, it’s always great to rely on experts to help guide you through it. Thankfully, there are businesses like Calla Brown Management Services out there to lend a helping hand!
We are lucky to call the owner of Calla Brown Management Services, Kiesett Collier-Newton, a member of the My Annapolis Office Family. We recently had the chance to sit down with Kiesett and were able to learn so much about not only herself, but her amazing company as well! Take a look!
Tell us about your company and what you do?
Calla Brown Management Services is a full-service real estate brokerage and property management company. We provide residential and commercial real estate sales, leasing, and consulting services. Our clients range from Asset Managers wanting to dispose of real estate owned (REO) within their portfolios; personal representatives of estates, who are overwhelmed and perplexed about what to do with inherited or probated real property; landlords in need of tenant placement and property management services; and of course local and international real estate property owners and future owners. Our niche is assisting people in transition, who need guidance with preparing properties for the market; and appreciate a solutions-oriented process.
How did you get started in your industry?
Calla Brown was founded during the housing crash of 2008, to service homeowners who were unable to sell their homes because of a significant loss in property value. Initially, we began by offering property management services, that evolved into providing education and consulting services to housing and social service non-profits and now providing full service real estate brokerage services.
What is something about your business that most people do not know?
Calla Brown is not a person but just a name inspired by favorite flower the calla lily and the less commonly seen brown variety.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In five years, my vision is to have expanded our operations to four full-service locations to include Annapolis, Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia locations.
Tell me about yourself?
I am a former Staff Scientist for the Federal Government turned Realtor. While working for the government, I worked on National Emergency Response Programs to combat threats to American Agriculture; and wrote protocols and participated in the preparation of assessments in conjunction with other Federal Agencies, and Scientific Working Groups to assure that human health and the environment were being protected while the agency conducted its mission. I became a licensed real estate agent serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia in 2003 and bring unique insight to my work by bridging the gap between two worlds: science and real estate. The impetus to getting involved in the real estate industry came as a result of frustrations experienced attempting to purchase my first home while in grad school.
I studied at the University of Maryland in College Park and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. In my spare time, I love to cook, travel and exercise. Because I am a foodie, I admittedly have a love-hate relationship with exercise, but more love than hate for practicing yoga. I have competed in a few marathons and 20-mile races and continue to stay active to stay healthy. Presently I am working toward my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification. I devote my time to causes regarding homelessness, housing education, cancer research, youth mentoring and tutoring. The volunteer work I do with several housing non-profits involves providing educational seminars regarding real estate purchasing and investments. I am also an active member of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden and a foundational member of the Wise Builders ministry. The vision of the ministry is to educate members on how to properly develop real estate property and inspire young people to pursue careers in real estate, construction, and development. I incorporate my faith in every aspect of my life and use that as a source of guidance and humility.
Other than work, what are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about good food, mentoring, and yoga.
What types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy the water. A perfect day for me would start with a yoga flow practice by the water at sunrise, followed by an oat milk chai then anything else that comes my way is a bonus!! My husband and I are very active and love taking on new physical challenges and adventures. Our most recent adventure was exploring a Mexican island by moped.
What is your favorite place to eat in Annapolis? Favorite dish there?
Spilt decision for favorites. I’m so conflicted, Rutabega Juicery – “Matcha Smoothie Bowl”, Miss Shirley’s – “cheese grits” and Cooper Hawks Winery – “Gnocchi Carbonara” the recurring theme is comfort food!!
Why did you choose My Annapolis Office and how has working here helped your business?
I chose My Annapolis Office and remain because of its location and their ability to accommodate our growth as we continue to mature as a company. Working here has been helpful for deepening our footprint in Annapolis.
If you would like to learn more about Kiesett or her company, you can visit their website, Instagram, or Facebook.
