Black History Month Spotlight: Tennesher Hogarth

February is Black History Month.  While The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce celebrates all our members throughout the year, this month we are shinning a spotlight on our members within the African American community.  Join us all month long for our 2nd annual spotlight series.  This special feature helps our communities learn a little more about some of their business leaders who work so hard to make it a community to be proud of.
 

Today, we would like you to get to know Tennesher Hogarth of Vylla Home.

Tennesher is proud to announce that she is a realtor with Vylla Home. As a real estate agent her first and only priority is aligning the dreams her clients have of homeownership with the reality that it's truly obtainable. Providing unmatched customer attentiveness, a tireless work ethic, strong market analysis and even harder negotiating skills; Tennesher will confidently and effectively, rise to be that competitive edge you need in this ever changing; fast paced environment.

​
We asked Tennesher three important questions.  Read her responses below.
 
Q1. What are some challenges you faced early on that helped prepare you for the role you are in today and how did you overcome them?
 

1. Seeing me today one would not believe that as a child I was very quiet and shy. If someone spoke to me, I would hold my head down and not respond. I would avoid conversation and confrontations of any kind. When I entered the field of property management, it gave me an opening to improve my verbal communication skills. Getting to know a prospective tenant’s wants and needs gave me the opportunity to be more open and friendly. The more people I encountered, the more I came out of my shell. I found my strength in speaking with strangers. As the years progress, I found that helping someone find a new apartment was pleasing and enjoyable. I thought if I can help someone find a new apartment with ease and provide all the information necessary, I can also help someone find a home. I took this opportunity to expand my learning and decided to pursue my real estate license.

 
Q2. Who/What is your biggest inspiration in both your personal and professional life?
 

1. In this new profession that I have embarked on as a realtor my biggest inspiration would be my current branch manager Brandon Jones. I would not have had the experience that I currently have if it hadn’t been for him. In this industry once you get your license, you’re basically fending for yourself, and I found it difficult to maneuver the process. When I was introduced to him, I had no idea what I was doing or even any capabilities of finding new clients or how to put a contract together. He has walked me through the process for both buyers and sellers; and given me tools and recourse to build upon. Most new realtors cannot say that they had such a positive leader when entering in this business, and for that; I will always, and forever be grateful. 

 
 
Q3. What is your biggest piece of advice to businesses struggling with diversity and inclusivity in the workplace?
 

1. My advice for companies struggling with diversity and inclusivity is simple. I believe that both are very important and intricate parts of any company's well-being and are highly important for maintaining a healthy and balanced environment. Great companies evolve because they learn from past mistakes and are comfortable with change. Investing or putting an emphasis on creating an environment that is built off different nationalities, walks of life and perspectives; richly makes the company attract more clientele as well as open policies and fundamentals that would apply to a range of individuals looking to apply and work for that company. 

---