We had the good fortune of connecting with Kadeisa Izzy Hankins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kadeisa Izzy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to become a realtor my mission was to guide clients through every step of the journey, with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to their dreams. As a family-oriented business, we value the freedom to shape a career that prioritizes meaningful relationships, balancing professional excellence with time for family. For me, real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about building lifelong partnerships, helping others find a place to call home, and making the process smooth, enjoyable, and rewarding. Every client’s story matters to me, and we’re dedicated to making each chapter as memorable as the last.

What should our readers know about your business?
I created my own business with a desire to live life on my own terms and help others find places to call home. Before launching my real estate career, I worked a job that left me drained and uninspired, with barely any time to pour into myself or pursue my goals. It was tough to imagine leaving that stability behind, but I knew I had a calling to create a life where I could grow, have more freedom, and be part of something impactful.
Getting to where I am today took dedication, hard work, and a lot of perseverance. It hasn’t been an easy journey; there were many days when motivation was hard to find. Real estate isn’t for the faint-hearted, and maintaining drive day after day can be challenging. But even on the hard days, my vision for a successful, fulfilling career kept me going. I leaned into the support of my mentors and network, particularly the Greyfeather Group at eXp and the guidance of Quiana Watson, whose mentorship helped me double my volume within just a year. They showed me how to navigate this industry confidently, especially as a young Black woman aiming to make her mark.
I’m most proud of the personal growth this journey has demanded of me. This business isn’t just about buying and selling homes; it’s about building connections, guiding people through one of the most significant decisions of their lives, and leaving a lasting impact. My approach is client-focused, empathetic, and rooted in transparency—qualities that set me apart and help me form lasting relationships with my clients.
Through the ups and downs, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the power of community. I want the world to know that my brand is built on integrity, authenticity, and a commitment to helping others reach their dreams of homeownership. I’m grateful for every lesson along the way, and I look forward to continuing to grow and impact lives through real estate

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Florence, SC for a week, I’d want to show them all the charm, culture, and Southern hospitality that make Florence a memorable destination.

On day one, we’d kick off with breakfast at LilJazZi’s Cafe, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious Southern-style breakfast. Afterward, we’d stroll through the Florence Downtown Historic District, exploring murals, local shops, and galleries. For lunch, The Clay Pot Coffee Shop would be perfect, with its unique decor and fresh menu. To wrap up the day, we’d have dinner at Victors in Hotel Florence, a top choice for its upscale Lowcountry-inspired dishes and live music, which creates the perfect start to our week.

Day two would be all about art and history. We’d visit the Florence County Museum to take in exhibits that showcase local history and contemporary art. Lunch at Wholly Smokin’ BBQ would follow, where we’d enjoy classic Southern barbecue. In the afternoon, a visit to Timrod Park would let us enjoy the outdoors while surrounded by local history. For dinner, we’d head over to Town Hall, a chic spot that offers farm-to-table dining and a warm, friendly vibe.

On day three, we’d venture outdoors at Lynches River County Park. The park offers beautiful trails, kayaking, and a canopy walk through the trees—ideal for nature enthusiasts. We’d pack a picnic lunch or pick up takeout from Julia Belle’s Restaurant, known for its Southern favorites. Later, back in Florence, we’d have dinner at Rebel Pie, where we’d find creative wood-fired pizzas and a laid-back atmosphere.

Day four would focus on shopping and exploring local eats. We’d spend the morning at Magnolia Mall or explore unique boutiques in the downtown area. Lunch would be at Da Massimo Ristorante Italiano, a cozy spot known for authentic Italian dishes. Afterward, we’d swing by Young Plantations to try their famous pecans, a perfect Southern treat to take home. For dinner, we’d go to Southern Hops Brewing Company to enjoy local brews and a casual dinner in a friendly, relaxed setting.

For day five, we’d take a short drive to Darlington and check out the Darlington Raceway. This iconic track and its museum would be a great visit for any motorsports fan. We’d grab lunch at Raceway Grill in Darlington before heading back to Florence for a relaxed evening at Star Grill, where we’d find Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a welcoming vibe.

On day six, we’d spend time at Lake Robinson, a peaceful spot for kayaking, fishing, or just soaking in the scenery. For dinner and live music that evening, we’d return to Southern Hops Brewing Company, enjoying the lively music scene and craft beer.

Finally, on day seven, we’d wrap up the trip with a hearty Sunday brunch at Vintners Wine & Cheese Shop. The extensive brunch menu and cozy ambiance make it an ideal last stop before an afternoon stroll through Freedom Florence Recreation Complex, giving us a last taste of the city’s charm and quality time outdoors.

Florence’s blend of Southern hospitality, arts, history, and fantastic food make it a delightful destination for anyone looking to experience the best of what South Carolina has to offer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe so much of my career momentum to the Greyfeather Group, eXp, where I found an incredible community that accepted me for who I am and supported me from day one. Being surrounded by people who valued authenticity gave me the confidence to bring my whole self into my work and pursue my goals fearlessly. A huge thank you goes to Quiana Watson, who played an instrumental role in helping me navigate the industry as a young Black woman. Her mentorship, insights, and personal playbook have been invaluable, equipping me with the tools to double my volume in just one year. Quiana showed me what’s possible, and I’m grateful for the example she set and the empowerment she gave me to truly dominate my market

Website: https://www.kadeisahankins.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izzy_hankins/profilecard/?igsh=MW91aDlkcGJ2MXloeQ==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadeisa-hankins-68826b276?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kadeisa12isabella?mibextid=LQQJ4d

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