We had the good fortune of connecting with Atia Sherrod and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Atia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
**Question: What is the most important factor behind your success/the success of your brand?**

**Response:**
The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is the unwavering commitment to my mission and values. My journey in real estate development, particularly focusing on building housing communities for veterans, is deeply rooted in a personal mission to support and honor those who have served our country. This mission drives every decision I make and fuels my dedication to creating impactful and supportive environments for veterans.

Several key elements contribute to this success:

1. Passion and Purpose:My passion for helping veterans and addressing their unique challenges is the core of my work. This deep sense of purpose keeps me motivated and focused, even when faced with obstacles. Knowing that my efforts can make a real difference in the lives of veterans gives me the strength to persevere and continuously strive for excellence.

2. Resilience and Adaptability:Navigating the real estate industry and balancing it with my 9-5 job requires resilience and adaptability. I’ve learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to remain flexible in my approach. This mindset has allowed me to overcome setbacks and keep moving forward with my mission.

3. Continuous Learning and Professional Development:Recognizing the importance of staying informed and skilled in my field, I have committed to continuous learning and professional development. This dedication to growth ensures that I am equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel as a real estate developer and provide high-quality housing solutions for veterans.

4. Supportive Network:Building a supportive network of mentors, colleagues, and like-minded individuals has been instrumental in my success. Surrounding myself with people who share my vision and believe in my mission has provided invaluable guidance, encouragement, and collaboration opportunities.

5. Strategic Planning and Execution: Using my 9-5 job to fund my business has been a strategic move that allows me to build a strong foundation without the immediate financial pressures of entrepreneurship. This careful planning and execution have enabled me to steadily progress toward my goals while maintaining financial stability.

6. Authenticity and Integrity:Staying true to my values and maintaining integrity in all my dealings have been crucial in building trust and credibility with my clients, partners, and community. Being authentic and transparent in my mission has helped me foster meaningful relationships and create a brand that resonates with others.

The combination of these factors has not only driven my success but also ensured that my brand remains aligned with its core mission of supporting veterans. By staying committed to my purpose, continuously growing, and maintaining a resilient and strategic approach, I am able to make a meaningful impact and achieve success in my endeavors.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, Four11Fourteen, is dedicated to real estate and land development, with a focus on building housing communities for veterans. This mission is deeply personal and stems from my family’s rich military background, where my relatives have served in the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. Seeing the struggles veterans face after their service inspired me to create supportive and nurturing environments where they can thrive.

What sets Four11Fourteen apart is the genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of veterans. Our housing communities are designed with their unique needs in mind, providing not just shelter but a sense of community and belonging. We aim to address both their physical and emotional well-being, ensuring they have access to resources and support.

Knowing that our work can provide stability and hope to those who have served our country is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I am excited about the growth potential of our business and the opportunity to expand our reach to help even more veterans in need.

Getting to where I am today has not been easy. Balancing a full-time job while funding and building Four11Fourteen required immense dedication, time management, and resilience. One of the biggest challenges was overcoming self-doubt and learning to believe in my abilities as a minority woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. I surrounded myself with supportive mentors and continuously sought out training and professional development to strengthen my skills.

Another significant challenge was learning to be strategic about my finances. Using my 9-5 job to fund my business allowed me to build a strong foundation without the immediate financial pressures of entrepreneurship. I sacrificed hanging out with friends, staying up late, things got tough. This approach required careful planning and execution, but it provided the stability needed to pursue my mission effectively.

Throughout this journey, I have learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. I have also realized the value of re-evaluating my support system and being mindful of who I share my goals with. Keeping my plans quiet and focusing on action rather than words has been a game-changer.

What I want the world to know about Four11Fourteen and my story is that it is rooted in a deep passion for supporting veterans. My work is driven by a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact and provide them with the recognition and support they deserve. As a Real Estate Developer my mission goes beyond building houses; it’s about creating communities that honor and uplift those who have sacrificed for our freedom.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Charlotte, NC, I would ensure they experience the best of the city, highlighting its vibrant Black-owned businesses. Here’s a week-long itinerary featuring delicious food, exciting activities, and cultural experiences:

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
– Morning: Pick up my friend from the airport and head to Cuzzo’s Cuisine for a hearty Southern breakfast with their famous lobster mac & cheese.
– Afternoon: Check into The Ivey’s Hotel, a boutique hotel offering luxury and comfort in the heart of uptown Charlotte.
– Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Freshwaters, known for its delicious soul food and warm atmosphere.

Day 2: Exploring Uptown
– Morning: Start the day with breakfast at Toucan Louie’s, a cozy spot offering a variety of breakfast options.
– Afternoon: Visit the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, exploring the rich history and contributions of African Americans.
– Evening: Have dinner at Mert’s Heart and Soul, where you can enjoy classic Southern dishes like fried chicken and collard greens.

Day 3: Art and Culture
– Morning: Visit the Mint Museum Uptown, which showcases a variety of art and design.
– Afternoon: Head to LuLu’s Maryland Style Chicken & Seafood for a delicious lunch featuring their famous crab cakes.
– Evening: Explore Camp North End, a hub for art, food, and entertainment, and grab dinner at Leah & Louise, a modern juke joint serving Southern-inspired dishes.

Day 4: Nature and Adventure
– Morning: Take a hike at Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve, enjoying the trails and scenic views.
– Afternoon: Have lunch at The People’s Market, offering fresh, locally-sourced food.
– Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at Pepperbox Doughnuts, a Black-owned doughnut shop with unique and delicious flavors.

Day 5: Day Trip to Lake Norman
– Morning: Drive to Lake Norman for a day by the water.
– Afternoon: Have a seafood lunch at The Waterman Fish Bar, which offers fresh and sustainable seafood.
– Evening: Return to the city and dine at Stir It Up, a Caribbean restaurant known for its flavorful dishes and vibrant atmosphere.

Day 6: Shopping and Entertainment
– Morning: Visit the 7th Street Public Market for breakfast and explore the local vendors.
– Afternoon: Go shopping at No Grease Exclusive, a Black-owned barbershop and boutique offering unique fashion and grooming services.
– Evening: Dinner at Soul Gastrolounge, known for its tapas, sushi, and creative cocktails.

Day 7: Local Favorites and Farewell
– Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Easy Like Sunday, a favorite spot known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious brunch options.
– Afternoon: Visit the Charlotte Museum of History, then have a late lunch at Nana Morrison’s Soul Food, a staple for hearty Southern comfort food.
– Evening: End the week with a relaxing evening at Red@28th, a stylish lounge offering great drinks and live music.

Throughout the week, I would introduce my friend to some of the most interesting and exciting Black-owned businesses in Charlotte, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of the community. This itinerary blends the best of Charlotte’s cultural, culinary, and natural attractions, ensuring a memorable visit filled with fun and discovery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible mother, who is my biggest inspiration and source of strength. She runs her own business, Simple2aTee, as a reseller, and I see her day after day going out there and getting it. Her dedication, hard work, and resilience have taught me invaluable lessons about never giving up on oneself.

Watching her manage her business with such determination and grace, even when times get tough, has shown me the true meaning of perseverance. She always finds a way to overcome challenges and emerge stronger, and her example inspires me to do the same in my own endeavors.

My mother’s unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. She believes in my potential and pushes me to strive for excellence in everything I do. Her sacrifices and constant encouragement have played a significant role in my journey as a Real Estate Developer and Land Developer.

My mom is definitely my hero, and I aspire to give her the world because she has given me so much. Her influence and support deserve immense credit and recognition in my story, and I am deeply grateful for everything she has done for me. Make sure you all follow her on Poshmark @simple2atee to support her!

Website: https://www.four11fourteen.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/brighteyez224

Image Credits
Photography:
Jerez
Instagram.com/eyecatcheverything

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.