Many people at some point in their lives have to overcome adversities and stigmas in order to get ahead. In doing so, they may also find a higher purpose in their life, which serves as a driving force.
This is the case of Claudienne Hibbert-Smith who was born in 1979 in Queens, New York. Today, she is a 20-year real estate professional who services buyers and sellers in both the residential and commercial sectors.
Growing up, Claudienne had trouble staying out of trouble in school. Although she had skills of a high achieving student, she would often find problems with other classmates and constantly get suspended.
When she was just 14, Claudienne got pregnant and gave birth to her son, Amari Bryant. She ended up studying in three different high schools, but did not let the stigma of teenage pregnancy bring her down.
“Unlike many who saw doom in my future as a result of my pregnancy, failure was not an option for me. I knew I needed to make a drastic decision and I did! She began to get involved in school activities and changed the friends she hung around. She was among the top academic performers and Vice President of her high school graduating class . I then went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in 2001 from The University of Florida (UF), a premiere university ranked 14th overall among all U.S. public universities according to the US News & World Report.” Claudienne says.
After graduating, Claudienne became a real estate professional. Thanks to the large volume of sales that she reported, she ascended incredibly fast in The Keyes Company, and as a result, she created the Hilbert Group of Real Estate Consultants.
“I created a real estate group-Hibbert Group about 7 years ago and we have maintained the number 1 in sales in our immediate office of over 130 agents and top 5 in the entire company of over 4000 agents.” Claudienne notes. “In addition, I buy and rent property under my company – CH Enterprises, LLC.”
Besides her work as a real estate professional, Claudienne is also actively lobbying for homeownership and real estate opportunities for the black community. She sits on the City of Opa Locka Planning and Zoning Board, and has chaired the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) as the local South Florida President.
Claudienne is a realtor for the city of Miami Gardens, Miramar, and Pembroke Pines, and has fulfilled the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. She is also on the Miami Gardens Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
Moreover, Claudienne’s economic success has not deterred her from selflessly giving back to her community. Her non-profit organization, Claudy Cares Foundation, is rooted in community service. For her community involvement, she was awarded the first ever Humanitarian Unsung Hero Award from The Keyes Company.
“I also run a health and wealth business.” Claudienne adds. “Simply put, I literally changed my lifestyle and took control of my health and it has allowed me to feel good inside and out – I am now a National Director in Total Life Changes where I am helping people to get their health on the right track and create another stream of income. I sold the number 1 earner in TLC homes and she was able to pay CASH by simply taking care of her health.”
Throughout her career, Claudienne had to overcome many challenges such as dealing with the teenage pregnancy stigma and standing out as a black woman in a white-dominated industry.
So far, she has succeeded and she continues to strive towards success. Claudienne has received several educational and real estate industry credentials including Chairman’s & Presidential Elite Circle, 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County, 25 Most Influential & Prominent Black Women in Business and Leadership, Top 5 Real Estate Network. In 2019, Claudienne received Miami Agent Magazine’s Agents’ Choice Award for her charitable service and was also honored by the City of Miami Gardens at the Women’s Expo as “Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things.”
“Mindset is the beginning of all success or your demise. What you think will manifest. So I try to focus on good things and to always understand the good that I could take from a lesson.” Claudienne advises, saying that when starting a business it is important to “have a vision. State the vision so that it is clear, create the plan, remember the vision, and start the work.”
Right now, Claudienne is focused on helping 1,000 people become homeowners, having her own television series “Everything Real Estate,” and starting to coach in venues across the United States on topics such as how to build a real estate portfolio and how to increase your real estate sales.
It is never too late to plan ahead to become a homeowner and leave behind a physical legacy for your children. To find out more about how this can be possible, go here.
“Unlike my competition, I think positively. I set goals and get to work. I am not just a realtor, I am an educator.” Claudienne states.
With her positive influence, Claudienne continues to be a pillar in her community, always looking to grow and help others around her. Learn more about her and follow her journey here.