Her Story
About Ayanna
Ayanna Echols is a licensed commercial real estate advisor based in Atlanta, Georgia. With four years in the field, she specializes in retail and land development, focusing on consumer-facing commercial real estate and mixed-use development in the urban core of metro Atlanta. Her daily responsibilities include client meetings, property tours, contract review, financial verification, vendor partnerships with lenders, architects, and engineers, as well as prospecting and networking through organizations like the Atlanta Regional Commission, Invest Atlanta, Business Alliance, and CREW. Prior to real estate, she spent over 20 years as an educator, which instilled the discipline and consistency she applies today. She holds an undergraduate degree from Spelman College and three graduate degrees, consisting of two masters and a specialist in counseling education from the University of West Alabama and Columbus State. She is currently pursuing her CCIM designation through coursework in business brokerage, tax, 1031 exchanges, and tenant and landlord representation. Ayanna attributes her success to supportive leadership at her brokerage, her parents' emphasis on education and discipline, and her own drive to continuously learn and apply knowledge. She has earned the Silver Award and additional brokerage awards, and she values helping others, humility, lifelong client connections, trustworthiness, and authenticity.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ayanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the leadership at my brokerage firm who believed in me, my parents who were very educated, consistent and disciplined, and my constant craving to learn and apply knowledge. Being an educator for over 20 years instilled discipline and consistency that helps me in this field.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'm a mentor and consider myself a marathon runner. You may be able to sprint into your first couple deals, but just know that it's a marathon, and just be prepared to continue to learn and stay consistent. And stay in there and fight.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is consumer hesitancy due to interest rates and fear. Opportunities include dynamic mixed-use development in urban and suburban areas, more women entering the industry, internet connectivity for networking, and organizations like CREW.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
To help others, be humble, continuously learn, and provide a lifetime connection for my clients. This means being trustworthy, authentic, and showing up consistently.
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