When you think about the word success, who do you think of? How about a gorgeous middle aged momma of five boys killing it as a real estate agent. Davin has an impressive portfolio of family and luxury homes, and holds a prestigious designation that has been awarded to only nine percent of agents across Texas. 

Fun fact, Davin also speaks Swahili. Sometimes, you’ll catch her and her husband speaking Swahili together.

Not only is Davin one of the most authentic women I know, having lived in East-Central Africa for seven years, she’s also one of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. You never have to pretend or to put up a front around Davin. She’s the kind of friend that doesn’t mind helping herself in the kitchen when you’re busy bathing a kid, or who offers a hot meal and a bed when an afternoon visit strikes ten pm. She’d literally send you away with the kitchen sink if you needed it. You know how some moms are like, what’s ours is ours, and others are like, I have more than enough for your kids too… she’s definitely the latter. She’s the kind of friend that notices things, and who doesn’t just notice when you’re having a bad day, but will ask you about it, listen, and totally meet you where you’re at. She’ll ask about your marriage, your faith, and “let’s pray about it” is a common response. She doesn’t hide her own struggles and her honesty and vulnerability add value and depth to her character and her strength.

Moving back to the US has not been easy for Davin. But I’m certain that her ability to listen and to understand the needs and desires of others, not to mention the amount of grit one picks up living in rural Africa, has contributed to her success as a realtor.

Success. Davin would agree that that’s a funny word. She doesn’t define success by the amount of money in her bank account or by any number or value of homes sold. Davin defines success as “achieving personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose through the pursuit of your passions and values.” She says “it involves building meaningful relationships, contributing positively to the community wherever you’re at, and continuously growing and learning.” I can certainly get behind this definition. Davin has had clients make home cooked meals for her. Success. Not too long ago she was invited back to her beloved African home for a friend’s wedding. Success. She recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. Success. She has friends literally all over the world from all walks of life. Success. It’s obvious that her values include genuinely caring for others. Success.

Where do you see success in the women around you? What are your successes? Does Davin’s definition of success line up with your own?

I hope that this week’s episode of Strong and Inspiring Women challenges you to consider the values by which you measure success in your own life, and in the lives of the women around you.

Be sure to follow davinmarie for raw and curated glimpses into Davin’s success journey.

See you next week!