Athena Brownson is Redefining Client-Focused Real Estate in Colorado

Pamela Bardhi: Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Underdog Podcast. Today I have an incredible guest here with me. The magical, fierce, Athena.

Athena Brownson: How are you? That was the best intro ever. Thank you. Just feeling fierce now because of you. I’m doing great. So happy to be here. I can’t thank you enough for having me. I think we’re gonna have fun.

Pamela Bardhi: Oh, we’re gonna have so much fun. The energy’off the charts, and you already.

Athena Brownson: Know what that means.

Pamela Bardhi: Like, we’re get into it and have some fun. I’m just so excited. I love meeting incredible souls like you and then kind of taking it way back. And, like, we were just talking about, like, peeling the layers back. because unfortunately, in this lovely society of ours. everything is all about the end game. And that’s all you see. This magical facade at the end of it all. not showing anything about the brutalness of the process. 

Athena Brownson: Social media is not just real life. Like, everything we see is and isn’t just as glamorous and easy as look.

Pamela Bardhi: Well, we live in a matrix. and we can get into all that.

Athena Brownson: The simulation, theation, the projections, 

Pamela Bardhi: Multiple parts of the soul. but we can say that for another.

Athena Brownson: Day, you know, part two through ten.

Pamela Bardhi: Yes, totally, Totally. And it’s one of those things that, like, peeling those layers back. and kind of getting an understanding of, like. where things really originate from, you know? Because in your career and all the magical things that you’ve done now. I’m sure everyone looks at it now. It was like, oh, my God. then you’re like, well. But what I had to do to get there is a whole nother story. So I like to reel it all the way back. All the way back to, like, childhood. So when Athena was a kid. what did Athena want to be when you grow up?

Athena Brownson: Absolutely. I feel like, you know, this might be a good therapy session. Just kidding. But, you know, I was born and raised in a small mountain community in Colorado. so I was pretty much raised skiing. I learned how to ski when I learned how to walk. which was like two. Which is pretty crazy when you think about it. And, it’s crazy when I think about it. but my dad was a professional skier and a developer, a real estate developer. And so I grew up in an environment of highly competitive. very, very driven family members. 

And then I was immediately put into a World of competitive athletics. So when I was a kid, little from a young age. saw pretty much monovision on being an athlete. And initially that was a mix of, gymnast. I was a very competitive gymnast and competitive skier. eventually I had to pick one. because they’re both extremely time consuming in order to be good at them. 

 

So I went in the direction of skiing and I really had, I think being in a small mountain town. I had a very small one track mind of I’m going to be a professional skier. Like that’s what I’m going to do now. I didn’t necessarily think about the fact that usually that career ends early 20s. because that seemed old to me at the time. But that was always my vision.

Pamela Bardhi: A skier. You know what’s hilarious? Like, I can’t GE or balance for like anything. So when you said two years old.

Athena Brownson: You’Re up on that thing. I’m like, oh, God. I’m like, can’t even do that now. Well, it’s a lot easier when you’re this big and you. And you know, you don’t have very far to fall. and you don’t have the fear now as adult, like learning as an adult. I think is a whole different animals. So give yourself some love. It’s not easy, you know, it becomes second nature. when you’re pretty much born with the things on your feet. But I mean, I used to laugh that. we would basically sleep in ski boots to try and break them in. That was literally my life. wow.

Pamela Bardhi: That’s amazing though. How fun is that and how unique is that too? I love that your dad was a developer. and then also, you know, was in skiing.

Athena Brownson: Like the two polar opposite things, but.

Pamela Bardhi: So cool to integrate together. Like, I hope he did some ski houses and some cool things.

Athena Brownson: Right. He built, you know, a lot of brecnrich, honestly. Like he’been developing up there for 40 years. and I finally lured him down to Denver to start developing with me. But he built up most of peak 7 and peak 8 and left it really be. You know, he had a background in an ecological land planning. so he had a really, really beautiful focus on how to develop in a way. that made sense with the land that it was in. So he was very conscious. 

But honestly, because my dad was a developer and a builder. I grew up on job sites and I wanted nothing to do with it because of that. I equated everything in real estate with. like being freezing, waiting for my dad on job sites. Like, I did not have A good idea of anything real estate related. didn’t think it was, you know, the glamorous, amazing, fun, insanely time consuming, difficult. but wonderful job that it is. And in a million years, when I was young. if you would have told me I would be where I am today, I would have laughed at you.

Pamela Bardhi: That’s so funny. How cool is that? Well, there’s a couple of things. and I definitely want to unpack that later.

Athena Brownson: But the fact that he worked with.

Pamela Bardhi: The Landon was very conscious of it. That’s something that I’m literally doing right now.

Athena Brownson: Me too. So.

Pamela Bardhi: Oh, man.

Athena went pro at skiing when he was 15

So, all right, so you got to walk with me through this. Like, so how did you go from the kid that was like, Why am I here? To the kid that got it. ended up getting into real estate. So we can go kind of through, like, middle school, high school, college, kind of like. and just to get that timeline and to get that background. like, were there other things that you tried before four that you were like, it’s.

Athena Brownson: Been a funny journey, honestly. So I went pro at skiing when I was 15. So that means, like, basically, when you go pro. it just means you start getting sponsorships that are gonna help you pay. for getting to all your competitions. You get free year. I started, around 15, for about a decade. chasing snow around, you know, Northern and Southern hemisphere. I skied about 300 days a year. And I honestly, like, I had some of the top coaches in the entire world. 

And I always will say skiing is the best business school that I ever went to. It wasn’t college, it wasn’t anything, like skiing. Being an athlete was my education for how to be successful later in life. Did I realize that at the time? Of course not. You know, I was just resentful of the fact that my coaches. were, like, making me do burpees if I didn’t listen to them in my ski boots on the side of the mountain. But really, you know, that 10 year period was filled with adversity and challenges in the form of injuries.

 I had nine ACL surgeries in that time. I broke my neck twice, I was the type of skier that was. like X Games, so I was throwing myself through the air doing spins and flips. and I was crazy. Like, now in a million years, I’m like, keep me on the ground. I’m good. But at that time, I had no fear. And I had this. I didn’t necessarily have this innate talent that some people have. but I had the Work ethic that really allowed me to, to perfect my craft. So I skied professionally again. Best business school I ever could have asked for.

 I Finally around age 22, 23, my doctor looked at me and was like. Athena, you’renna need any knee replacement by the time you’re 30. like or before, you should probably think about what’s next. And that was hard to hear for sure. But I decided to finish college. while I was finishing college, I kind of followed in my mom’s footsteps. So my mother is the complete opposite of my dad. She is an absolutely incredible artist and she did the interior design for my dad’s propert. So he had one of the like mathematical brain, she was the artistic brain. 

And I honestly, you know, they say I think it’s a Frank zappa song. In 10 years you’ll be just like your parents. Well, I feel like I’m just like my parents. because, I definitely got a nice mixture of the two of them. So I went into the interior design world. I really thought that was going to be the right fit for me. I worked with an incredible interior design company here in Colorado. working between Denver and the mountains. So I was commuting like crazy.

But I quickly learned that going from being an athlete. where you have autonomy over in how much you input affects your output. So if you’re working really hard and you’re giving everything to your craft. then it’s going to show in your results. So I needed to be an entrepreneur. I just didn’t know that yet. I was sitting behind a desk for the most part from 9 to 5. And yes, I learned so much about, you know, the home in general. and design and materials and honestly. how materials can affect our health. 

 

Because that has been something that has been a huge focus for me being that. unfortunately later contracted Lyme disease. which we’ll get into. But I realized that, you know, I just felt unfulfilled. because I did not see that there was kind of a ceiling on my growth. So I was sitting down with, for dinner with a girlfriend one night and this was 10. about 10 years ago on the dot. And she was a real estate broker. And she said, athena, why like, why have you not ever considered real estate?

 I’m like,I don’t think any child is ever like. I’m go goingna be a real estate broker. When I grow up, growing up in a mountain town. there were so many real estate brokerages that I really. I was that person that thought real estate agents were corny cheesy, used car salesman. Like, that was my impression. And I feel horrible saying that. but because it was true,I really thought that was the case. And she said, athena, just meet with the owner of my company. 

He’s sunshine in human form. Like, you guys have so much in common in terms. how you approach business in a relationship based manner. You know, I really think you’ll head it off with him. Just talk to him, I sat down with my future mentor. His name is John Stegner, and he’s still a mentor to me today. And he is sunshine in human form. And the way that he expressed real estate as the opportunity. to build relationships with people during one of the most instrumental parts of their life.  like buying and selling a property is one of the biggest investments you’re ever going to make. 

So to be able to guide someone through that process with the utmost integrity. you know, really, really going above and beyond for your clients. so that they’re getting the best experience possible during what can be a very emotional roller coaster. Like it’s a big life change, usually buying or selling a home. And he showed me that side of it that I had never thought of. And it was honestly like what a cartoon where these light bulbs went on in my head. 

And I just was immediately addicted to this idea of being involved in people’s lives through the home. because I already loved people. I love design, I love homes, and I grew up on job sites. believe it or not, I know a thing or two about homes. So being able to hear how he approached business in a way that was so contradictory from anything. I had ever heard before, or at least my own conceptions of what real estate was. so exciting and intoxicating almost that I quit my job the next day.

 I literally went in, quit my job. I was getting ready to have my last of, my nine knee surgeries. so I had surgery. And the while I was recovering from that, I got my real estate license. had, you know, went and started working for him. I’m a huge, huge supporter of coaching and mentorship based on my prior life. my past life as a skier, I like to say, so immediately started working under the owner of the company. and he taught me everything I know. like I said, that was a decade ago And I love it more every single day, which is crazy.  feel so lucky.

Pamela Bardhi: That’s amazing.

Athina, you’ve been diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease

Oh my gosh, Athina, there’s a lot to unpack there. My goodness, it’s amazing. Well, I love how like One thing led to another. and everything had to be happened in perfect sequence in order. for all of this to really come together the way that it has. And the thing that you were mentioning about the skiing. honestly, like, athletes are some of the most disciplined, driven, motivated people you’ve ever met in your life. Like, and that’s why I have twin daughters that 18 months old. I’m, like, I’m getting them into athletic. as soon as they’re able because, like, the things that you learn are, like, invaluable. You cannot teach that in school.

Athena Brownson: Amen. I, completely agree with you. And it’s one of those things where you don’t even realize that at the time. the life skills that you’re gaining and I should say, I just gave you the glamorous. That’s the beautiful aspect of that journey. But what I have. Know what we’ll get into next, I’m sure, is how much adversity. how many challenges have come with that. Because I think what, what’s really important to, for me at least. to express is the fact that anything in life that pushes you to grow as a human. and pushes you to be the best you can be.

 And that’s, you know, when I entered real estate, I wanted to be the best. Like, I had a very, very clear vision of where I wanted to go with my career. and how it was going to go and, you know, all those personality tests. a planner to the max. Like, I had my life planned to a te. I look back and I laugh because I think anytime that cheesy quote. that anytime you tell God your plans. HE LAUGHS but it’s true. I think that having this conception that everything in your life is going to go to plan is almost humorous. because almost nothing goes to plan. But that is the plan.

 And when you look back at your life. you look back at how different sequences of events connect with one another. you realize that you did not grow as a human. and you didn’t become your best self when things were easy. when that picture perfect Instagram moment happened. It’s one thing when you’re in the mud, when you’re in the trenches. when you are fighting every single day, every moment of every day. honestly, that is.  I got to year three in my real estate career and I felt like I was at the top of the world.

 I finally had a really good business going and I went in for neck surgery, unfortunately. and came back out and started having all of these really strange illnesses come up. And I got very, very lucky. I always say I’m the luckiest sick person. because I had a doctor that immediately looked at me and was like. I think we should test you for chronic Lyme disease.  thought he was nuts, And I told him that. I’ve never even seen a tick, I have no idea what you’re talking about. 

Like, I don’t have Lyme disease. And he’s like, you’re a very young, healthy individual that’s never had health issues. And what Lyme does is when your immune system is weakened by something. AKA for me, neck surgery, it has the opportunity to take over. when it takes over, it is a very unique virus in the way. that it’the shape of the cell screws into your own cells and then creates a film around your own cell. so that it’s pretty much impenetrable. it affects whatever you’re genetically predisposed to. 

So it looks different in everyone. I, within a month went from pre neck surgery being a very healthy young adult. crushing the real estate game. You know, living this glamorous real estate life, had the most beautiful business partner and everything. everything was going great. And then very quickly, my life completely flip upside down. And it was true. 

 

Honestly, it was devastating because for the first time in my life. especially as an athlete, I didn’t have control over what was going on in my body. as my coaches and my entire life revolved around keeping myself healthy and strong. and being in the gym before I hit the mountain and after I hit the mountain. and I was like the Energizer bunny and it went from feeling running 26 miles a week. to barely being able to like, get myself up and out of bed every day and that.

 It’s been, I mean, eight and a half years since I was diagnosed. And for me, unfortunately, LME attacked my immune system and created a lot of. I have like five pretty severe autoimmune diseases. I get four plasma transfusions a month. I’ve got a port built into my arm, call it my superhero robot arm. because they just plug me in and they take out all my plasma. and then they put new plasma in me. It’s wild, It’s like a science fiction story. But like, if you look at on the surface, I look like a perfectly healthy young individual. that’s, I have a great Botox guy. 

So’m just kidding. But truly, like, I can’t remember a day in the last eight and a half. nine years where I have felt anywhere near okay. I have a disease that basically my own body attacks the protective covering over my nerves. So if anyone’s ever had nerve pain, it is a completely different type of pain that is excruciating and makes you crazy. And I unfortunately have a disease that attacks my nerves constantly.  I live in a pretty constant state of pain. 

But with that being said, the things that I’ve learned about myself and the depth. and the journey that I’ve had to go on to truly. truly understand every aspect of myself.  what it is going to take and what it takes to heal. And I think a lot of that comes down to even things from childhood, addressing childhood trauma. like all of these things that we store in our bodies, stress, what we’re fueling ourselves with. It stripped everything away from me. 

And I think there’s this period of mourning that has to happen. in anything in life and any adversity that you encounter. whether it’s a divorce or losing a career or a loved one. We all face different challenges and different forms of adversity. And I think that there’s absolute, like, I hate toxic positivity. I think that we absolutely need to give ourselves the space to mourn whatever it is that we’re losing. But then pivot. We have to find the pivot. 

And you not allow ourselves to sit in the mud for an extended period of time. because that’s when things get worse and worse. And for me, real estate was and is my shining light. because no matter how crummy I feel, I have a career that I love. with a team that is absolutely, hands down, the most supportive, incredible people with clients. that I’m completely open and authentic with. They know my struggle, they know my journey, and they’re my biggest supporters. it keeps me goal oriented, it keeps my eyes looking ahead. 

And to have that I, is what’s going to allow me to get through this. I’m on it, I have no doubt with my stubbornness. that I will get better fully and I will regain my health. I hope to help a huge amount of people that are also struggling with similar things. because it is something I would not wish on my worst enemy. And I promise you that under the makeup and the glam,, it is not as pretty. it is a very’s, a painful existence. but it’s something that I don’t think I would be who I am today. had I not experienced so many Hardships through this journey, 100%.

Athena says life always happens for you somehow

Pamela Bardhi: And I just want to honor you too, for your vulnerability and your authenticity. It’s real stuff, to talk about that. It’s like, okay, yeah, you guys see all the success. but then all this pain that came along with it and that it still exists today. But what’s the most important part is. you’re fighting through that every day. you’re giving yourself that space to heal. 

Because again, that toxic positivity too, that thing is like. you could go lie to your brain all the time if you want to. but, like, your soul knows if you’re lying or BSing to it. It’s just likewe know you’re suffering right now, like, too. Take a moment, breathe, and then keep, you know, keep it rolling. So I just want to honor that in the highest way. And I always say life always happens for you somehow. And, I feel like. Not that there’s a reason for this kind of stuff. but sometimes I like to believe that before we enter this world. They say that we sign up for certain lessons before we come here.

Athena Brownson: Completely agree. And it’s not going to be fun. The greatest lessons we learn in life do not come when everything is going well. It comes when things are challenging. And that’s our opportunity to rise to being, to our purpose. I believe and amen. There’s no why for why good things or bad things happen to people. I think that unfortunately, that’s just a part of being human. Bad things happen. But what we do have, the opportunity and, and the choice is. how are we gonna approach this? Like, are we going to sit in the mud? 

And most people in my situation go on disability and are on bedres rest. I know for myself, and that might be right for some people. so I’m not dissing that. But for me, I know that that would not be good for my mental health. I would be extremely depressed. And when your mental health deteriorates, your physical health deteriorates. So for me, it was, a very, you know, I went through a phase of being very angry.  why is this happening to me? And what I realized through a lot of therapy. honestly, is know there isn’t necessarily a why. 

And as humans, we’re always speaking that why. Why did this bad thing happen? Why did this person do this to me? But there’s. That’s a question that is going to Leave you probably resentful and frustrated. because there’s not an answer. But what there is an answer to is the way that we’re going to take this situation, and use it in our lives. And how are we going to let this challenging time actually build us, inform us? Like, you know, I kind of think of like clay figures. like we’re moldable and how are we going to let this experience. this period of life mold us into the person that we want to be? 

Or are you going to let it take you down and are you going to be a victim of it? Like you said, does life happen to you or life happened for you? I think it’s, you know, there’s a very, very big mindset shift between the two of those. that you have to come to on your own. But you also have to realize that it is up to you to build that toolkit of, your go tos. to help you get through certain times. Like, what are you doing to feed yourself with good information and positivity. or how are you, like, getting rid of the emotional resentment or anger that you have inside of you? Like, what are you doing? What is your toolkit for getting through hard times? 

And that’s really been my journey of the last eight years is. is not only, you know, pouring my heart into a career that I love so much. but building my toolkit, of, okay, when I have days that it does not feel possible. to get out of bed and it does not feel possible to get to meetings. because I’m in so much pain or sick to my stomach.have the worst migraine, imagine whatever it may be like. every day is a new adventure in the body of Athena. I swear, it’s like, okay, what’s today’s fun gonna be? 

And it’s not fun, but I know that I have my go to. It’s like, if I can’t get out of bed in the morning, well, I’m going toa blast some of my favorite music. And that’s going to hype me enough, up enough to at least walk to the shower and get in that. it’s like one step at a time, one tool at a time. You know, I know that if I’m not going to the gym and like getting some sort of movement. no matter how bad I feel, that my mental health is not gonna be as good. So that is just as important. So it’s, it’s finding those anchors that you need to get through anything in life that’s that’s my version of it.

Pamela Bardhi: Oh, I love that. Well, I love also too that you were saying the step by step piece. so it’s like if you can’t do this then it’s like I just do one thing. that’s going to propel you forward a little bit more and then like the tie in.

You’re building your first sustainable and conscious community south of Boston

The tie in of like the real estate because you were mentioning this earlier. that you’ve now gotten into a space in real estate where you’ve been focusing on the health consciousness. And it blew me away because I’m literally building my first sustainable and conscious community south of Boston in 45min. Like 45 minutes from Boston. And it’s all about enhancing because it’s all epigenetics. So our DNA is by our physical environment.

Athena Brownson: So as real estate telomeres. Yeah artillerys are getting shorter based on the toxic environments that we’re putting ourselves in. And unfortunatelyately most building materials are like coated in formaldehyde. or you know how the body is. I got horrible mold poisoning for instance and like the effects of that. So I’m so excited to learn more about what you’re doing.

Pamela Bardhi: But yours too.

Athena Brownson: I want to hear what you’re up.

Pamela Bardhi: To there too because it’s all about like for me. I want to create a place where people basically it’s enhancing community. So basically It’s built for connection not just with others, but within yourself. So basically elevating the mind, body and spirit. And it’s like things like I’m moving alkaline water systems. utilizing renewable energy sources so you’re not utilizing fossil fuels and basically working off of that. 

And then there’s whole profit, there’s a whole profit margin with like different revenue streams. that come from that whole side of things that a lot of people aren’t even aware of, which is crazy. But like, but like also like high ceilings, like when you’re in actually like a cathedral. like space it actually calms your vagus nerves and puts you in a meditative state. And like all of these things is like there’s. There’s so much like biolithic a connection to nature because we weren’t intended. These massive buildings, these emf like all.

Athena Brownson: Of these things and it’s like EMF sensitivity. So that’s been one of my. I mean I. So for those of you who are not aware, EMF stands for electromagnetic frequency. And basically all of our electronics, so computer Phone. all the power lines, all their electricity in our homes emits different forms of radiation. and some are cleaner than others. But I developed when I was getting sick. a very, very, very severe case of an electromagnetic frequency sensitivity to the point where I believe it was.

 I was about three years into my diagnoses and I could not pick up a phone. I ended up a moving into a A mobile home that wasn’t connected to any electricity or WI fi. because if I walked into a home that had too much bas dirty electricity or radiation from EMFs. I would literally start having muscle convulsions. If I used my phone, my hands would start gushing blood. If I use my computer, I would start bleeding out the chest. And these are still things that at the end of every day I have electrical burns on my hands from just from using my phone and computer.

Pamela Bardhi: Wow.

Athena Brownson: But it’s something that you know, is becoming more and more of an issue and unfortunately because with like 5G and just how much our society runs on you know, WI fi. even like Bluetooth, all of these things are emitting a radiation. And if your body is already like. For me the reason it’s such a big deal is because my nerves are exposed. so that know that frequency hits me directly in the nerve and it fit every day. My, it’s like how many cuts and burns do I have down my hands and. 

But it used to be so bad that I’d have to put on lead gloves and a lead blanket. and I would literally turn wif fi on for like 10 minutes in this RV. that I was living in and I would gear up for battle basically. and I’d be writing like million dollar contracts for homes. no one knew that. I mean my know, like I’ve always been very open with my illness. but that, that is such a strange aspect of my illness that sounds pretty woo. It sounds a little bit crazy.

But if you watch physically my body looking normal to all of a sudden bleeding. because I’m on the computer, it becomes pretty apparent what’s going on. So I, yeah, I mean I literally was the irony. I was writing these contracts on absolutely beautiful properties and I was crushing it at real estate. But little did anyone know I was living in an RV so that I wouldn’t be connected to electricity. So then using lead gloves and lead blankets so that I could even touch my computer like that. That’s my journey.

Pamela Bardhi: That’s, I mean the level of hustle, dedication and mental strength and resilience it takes. to do what you do is like unbelievable.

Athena Brownson: I’m like sort of psychoses, I swear. And I attribute that to, you know, like the perseverance and resilience I learned through athletics. And I really believe that I would not be able to do what I do today. without my background and without the support system. You know, you’re talking about building a community that is actually a community. something that my illness has taught me is the importance of having your tribe. I used to be a social butterfly that had a hundred friends.

 I realized very quickly when I got sick and I could no longer be the life of the party all the time. that those friends were actually just superficial acquaintances. and that really I have a core group of like five, six people that I know. that no matter what, they would do anything in the world for me. And that’s my community, that is my tribe. They are my support system that helped me get through the days. when I don’t feel like I can do it. And they’re there to remind me and to support me. to pick me up and help me keep going. 

And I think, you know, that refocusing of intentional communities. where you are building those relationships and you have this intentionality in everything you do, which goes. that comes back to the building practices. And that’s what I really try and incorporate too into my real estate career is informing people. informing my clients about everything you could possibly think of. that could affect your well being and your health within your home. 

Because if you’re buying a property, it’s a, your biggest investment, it’s a huge asset. You want to make sure that you’re purchasing it. an environment that’s not going to end up causing long term health issues. And unfortunately with the regulations in place around building materials, you have to be really careful. But there’s even, you know, the very basics of making sure that you. In Colorado, we have very high ratedon gas levels in our soil. 

So making sure you’re doing radon test, make sure you’re doing. if there’s any signs of microbial growth. like doing mold testing because black mold will wipe out. I think like 40% of the population is susceptible to black mold poisoning. So really, really just providing education and providing resources. so that people can really a make decisions based on what’s best for them. but be able to like have an awareness of their environment and how that environment is affecting them.

Pamela Bardhi: Absolutely, because the environment is everything. It literally affects your DNA structure.

Athena Brownson: So.

What would your older self tell your younger self based on what you know

Pamela Bardhi: Oh, my gosh, so many gems. So many gems. Athena. There’s so many things that are like, oh, my God, I literally feel like.

Athena Brownson: To do a part seven days, 27 days. Well, no.

Pamela Bardhi: And then like, and for me, I’m just like, bringing this all together. And I love to add, this is my favorite question. I always save the best for last. But now, based on everything you’ve experienced. and it could be business, it could be personal, whatever. what would your older self tell your younger self based on what you know?

Athena Brownson: Now, I’ve thought about this a lot, honestly, and it always makes me a little bit emotional, honestly. because I think of a little Athena and trying to “ain explain that the journey ahead is not going to be an easy one. but it’s going to be worth it. And you’re going to encounter challenges that you’ve never dreamed of. but on the other side of those challenges. even through them, if you keep pushing through, you’re going to be able to connect with. With people all over the world that are struggling with similar things. 

And if I can affect one life by anything that comes out of this mouth of mine. which is, you never know what’s going to come out. But, I would really, I would give her a big hug. Because I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but giving the advice that life doesn’t go to plan. and that’s the beautiful thing about life. it’s not something that we can ever plan for, expect, but when it does come to keep your eyes. to find something that is going to keep you looking forward. to keep you motivated and to keep your eye. keep looking in a positive direction. 

And I really, you know, I would really just say. you can do this and it’s not going toa feel like it a lot of times. but no, like, you have the strength within you and you’re gonna do amazing things.

Pamela Bardhi: I love that little at.

Athena Brownson: Not that I’m tall now. Like, I’m probably you. I’m still little Athena. But no, I think about that a lot, definitely.

Pamela Bardhi: Oh, that’s amazing. Oh, my goodness.

Athena is putting on developer hat after treatment for Lyme disease

And in your world, you mentioned that your helping clients. with basically all of these different things in the real estate space. thinking about their environment and purchasing their homes, et cetera, et cetera. Now what’s up in your world in, like, the next few months? Like, what’s Athena up to?

Athena Brownson: Yes. So I’m really excited. I’ve been in Terms of health which is, you know, like it kind of dictates everything. I am almost finished with long treatment series for two co infections that I got. when I got Lyme disease that are almost harder to get rid of. than Lyme disease and have worse effects on the body. So I’m wrapping up treatment in the next like month and a half. and I can already tell that I’m starting to feel a little bit more vitality coming to me. 

But it’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through by far. Whenever you’re killing these bugs in your body. it releases endotoxins and you basically feel like you have the worst flu of your life. all the time on top of the symptoms from the illness. So I, am really excited to be finishing that and I just finishing the first single family development project. that I have done with my father. So we’ve done some flips, we’ve done smaller, not full build together. but it’s been a very, very long time coming. and he really handed over the ropes on this one and, and it’s my baby. 

I picked out every single finish from, from start to finish and found the most amazing contractor. that I want to work with for the rest of my life. So we are just wrapping up that project. I’m gonna be sharing it all over my social so everyone can see. But I couldn’t be happier with how it came together. and I’m going to be listing that and starting the next one. So my developer hat is being made. Just kidding. 

But I’m putting on the developer hat and really, getting to use my expertise in real estate. and knowing what buyers and sellers. what buyers want and what sellers should have and my knowledge of everything. involving health and kind of combining that and being able to create these unique, beautiful properties. is something that has absolutely been the most sacred experience and I am so excited to continue doing it. and sharing it with everyone. So keep your eyes peeled.

Pamela Bardhi: I absolutely love that you’re doing the developer head. I’ve been developing for 11 years now and it’s like the best and funnest thing.

Athena Brownson: Like I love your brain. Yeah, I love.

Pamela Bardhi: Development is like my absolute jam. And so I’ve been the GC on my projects as well too. So we’ve been like nitty gritty.

Athena Brownson: Yeah.

Pamela Bardhi: nitty gritty into all things construction, design and everything. I’m so excited to see that.

Athena Brownson shares her real estate tips on Underdog

You mentioned the socials. I was gonna say I was like everyone who’s been Listening is gonna be like. how can I find this wonderful Athena? so what are, what are the social pages that you’ve got? Websites drop all the links and everything. so everyone can connect with you and stay tuned once see these beautiful majesties. that you will build and the new one that you got coming on.

Athena Brownson: Yeah, no, I’m so excited to share and I always say, like, I don’t bite if anyone. if you’re struggling with illness, if you’re struggling with anything, if you need real estate tips. if you’re interested in real estate, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would love nothing more than to connect with you. And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I’d probably say my or my website is gonna be the easiest. because it’ it’s got all my social media on it as well as my email and phone number and it’s just my first and last name. So. 

Athena Brownson A T H E N A B R O W N S O N Realtor r e d aash l t-oash r.com. .that’s my Instagram handles also athenabrson realtor but it has all my contact information. more information about me and my team, what we’re doing. But shoot me a message, shoot me, give me a call, shoot me a text, email me, whatever it may be. I would love to connect. I love building relationships. and, I’m, you know, just grateful to be here and feeling like an underdog that’s slowly up dogging. Just kidding. Yes. No.

Pamela Bardhi: Oh, my God, you are so, such magic. I love your spirit, I love your soul and your resilience. and just all the gems you dropped today. So thank you so much Athena for being here, for sharing your story. You are magical.

Athena Brownson: You are. Thank you so much for the opportunity. And I can’t wait to continue chatting at some point.

Pamela Bardhi: So that’s it for today’s episode of Underdog. Catch us next week. Always dropping on Thursdays. And remember, if you’re interested in real estate. or want to learn how to create more money and magic and your life, check out meetwith Pamela. Com and let’s chat. Sending you so, so much love.