Sometimes life requires a pause, a pivot, or the start of an entirely new chapter. Through changes and evolving needs, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability, the necessity of being present, and the impact of leading with purpose.
For a long time, my focus was on my family. After we had our youngest son, Judah, I made the decision to step back from real estate, which I had been doing since 2007. It was a hard choice, but I knew I couldn’t serve my clients to the standard I expect of myself while juggling the demands at home.
With four sons—Joel, Jacob, Josiah, and Judah—and two on the autism spectrum, our kids needed structure and an attentive learning environment where they could move at their own pace and focus on their individual interests and strengths. I decided to homeschool them so I could create individualized learning plans and support each child in the way they needed most.
During that season, we moved from Mobile, Alabama to Hampton Roads, Virginia in 2013. It was a big change for our family, but being in a larger area brought more opportunities, more to do, and a diverse community. As we settled in, I realized there wasn’t a local homeschool co-op. We needed community and consistency, so I started one. It became a great way to meet people, build relationships, and create a supportive environment for our kids and other families in similar seasons of life.
Eventually, my oldest enrolled in a hybrid school in fourth grade and did very well. Over time, we transitioned the other kids into the program as well. With all of them in school for part of the day, I finally had a predictable schedule again. It was through that school that I met a broker who encouraged me to get back into real estate. I pushed the idea off for a while, but then I had a dream that made me stop ignoring it.
Faith has always been part of my life. One night I had a dream that clearly told me to return to real estate. Not long after that, the same broker offered to pay for my Virginia license. I took it as a sign from God and decided to move forward.
I returned to real estate in 2017, bringing with me both my previous experience from working through one of the toughest market cycles and the time-management skills I had developed running a tight ship at home. I worked while the kids were at school, focused on family in the afternoons, and picked work back up in the evenings. Getting back into the industry reminded me how much I loved it and how meaningful the work can be.
During COVID, I started a separate staging and interior design company focused on investment properties. Demand grew quickly, especially with short-term rentals, and I was managing those projects alongside a high volume of real estate transactions. I brought on help simply to keep up, and that’s how my team formed. Over time, I scaled back the staging company because I found how fulfilling it was to build and support a team while serving our clients at a high level.
It was through those staging projects that I met my now husband, Jesse. He oversaw execution on the projects, and today he runs his own financial services firm, leading a large team of agents. We often talk about how difficult entrepreneurship would be without our faith. One of our favorite scriptures is “Taking every thought captive and making it obey” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Thoughts create emotions, emotions create beliefs, and beliefs shape your life. By approaching life with intention and keeping our focus on serving God, our family, and our community, we’ve been able to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship together.
Today, my focus is on building a business that helps bring dreams to life. For clients, that means guiding them through decisions that shape their future. And for my team, it means providing support, education, and opportunity so they can build businesses that truly support their lives.
When you work with me, you get more than just a REALTOR®—you get a true advocate and guide. I started my career in 2007 during one of the toughest markets, and while it was hard at the time, it has shaped into an agent who can overcome challenges, find creative solutions, and really go the extra mile for my clients to help them succeed. I’ve also personally gone through the relocation process to Hampton Roads, so I understand firsthand the challenges and questions that come with moving to a new area. I’ll help you navigate neighborhoods, schools, and local resources with honest, up-to-date insights.
My approach is hands-on and highly communicative. From our first meeting, I’ll listen to your needs and goals, then tailor a plan that fits your timeline and priorities. In addition to a team of agents, I also have a wonderful assistant, Audrey, who handles a lot of the behind-the-scenes paperwork and scheduling, so nothing falls through the cracks. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, I’m here to make the process smooth, informed, and even enjoyable!
Sincerely,
Davina Hughes
