Brittany Pienta. Mortgage Officer Assistant. Beyond Beauty. Unity & Empowerment. Honoree.
HOMETOWN | GRAND RAPIDS, MI | SINGLE
Interviewed by : Maryan Aiken. Founder. CEO. Publisher. PaperGlass Media
This millennial is breaking the norm. At nineteen she was offered an irresistible and lucrative job to be a mortgage officer assistant that made her pause whether or not she should continue with college or seize this once in a lifetime opportunity to explore life.
She chose the latter & made a career of being an expert in her field and never looked back. At 24, she made her major purchase of buying her first house proving that when you set your mind with razor sharp focus anything is possible!
Who has been the strongest influence in your life and why? My dad. He was always honest and transparent about everything in life, no matter what the situation/topic. At a very young age, he taught me to be self-sufficient and made sure I understood that nothing comes free or is handed to me on a silver platter. He embedded in me that if I want something, it is solely up to me to do whatever necessary to make it happen. And even if I fail 6 times, I better get back up 7. Tough love at its finest.
What's been your biggest trial that you had to tackle and how did you overcome the challenge? Getting people to take me seriously. I had just turned 19 when I started my career in the mortgage industry, which is when I learned very quickly that most don’t take young girls that at face value, appear to fit the “dumb blonde” stereotype seriously. (Especially when you’re asking for personal financial information!) The first thing I did was stop telling people my age. Secondly, I realized the only way to overcome this was to simply prove myself. I took it upon myself to study guidelines, laws and regulations, terminology and verbiage, etc. I also started dressing the part. You know, the whole ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ thing.
“I realized the only way to overcome this was to simply prove myself. I took it upon myself to study guidelines, laws and regulations, terminology and verbiage, etc. I also started dressing the part. ”
What are you grateful for? First and foremost, God and my family. I would be completely lost without them. Secondly, simply the little things in life. I know how hard I had to work for everything I have. Nothing was given, so I appreciate every little thing and take absolutely nothing for granted. I try to focus on how blessed I am to have everything I’ve got rather than what I don’t because focusing on the things I don’t have would only spoil the things I worked so hard to obtain.
“You don’t have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding”
What are the traits and habits that proved to be successful for you? · Positivity/optimism · Having a sense of humor · Taking responsibility for my actions · Never give or accept any excuse · Have a purpose for everything. If there is no purpose, why am I spending my time and energy on it? · Having an ‘always proud, never satisfied’ attitude. · “grind” · Surround myself with people with similar morals and goals. After all, birds of a feather flock together. · Show rather than tell · Accept that not everyone will like/understand me or what I’m doing · Think outside the box · Confidence. How can I expect anyone to believe in me if even I don’t believe in myself? · Having a ‘work smarter, not harder’ outlook
What would you say your proudest moment? Being able to say “I made it” at such a young age.
Your favorite 3 go to places in Atlanta and why?
- The Vortex- Funnel cake fries…need I say more?
- The zoo and aquarium—I’m obsessed with animals. It’s borderline weird, lol.
- Stone Mountain- I like to hike to the top as my way of getting away from the chaos of the city. It’s also a great spot to simply think and reflect.
Your first job ever? Tanning Salon
Brittany Pienta. Mortgage Officer Assistant. Beyond Beauty. Unity & Empowerment. Honoree.
