Today we’d like to introduce you to Nishikwa Brown.
Hi Nishikwa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I entered real estate in December 2017 while still working in corporate consulting at a Big Four firm. It was always a dream of mine to work within real estate. At the time, I was craving work that felt more meaningful and aligned with my natural desire to help people. I spent my first year balancing both careers, learning the business from the ground up, and officially went full-time in real estate in January 2019. Those early years weren’t glamorous—I sold just two homes my first year, and the first one took nine months but they taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of building a business with intention.
I started a brokerage that allowed me to gain a strong foundation in the operational and process-driven side of real estate. I’ve always been a solo agent by choice, but I’ve built a powerful community around me through strong agent relationships and trusted partners. I started my business in Columbia, South Carolina, and later expanded into the Charleston market after moving there in 2020, which allowed me to successfully serve clients across both markets.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to help over 100 families buy and sell homes, many of them first-time buyers and relocation clients who hold a special place in my heart. As my business grew, so did my passion for systems, client experience, and building sustainable businesses. That evolution ultimately led to the launch of The Agent Factory, where I now help other agents streamline their operations, strengthen their brands, and build businesses that support both success and quality of life. Looking back, every phase—from the slow beginnings to the growth and expansion—played a role in shaping the business owner and leader I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Real estate isn’t always upward, it comes with setbacks, self-doubt, and moments where quitting felt easier than pushing forward. My first year in real estate was especially challenging, I sold only two homes, and it took nine months to secure my first closing.
But I can tell you, building something from scratch and learning how to manage inconsistent income, set boundaries with clients, and balance personal life, especially after becoming a mother, and required constant adjustment. Those struggles forced me to get honest about my weaknesses and lean into structure, systems, and discipline and I am better person all around because of this industry.
Looking back, those challenges were necessary. They shaped my work ethic, strengthened my resilience, and taught me how to build a business that’s sustainable not just successful on paper. Every difficult season pushed me to refine my processes, protect my time, and show up more intentionally, which ultimately laid the foundation for the career I have today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m someone who is deeply passionate and focused on multiple things but mainly my client experience, strategy, and execution always comes first. As a solo agent, I specialize in guiding first-time homebuyers and relocation clients through what can often feel like an overwhelming process, while delivering a true white-glove experience. I’m known for being highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive my clients feel informed, supported, and cared for at every stage of the transaction, not just from contract to close, but well beyond.
Over time, my passion for systems, processes, and business structure became just as central to my work as selling homes. That led to the creation of The Agent Factory, where I help other real estate agents build streamlined, sustainable businesses through customized systems, processes, and branding. I’m often referred to as the “systems queen” because I have a unique ability to turn chaos into clarity creating workflows that allow agents to scale while still delivering exceptional service.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the sales or the awards, it’s the impact. Helping over 100 families find a place to truly call home, watching first-time buyers grow into confident homeowners, and building long-term relationships that turn into lifelong clients means everything to me. What sets me apart is the way I show up in the small moments. I lead with empathy, consistency, and integrity, and I believe success is built through how you make people feel. That philosophy has shaped both my real estate business and the way I help others build theirs. Recently I was featured on the American Dream TV show highlighting the Summerville Real Estate market. Although I am not a rookie in this industry, I feel like I am just beginning with so much more to accomplish!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite books and podcasts that have helped me not only grow as a business owner but as a person is as follows
Books:
1. The Four Agreements
2. Atomic Habits
3. The ONE Thing
4. Unreasonable Hospitality
Favorite Podcasts
1. Real Estate Rockstars
2. The Goal Digger Podcast
3. Oprah’s Super Soul Podcast
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soldbyshik.com \ www.theagentfactoryco.com
- Instagram: @soldbyshik @movemetosummerville @theagentfactory
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soldbyshik
