Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Weber.
Valerie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first visited Charleston when I was around 13 years old. I had 6 cousins here. From then on, my family would visit once or twice a year. I loved it so much and it was always my dream to move here. Finally, I was able to make that dream a reality when I found myself working a remote position with Airbnb, allowing me to live wherever my heart desired. So, I finally called Charleston my home in 2011!
I got my South Carolina real estate license in 2015. What better job for someone who loves their city so much, than a job where they get to sell it! I help many local folks sell and buy but I especially love helping folks moving here from elsewhere. I know and share in their excitement.
Shortly after I moved here, I had friends and family contact me for suggestions on what to do/where to eat/where to stay during their visit here. I updated that list every few months and gladly shared it! Eventually, when I started selling real estate, it was also shared with clients planning a move here.
I realized though, that people come here for different reasons and seasons. That list was very general but didn’t cater to someone coming for a bachelorette party or girls’ trip. It didn’t necessarily also include the best things to do with your kids in tow, or what’s fun to do when visiting during the summer vs. winter. This is when my Charleston Travel Guide Shop was born. Since this summer, I’ve been curating travel guides for all different reasons and seasons, so travelers have all the best things to do right at their fingertips! They don’t have to spend their own precious time googling and researching, and they can rest assured my guides don’t point them to any tourist traps! They get an authentic Charleston experience with my travel guides.
These guides are also great for folks just moving here, and even folks who currently live here, because I include a lot of out-of-the-box events and activities. Everyone is sure to pick up at least a couple new things to do in this beautiful city. Folks should stay tuned for many more guides coming soon, including neighborhood guides.
I just love sharing my home with the world!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur and building businesses is hard! It’s making something out of nothing. Building momentum and keeping momentum. Trying to decipher exactly what people want from you (and it can vary from person to person) and delivering 100%. It’s expensive, full-time, and sometimes feels like an uphill battle but I love all of it and wouldn’t change the paths I’ve chosen.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I sell Charleston real estate and have a Charleston Travel Guide Shop. I am known for my love of this city. Just ask my friends, family, and clients. I am most proud of the fact that the large majority of my business comes from referrals and social media. I spend merely pennies on marketing each year. I think this says a lot about my reputation, work ethic, honesty, and personality. This is also what I am most proud of. Many years ago, I was told I was “real” and that is my most favorite compliment I have ever received.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My real estate team lead, Daniel Shahid deserves a lot of credit for making me the agent I am today. He’s been my mentor for 4 years now and helps me make the best decisions for myself and my clients.
All my real estate clients and guide shop customers also deserve credit for supporting my dream!
Pricing:
- Travel guides are sold for just $9.99 each
Contact Info:
- Email: val@thecharlestonhome.co
- Website: www.thecharlestonhome.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thecharlestonhome
Image Credits
Dreampop Media
