Today we’d like to introduce you to Keia Prior.
Hi Keia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been anything but traditional, but every experience has helped shape the woman and professional I am today.
I started my career in healthcare, but I’ve always had a passion for people, building relationships, and making a difference. Eventually, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and pursue real estate, a decision that completely changed my life.
When I first started, I had people doubt my ability to succeed. I was even told I’d be lucky to sell three homes in my first year. Instead of allowing those words to discourage me, I used them as motivation. I went on to sell four homes and hit over 1 million in volume my first year, proving to myself that I was capable of more than I ever imagined.
Today, I’m a REALTOR® in Greenville, South Carolina, serving buyers and sellers throughout the Upstate. Beyond real estate, I’m passionate about helping people, photography, content creation, mentoring young women through cheerleading, and building my personal brand, The Prior Way, which represents more than just real estate. It’s about lifestyle, authenticity, relationships, and doing things with purpose.
My journey hasn’t been without setbacks. I’ve experienced personal challenges, career changes, and moments when I had to completely rebuild my life. But those experiences taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of believing in myself even when others don’t.
Today, I’m focused on growing my business, expanding my brand, and becoming a recognizable and trusted name throughout the Upstate. Most importantly, I want my story to remind other women that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, pursue your dreams, and create a life you’re genuinely proud of.
I’m still writing my story, but one thing is certain: I’m doing it my way, The Prior Way.
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?
Absolutely not, and I think that’s what makes my story so meaningful. My journey has been filled with highs, lows, unexpected detours, and moments when I questioned what was next for me.
One of my biggest struggles has been learning how to rebuild while still showing up for everyone else. I’ve experienced personal heartbreak, family problems, the end of a marriage, career setbacks, and the uncertainty that comes with starting over. Losing my job in healthcare was another defining moment At 33, I found myself rebuilding what I thought my life would look like! I’m still trying to figure out my next chapter while navigating emotions I never imagined I’d face.
Professionally, stepping into real estate came with its own challenges. I had to prove myself in an industry where success isn’t guaranteed. Being told I’d be lucky to sell three houses in my first year by someone who I thought was my person, could have easily discouraged me, but instead, it pushed me to work harder and believe in my own potential.
Another struggle has been learning that success doesn’t always look the way you imagined. You can be accomplishing amazing things professionally while privately fighting battles that nobody knows about. I’ve had to learn how to celebrate my wins, give myself grace, and understand that starting over doesn’t mean starting from nothing.
Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about continuing to show up, even when life looks completely different from what you planned.
As you know, we’re big fans of REALTOR® | The Prior Way . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business is built on a simple belief: Real estate is about more than properties. It’s about people, possibilities, and the lives we build along the way.
As a REALTOR® with BrownStone Real Estate in Greenville, South Carolina, I proudly serve buyers and sellers throughout the Upstate, from first-time homebuyers, families relocating to the area to clients navigating the luxury real estate market. I help everyone. I specialize in creating a personalized experience that combines strategic marketing, genuine relationships, and a commitment to making every client feel valued.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just sell homes; I tell stories, build connections, and help people confidently navigate some of life’s biggest decisions. I believe every client deserves the same level of dedication, whether they’re purchasing their very first home or investing in a million-dollar property.
Beyond real estate, I’m building The Prior Way, a personal brand where real estate, lifestyle, community, and authenticity intersect. It’s an extension of who I am: a woman who loves beautiful homes, fashion, meaningful connections, DIY projects, new experiences, and inspiring others to pursue the life they envision.
I’m particularly passionate about showcasing Greenville and the Upstate, not just as places to purchase property, but as communities where people can truly build a life. Through creative content, local highlights, and storytelling, I want to introduce people to the lifestyle that makes this area special. Greenville is Home!
As a Black woman in real estate and entrepreneurship, representation is also deeply important to me. I want young women to see that success doesn’t have to follow a traditional path and that they have every right to build something extraordinary.
What I’m most proud of isn’t simply the homes I’ve sold. It’s the foundation I’m creating for a brand that reflects my values, my personality, and my purpose. I want people to associate my name with trust, excellence, authenticity, and an experience that feels different.
Ultimately, my vision is to make The Prior Way a recognizable name throughout Greenville and beyond, a brand that inspires people, connects communities, and continues to evolve with me.
I don’t want to simply be known for what I sell. I want to be remembered for how I make people feel, the relationships I build, and the impact I leave behind. That’s The Prior Way.
How do you think about luck?
I’ve always believed that what some people call luck, others might call timing, preparation, or even a blessing in disguise.
Looking back on my life, I’ve experienced both good and bad luck, but I’ve learned that sometimes the very things we consider unfortunate end up redirecting us toward something greater.
There have been moments when life completely changed without warning. Losing my job, navigating the end of my marriage, and having to rebuild my life in my thirties. It certainly didn’t feel like good luck at the time. There were moments of uncertainty when I questioned why certain things were happening to me. But looking back, those experiences forced me to discover a level of strength, independence, and confidence I didn’t even realize I had.
You just have to trust God.
I also recognize that I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with people who believed in me, trusted me with major milestones in their lives, and opened doors I may not have been able to open on my own. I never take those opportunities for granted.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that rejection can be redirection, and what feels like a setback can sometimes be the beginning of your greatest breakthrough.
Today, I don’t spend much time wondering whether something is good luck or bad luck. I focus on what I can learn from it, how I can grow through it, and what I choose to do next.
I just believe in God, faith, hard work, being prepared when opportunities present themselves, and trusting that every season serves a purpose.
If you ask me, I’m not lucky, I am just blessed. And some of my greatest blessings came disguised as the things I thought I had lost.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brownstone-re.com/meet-keia-prior/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepriorway
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/keiacherelle
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/keia-prior
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeiaPrior
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/keiaprior
