BABE #183: SUMMER GRANT, Entrepreneur; Realtor, Keller Williams; Bartender, Marker 32
Summer is a mother, wife, Bartender at Marker 32, Co-Owner/Right-Hand-Woman at The Training Yard and Beaches Rock Gym, and newly appointed Realtor at Keller Williams. Her various, demanding career ventures and overall schedule leave us wondering where the heck she finds the time, but amidst the hustle and bustle of being constantly on-the-go, she strives to keep her passions at the forefront of her work and life. To us, there's nothing more honorable than that.
The Basics:
Hometown: Islamorada, Florida
Current city: Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Alma mater: University of North Florida
Degree: Psychology
Very first job: Sales associate at a Juice Bar
Hustle(s): Owner, The Training Yard, Beaches Rock Gym; Bartender, Marker 32; Realtor, Keller Williams
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
Michelle Obama. She is strong, smart and never loses her cool. You can tell she is no pushover, yet exudes elegance. I also have a large group of girlfriends who motivate me every day for different reasons. We like to work hard and all have different strengths thaten courage each other to be better people. We also like to have a lot of fun. My girlfriends are awesome.
How do you spend your free time?
Building stuff in my woodshop, eating, cooking, beach, gardening/yard work.
Favorite app, website or blog?
Pinterest, TED Talks, Pandora.
Favorite fictional female character?
Uma Thurman in Kill Bill(s).
Go-to coffee order?
Double espresso.
Go-to adult beverage?
Margarita.
Go-to power anthem?
Ohhhhh so many good ones—but Janis Joplin, “Summertime.”
What would you eat for your very last meal?
Ribs, lobster, Caesar salad, calamari, mint chocolate chip ice cream.
What is something you want to learn or master?
Dancing of all kinds.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world, who would it be?
George Carlin.
Three words to describe yourself?
Altruistic, honest, hardworking.
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle.
My innate love and 10,000-hour rule is the service industry. I have been bartending for 15 years and grew up behind a bar. I genuinely enjoy people of all walks of life and giving them a great experience. My bar regulars have come to be my extended family over the years. My husband and I own The Training Yard in Atlantic Beach, where we offer strength and condition classes as well as a mix of martial arts and boxing. We have been around roughly nine years now and the people who are part of our gym are wonderful. It is his baby but I have been the substitute teacher, cleaner, toilet fixer and glue over the years. We have some amazing, strong and wonderful women who have been with us for many years and keep me motivated. Additionally, we opened Beaches Rock Gym in Atlantic Beach last year. With the partnership of our friend Mac, we worked hard to have Jax beach’s first bouldering gym. It has been a fun new addition to the community, following in the path of health, fitness and being outdoors. Most recently I have become a realtor with Keller Williams. I realized my love of homes stems back for childhood. Looking back now, I would have gone to school for architecture or engineering in college. I’m excited for the opportunity real estate may bring to my future and I want to go big. I want this to be the career that gives me the means to help my community and make a difference.
What does your typical workday look like?
I start out with coffee! Then I let the chickens out, make breakfast for my son and get ready to go to The Training Yard and/or Keller Williams. I try to get to the office and follow up with people throughout the day. I work three nights a week at Marker 32 as well. I am juggling mom, wife, realtor, bartender and helping as needed at our businesses.
Have you always been passionate about fitness?
I‘ve always had a competitive spirit and loved team sports. Unfortunately, I had two knee surgeries at an early age that prevented me from continuing to play. Therefore, I got a job at a juice bar that promoted health and wellness. I used to cut fruit and juice for hours and make smoothies, wheatgrass, etc. I remember reading Michael Pollan and Jethro Kloss 20 years ago (or more). I’m fascinated by food—where it comes from and the effects of diet on our health.
What motivates you to keep an active lifestyle?
It is so important to get outside, get sun and eat well. You don’t have to go to a gym to be active. Walk on the beach, gardening, yoga, biking—all make you feel good. Try to live in the moment and create the time for yourself. (Even if it’s only 20 minutes.)
How do you balance being a mother, wife, business owner, bartender and all of your other hobbies?
Live in the moment and create to-do lists to keep you focused. Don't sweat the small stuff. (I’m working at this one too.)
What prompted you to acquire your real estate license?
I love home design. I like to build and renovate. I hope to design a community one day as well as my own home.
What’s been your biggest career milestone?
Jumping into a real estate has been the biggest milestone for me. I already had a lot going on and I’m really going after this too. It has made me understand that sacrifice is important to achieve big goals in life.
How would you say being a woman has affected your professional experience?
I haven’t found it has affected me professionally, as I don’t let much get in my way. I love being a woman and I find myself always seeing other amazing women who inspire me everyday. The key is to surround yourself with and support other women around you.
What are some of the everyday struggles with your job we might not see?
I’m not used to being behind the computer. It is an adjustment for me. I am seriously thinking about getting a treadmill in my office!
What’s your biggest strength in your role(s)?
I don’t hold anything back. There isn’t much people don’t know about me. I wear my heart on my sleeve. No BS.
What advice would you give to a babe trying to break into your industry?
Knowledge is power. Ask a lot of questions.
What does success look like to you?
The ability to help others through being a good role model in society (and financially help as well).
What helps you wind down and manage stress?
Group fitness and a good cocktail.
How do you stay on top of your goals?
I love to set goals. I keep a board next to my bed with my goals. Law of attraction!
Career and/or life advice for other babes?
You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. Just do it.
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