Meet Darwin Stephens | Selling Dallas – Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darwin Stephens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darwin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has always been an integral aspect of my life and career philosophy. I perceive risk as a gateway to growth and innovation rather than a hindrance. Embracing calculated risks has been pivotal in shaping my professional journey, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and opening doors to new opportunities. This mindset guided me to depart from a secure 13 year corporate career to establish Luxe Leaf LLC, a brick-and-mortar retail business, epitomizing the essence of risk-taking. Despite the uncertainties and challenges that ensued, fueled by an unwavering belief in the potential for continued success, I navigated through the complexities of entrepreneurship with resilience and determination. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, within 3 months of deporting my career, further underscored the significance of risk-taking, compelling me to reassess my entrepreneurial pursuits strategically.

Recognizing the volatile economic landscape, I opted to pause my business plan temporarily, redirecting my focus towards maximizing my potential in real estate and investing in personal and professional development. This strategic approach highlights the importance of timing and foresight in navigating uncertainty, ultimately positioning me for sustained growth and achievement. The journey reinforces the notion that risk-taking is not solely about venturing into the unknown but also about strategic planning and resilience. While the pandemic presented unforeseen obstacles, it served as a catalyst for introspection and recalibration, guiding me towards a more informed and strategic approach to risk-taking. By leveraging patience, foresight, and determination, I am laying the groundwork for future success while ensuring that risk is approached with careful consideration and calculated action.

I continue my risk-taking as I opt to secure my Real Estate brokerage license through the educated route. Currently, I am a junior at the University of Texas at Dallas pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Since my enrollment, I have been appointed to serve on the Student Advisory Council for Jindal School of Management along with a most recent appointment to the Dean’s Council – with a graduation date in 2025! In each role I take on, I look to maximize and it shows – being appointed to high-level, highly visible leadership positions every step of the way! My accomplishments continue to reinforce that my established personal brand marries well with many well-established and successful brands. This indicates, that although not perfect correct decisions have been made in my life. The risk for my current route is sacrificing my market presence as an established leader/knowledge base in Texas Real Estate which could hurt business, luckily I have understanding clients and Grey Square, my current brokerage where I reside shares my same vision. All of this while my influence, relevance, and popularity continue to increase versus diminishing; another indicator that I continue to make good decisions in life.

This nuanced perspective underscores the symbiotic relationship between risk and planning, emphasizing the need for educated risks rather than blind leaps into uncertainty. As I continue to navigate through life and career, I remain committed to embracing risk as an essential catalyst for growth, innovation, and achievement, all while maintaining a strategic and informed approach to ensure sustainable success. Carrying the title of CEO and establishing a retail brand was a huge accomplishment and prepared me for my next steps! I could go on and on about risk and how I’ve accomplished so much through risk – tho needed, planning is equally as important to ensure you execute on an educated risk versus a blind risk. Either way a pivot as such requires grit, intelligence, planning and determination.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As Selling Dallas it’s all about Real Estate and the hustle and bustle of it all. The thrill of the sale – finding hidden jewels and identifying the next big thing is exhilarating to me. I am a well-informed data-driven professional that, loves to look at the big picture and most importantly I love to exceed my client’s objectives along with my own! To sum it up I love to maximize and be the best for myself first. I’m excited about being able to put my natural talent and skillset to work within the real estate industry. Of course, with this level of exposure comes responsibility that I naturally embrace.

The mentoring moments that come about are phenomenal. To be sought out and chosen by an individual is a remarkable feeling. I’ve had these moments many times throughout life and the feeling hasn’t changed. To say that I am excited about the future is an understatement, in both personal and professional relationships! I look forward to growing even bigger with my next moves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let me first start by saying it depends on the vibe. I feel this would be best summed up in scenarios versus specifics. DFW has so many great locations and spots that to limit yourself to just a couple would be a disappointment. I for one enjoy the views of Dallas – Downtown/Deep Ellum/Uptown vibe coupled with art, shopping, dive bars, rooftop entertainment and eateries. Brunch with a view and tunes from a rooftop gets me every time – A tasty lunch at RH Rooftop Knox Henderson is pleasant along with a wonderful lunch in Frisco’s Legacy West and one of my all-time faves Village Burger Bar in West Village. A weekend stroll in Bishop Arts with shopping is always entertaining. Of course, who would go through a beautiful day in DFW without visiting one of the many parks throughout? I frequent Klyde Warren Park where I enjoy beautiful scenery and was known to take my mini (medium) schnauzer to the dog park there all of the time. Seriously this list would be too long to list all of the amazing attractions that I have and continue to enjoy. I haven’t even touched on the nightlife entertainment – Virgin Hotel’s pool etc… I let the vibe guide me – day party anyone?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is an intimate group of people, groups, entities, and corporations who have added some sort of nugget or enhancement to my life. I almost took the generic route when answering this question due to how vast of a list this could be. I recognize the value of people and what they bring into my life no matter which part of the journey they are on, in their life; if you touched me you’re special. With my path/trajectory in life, you do not accomplish this lacking a support system, believers, and talent finders. There are so many to reference that I fear I will not address them all, diminishing their impact on my life. What I will do to ensure this is somewhat prevented, for some of the companies/groups apart of recent accomplishments in my life, I’ll list a set of accomplishments and the groups tied to those with me. For the individuals that have made and continue to make an impact in my life, I’ll keep that closer to me but, know that I could not continue doing what I am doing without special impactful people in my life. Not everyone wants to see you succeed and having supporters and family helps combat this. In due time the individuals will present themselves.

2024
• Junior – The University of Texas at Dallas achieving Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• BSBA Student Advisory Council member

Website: https://www.sellingdallas4all.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sellingdallas4all/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darwin-stephens/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Selling_Dallas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SellingDallas4all

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sellingdallas

Other: Linktree- https://linktr.ee/sellingdallas4all

Grey Square Real Estate Website – Darwin Stephens – https://www.greysq.com/agents/darwin-stephens/

Image Credits
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