Photography by Daniel Henry
Carla Holmes
Atlanta Lifestyle Correspondent
FOR
Copa Style Magazine
Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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Where are you from?
Carla: I was born and raised in Washington, DC. (Uptown) Copa:What schools have you attended?
Carla? University of Maryland and UCLA. Copa: At what time and what reason did you make your move to Atlanta, GA?
Carla: 12 years ago. It was time for a change and warmer weather. |
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Copa: It appear that you've had quite an interesting life, please tell our readers about some of your life experiences.
Carla: I was born in Old Freeman's Hospital which is now Howard University Hospital. I was a 5th generation child. My great grandmother, Hazel Cyrus attended VA Union and was a teacher. My great grandfather John Cyrus owned a operated a farm in Luray VA in the Mountain. We were never hungry and we always had fun. My Mom sent me to charm school at Sears (Barbizon Modeling) at a very young age. That's were I developed great skills such as social graces and etiquette. I learned how to behave politely and to always make myself look attractive. My grandmother, Lois had breast cancer 64 years ago. So, I grew up surrounded by a Survivor, which had a major impact on the way I view life. I feel you have two choices, you can get up and fight for your life or let life take the fight out of you. I am so blessed and favored to have been born in the nations capital. It defines who I am and the pure love I have for my people. I have fond memories of attending shows at the Warner Theater featuring Cab Calloway and going to Emory Park to the go-go's (Go-go is a blend of funk and rhythm and blues, and old school hip hop with a focus of percussion instruments). I am proud to be from Uptown, My BOLD World! Living your passion takes courage. Happiness is homemade and kindness changes everything. Love can not be measured, as it is Endless in nature. I was raised in LOVE.
Carla: I was born in Old Freeman's Hospital which is now Howard University Hospital. I was a 5th generation child. My great grandmother, Hazel Cyrus attended VA Union and was a teacher. My great grandfather John Cyrus owned a operated a farm in Luray VA in the Mountain. We were never hungry and we always had fun. My Mom sent me to charm school at Sears (Barbizon Modeling) at a very young age. That's were I developed great skills such as social graces and etiquette. I learned how to behave politely and to always make myself look attractive. My grandmother, Lois had breast cancer 64 years ago. So, I grew up surrounded by a Survivor, which had a major impact on the way I view life. I feel you have two choices, you can get up and fight for your life or let life take the fight out of you. I am so blessed and favored to have been born in the nations capital. It defines who I am and the pure love I have for my people. I have fond memories of attending shows at the Warner Theater featuring Cab Calloway and going to Emory Park to the go-go's (Go-go is a blend of funk and rhythm and blues, and old school hip hop with a focus of percussion instruments). I am proud to be from Uptown, My BOLD World! Living your passion takes courage. Happiness is homemade and kindness changes everything. Love can not be measured, as it is Endless in nature. I was raised in LOVE.
Copa: We see that you continue to work in the field of Real Estate, how would you compare the markets of Washington, DC to those of the Atlanta area and Southern regions?
Carla: There is no comparison. My grandparents and great Aunts and Uncles purchased homes in WDC in the 1960s for under $30K. These same houses sold for $600 to $700K. Houses in DC are priced from $400K. Houses in Atlanta are priced from $150K. Copa: As the new Atlanta Lifestyle Correspondent, what are some ideas will you be bringing to your new readers?
Carla: I feel that Women need women - women who celebrate one another. Furthermore, I would like to showcase a few of my clients; entertainers, doctors, lawyers, sports figures and let them share their amazing stories. 
Photography by Daniel Henry
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Copa: What did you find interesting about the legal/real estate profession and what sort of work did you perform?
Carla: As a former Legal Researcher for an International Firm, I negotiated and drafted NFL Player Contracts. My former clients are the NFL, NBA, NHL, American Athletic Conference, CBS and NBC. I am always seeking to elevate MY standards for real estate professionals. I am a member of INSTITUTE for LUXURY HOME MARKETING. Specialties: Athletes/Celebrities, Buyer’s Specialist, Seller’s Specialist, Custom Construction, Executive Relocation, First Time Buyers, Gated Communities, Commercial Leasing, Commercial. My understanding of the business structure of sports and entertainment niche has enabled me to effectively service professional athletes, entertainers, and other distinguished clientele. I strongly believe in honesty and integrity in business. I strive to exceed my expectations by providing "Five Diamond" customer service. I believe in building long-term relationships with my clients and prides myself on delivering to a “desirably different real estate experience. Copa: After moving to Atlanta, what were some activities have gathered your interest?
Carla: My BFF lives in Atlanta. I also have college friends and family here in Atlanta. Atlanta is known for their entertainment, arts, live music, shopping and great food. There is always something to do in Atlanta. 
Photography by Daniel Henry
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Copa: What does the future hold for Carla Holmes and her life in Atlanta and the world?
Carla: I will continue instructing Continuing Education (Real Estate), License Law, Contract I and Contract II. I have submitted an outline for "my" class "Finding Your Niche" to the Real Estate Commission. I love assisting others in their Real Estate endeavors. I plan to have my real estate license to two (2) additional states by Jan. 2020. I enjoy making dreams a reality. And I will continue to live my best life, being healthy, traveling, hanging out with my amazingly beautiful friends and dancing on the beach. 
Photography by Daniel Henry
~Copa! |
Letter to my Mommy: Four years ago my journey began. Losing a Mother is permanent and inexpressible….a wound that never heals. There's no other side of grief, no pushing through. There is absorption, adjustment and acceptance. You can't complete grief, you endure grief. Grief is not a task to finish and move on. Grief is an element of yourself an alteration of your being, a new way of seeing a new definition of SELF. Mommy is my never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness and being. Mom left me the greatest gift....my spirit, personality and the ability to LOVE unconditionally. Mommy taught me NOT to be jealous or envious of anyone or any situation and she most definitely taught me how to defend myself. I will hold my Mommy tightly within my heart, mind and soul as I continue to SMILE, My Mom's SMILE.
Color of Love! Women need women to survive. These women fill my life with beautiful joy and grace! My Atlanta friends are, Monalisa Beaufort, Pansy King, Tammy Tommer, Doretha Motton, Arlisa Moore, Vickee Clark and Miranda Jones. I love these women from the bottom of my stilettos to the air I breathe. |