Gift Hughes
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​By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/CEO

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Copa: Where are you from?

Gift: I was born and raised in Thailand. I have 8 siblings; 4 brothers and 4 sisters. I am the 7th child born. 
My parents were rice farmers. I grew up very poor. I saw my mom work very hard and save money to send
us to college. She always taught me to continually better myself, to always do the right thing and to never
give up.

Copa: What schools have you attended?

Gift: I graduated college from Phranakhon Rajabhat University, Bangkok, Thailand in 1999 and 
Southeastern University, Washington DC in 2002-2003.

Copa: Have you ever dreamed about being a model in your childhood?

​Gift: Yes, my sister was a beauty queen in Thailand. She worked early to make money to support our family
and she put herself through college. As a younger sister, I was very proud of her as I watched her success.
While growing up I dreamed to be just like her.

Copa: What sort of professions drew your interests in your early life? 

Gift: Years ago, when I was young, I wanted to be a nurse. I enjoy helping others.
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Copa: How long have you lived in the US?

Gift: I have been living in Virginia since 1999. I enjoy the four-seasons which I never had in Thailand. I love 
the fabric of this nation which is spun with diversity and mixed cultures. As a voluntary citizen, I can relate to
all fibers of the patchwork quilt of America.

Photographer: John Iaasac

 Copa: How long have you worked in the Real Estate industry?

​Gift: I have been in Real Estate for 8 years. I chose this career path as a means to support myself and my family, but it has become my life passion. I started out with a residential real-estate investment. I have
served my clients and love to see them move into their dream home to start a new chapter of their lives.I consider myself as a counselor because buying or selling a home is a big financial commitment which
causes a lot of stress. There are a lot of emotions involved with these transactions. I work hard to achievemy lofty goals in a fast paced industry. I am successful in achieving my goals because it works to
understand my clients’ needs and provide the world class service.

Photography by Reggie Bell

Copa:  What type of businesses have you worked with in your adult life?

​Gift: After graduation from college, I worked as an account executive in Thailand for two years. I was very 
happy until I reached the point of having to deal with directors and decision makers because at that level, it
required the skill of speaking English. At that time my English was very bad. I decided to come to America to
improve my English, but I ended up marrying and starting a family.

HMUA: Mah Nejad Photgrapher: Patience Wolfe P W Digital Film Photography Dress by: Keula Binelly

Copa: What does the future hold for Gift Hughes?

​Gift: I am currently living the American dream. My knowledge, that I have a purpose, gives me peace of mind. I am filled with love and happiness from the inside out because I am free to experience my life the way I design. Iive my purpose every day while raising my children, nursing my business and loving my supportive husband. My life is a living example of how learning new skills has empowered me to be
successful in many endeavors. I currently mentor new real estate agents in my office. I will use my experience and relationships to see how I can empower others to use their special gift and be successful. I
always have a positive attitude. I have the gift of encouragement, so whenever and wherever I can, I cheer others on to help them be the best they can be. Life is not always perfect. Success is not happening
overnight. We just learn how to live life with a positive energy and come from stage of appreciation. Live your life with a purpose instead of letting life dictate what you can or cannot achieve. My goal is to transform,encourage and empwer women to live the lives of their dreams to help others in my day to day life.

~Copa