(Photo provided by: Racquel Collier)

As the owner of Caliber Real Estate, Racquel Collier has built a reputation not only for her expertise in real estate development but also for her dedication to the communities she serves. Her focus is creating spaces that matte, build connections and have a lasting impact on the surrounding communities.

She originally went to Clemson University to study chemistry and become an anethesiologist. After taking those courses, she realized that she did not like science, ten transitioned into broadcast journalism and was a DJ in college as a side hustle until she figured out her next step.

Collier always had an interest in properties and knew she wanted to own apartment complexes, and a mentor told her to check out Clemson's development program to learn more about it. Once she graduated from Clemson, she went into the master's program, and the idea of multi-family units piqued her interest.

"Within development there are multiple pieces. There’s real estate, the business side of it and then the impact it has on communities. It comprised all my interests.” This was not just about building buildings; it was about shaping environments where people could not only live but thrive.

Today, as the owner of Caliber Real Estate, Collier is known for her unique approach to real estate. She is currently involved several key projects, including developing 54-Mixed-Income units at Unity Park, subdividing 4-Acres into 52 townhome lots, and managing over 20,000 square feet of commercial real estate. But for her, real estate is about creating spaces that add value to communities and bring people together.

“I have a foundational approach. I want to make sure people feel seen and I know some people can see real estate as being boring and sterile. That’s the opposite of how I approach my business.” Collier looks at the culture within the communities she works on projects and how it will impact the community.

For Collier, it is also about the concept of a "third place" - those spaces where people go to relax and connect outside of their homes and work. These can be a favorite coffee shop, a church, or a local art gallery, among others. "I aim to make sure the spaces I develop respect and reflect the communities they are in. It is important to me that the culture of the neighborhood stays intact," she explained.

As the chair of the Board of Commissioners for The Greenville Housing Authority and a member of the Fine Arts Center board, Collier is also working to influence policy and foster collaboration in ways that benefit the broader community. She is driven by a desire to give back, espeically after realizing how little support she had when she was trying to carve her own path.

Her approach to business is all about alignment and growth. "I have learned that alignment is key. To grow, you need to make sure that everything you do aligns with your values, goals, and your vision," she said. Also, noting that alignment is important in partnerships and collaborators as well.

Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: seek knowledge, make connections, and act. "Do not wait for the perfect moment to start. Just act. It is where you will find the most growth and opportunity.

For Collier, her work is about far more than just real estate deals. It is about cultivating relationships, creating opportunities, and staying true to a set of values that prioritize community and culture.

When asked to describe her business in three words, Collier chooses : creativity, community and culture. "Anything I do, I exercise my creativity and everything you see in this world is an example of someone else's creativity. Community allows you to learn so much about others and yourself. Lastly, culture because it is about being intentional about who you are creating a space for and how space will be received."

Collier's commitment to fostering connection goes beyond her day to day. She recently launched Good Company Leisure Club, a newsletter that highlights local events and offers opportunities for digital connections to come together in person for leisure activities.

Collier's work is not just about real estate, it's about leaving a positive, lasting impact on the people and communities she serves. She is actively involved in Ten at the Top, an initiative that brings together leaders from 10 counties across the state to collaborate on solutions for regional growth and development.

Through her work, Collier is not just building space, she is creating lasting legacies that will continue to shape the landscape of Greenville and beyond for years to come.

Anyone interested in learning more about the newsletter should reach out to Racquel directly. Anyone interested in connecting with Racquel Collier can contact her through http://calibersouthcarolina.com/ or https://www.racquelcollier.com/