Power Women 2021: Jena Selva
Real Estate Advisor, Co-owner CEO
Engel & Völkers, Little Rock
What’s your secret to success?
Grit. I also cannot speak highly enough about the leadership development of the Junior League of Little Rock, which has contributed immensely to my personal and professional development.
What attracted you to your career?
I think I have always been attracted to homes, even as a young kid, before I knew there was such a thing as a real estate career. I grew up in a rural area in a very small house with seven people and one bathroom. When we went into town, I would daydream about what life might be like living in the bigger houses in the neighborhoods we drove through. Large homes and interesting architecture have always fascinated me.
What do you love best about what you do?
There is absolutely nothing equal to the joy of helping people obtain the place they call home. Sometimes the move is joyous, sometimes it is heartbreaking but necessary. I am continually honored and humbled to be able to assist in that journey.
What advice would you give to a young
woman starting her career?
Tuning out the “noise” of other people’s opinions is essential to determining what is important to you, setting goals and developing a plan. Equally important is identifying the people who are successful in your field and learning everything you can from them. Learning is a lifelong process, so always ask questions and look for ways to improve your approach and outcomes.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I think work-life balance is an elusive myth, and subscribing to the idea of it sets you up to feel like you are failing. For me, it is more of a co-creation. I live and breathe real estate, so it doesn’t feel like work anymore than my other duties such as household or childcare administration. They all exist together, and any one of them will overrun the schedule if I let it. Carving out time to be fully present for the people I love is a priority and having a support system in place to cover work while I am away is the key. Sometimes work takes priority and has to be the focus. Sometimes family takes priority.
How did your education prepare you for your career?
My formal education was as a registered dietitian. It didn’t take long for me to realize that working in a hospital was not my passion, so after 10 years and 4 kids, I took a giant leap of faith and quit. I worked part-time in real estate the first couple of years, but when you really love something, it pulls you in. So, I leaned into it and haven’t looked back.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud?
I am most proud of bringing the first truly global residential real-estate brand to Arkansas and the opening of our second shop, Engel & Völkers West Little Rock. Our newest location in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center is my biggest project to date, and I am giddy about how beautiful it is. My business partner and I opened our Hillcrest location, Engel & Völkers Little Rock, in February 2019. Aligning our real estate brokerage with this brand was the best business decision I have ever made. The support we continue to receive has been key in fueling our success.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
I think the biggest obstacle I have ever had to overcome was myself, my very own fears and insecurities. I finally decided continuing to do something I didn’t love was more difficult than getting past my fear of what other people thought and figuring out how to be successful at what I love doing. It took me almost 25 years of adulthood to get over my negative childhood and junior high experiences and realize that I can do and be whatever I want regardless of my past circumstances or other people’s opinions.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”
— Henry David Thoreau
