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

Hi Antoinique, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I had to make, was the moment I decided to leave Corporate America to pursue my entrepreneurship dreams full time in the height of the covid-19 pandemic. At that time, my temp job ended, I was getting over a heart break, I was behind 2 months on my mortgage, waiting for the Cares Act assistance to take effect, but I knew I had to muster the courage to double down on my dreams to see if I can actually do this.

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?
I’m a woman from Pompano Beach, FL. serving as the Urban League Young Professional Network Secretary, who is a graduate of Pompano Beach High School, and a Florida Atlantic University Alum that commissioned through their ROTC program in 2015. I overcame facing family adversity, homelessness, gambling addiction, domestic violence, and poor money management. I am someone who continued to push through even when the odds was stacked against me, so for any new entrepreneurs or those who are interested in the journey –

Allow your tragedies to be apart of your triumphs. You got this!

I started several businesses in the past, but my love for taxes and real estate were the two vehicles that I developed a true passion for. What sets me apart from others is I believe a leader is defined by the impact they have on the community and the seeds they sow into others. Although, I’m an entrepreneur I currently serve in the United States Army Reserve as a Company Commander managing a unit of 91 soldiers in Miami, Florida. My commitment to this country and my community is what sets me apart as a leader and business owner. I take pride in teaching, leading, and helping others win.

I also never accept comfortability. I am always looking for ways to challenge myself. My latest challenge has been managing an Airbnb property in another state. That entire experience has propelled me to develop a unique Airbnb Course to help students seek opportunities in other states and to help those who want to get started in the short rental space. I’m hoping to launch the course in the next few months! It will only be available for a select few. Super excited about that.

I started out with my financial business- Dream Financial Group, LLC in late 2020, and I started SoFloLuxe Rentals in 2022 officially. One thing I always knew was business has been a part of me. It’s in my blood. My grandfather Ralph Grissett, is a successful real-estate entrepreneur in Pompano Beach, FL. My great-grandfather Tom Cash owned a tobacco farm in South Carolina.

Today, two of my businesses are very close to generating 200k annually together. I’d attribute my budding success from challenging myself to pivot, when things aren’t working and capitalizing on things that are working. My advice is to test, re-test, and test again but never give up. I was close to losing everything many times, but I never gave up on myself. That’s why I’m different.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Drinks- Seminole Coconut Creek Casino
Dinner – STK Steakhouse, Nine Five Pho,
Brunch- Backyard best vibes in Ft. Lauderdale, Bistro Café-Miami
Things to do- Hew Cross Fit, Top Golf, Networking at the Urban League YPN events

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a special thanks to the Broward College Entrepreneurship Experience – that was a defining moment for me because the leaders who organized that cohort: Terry, Queen, Imran, helped me understand what it truly takes to build a business and how to pitch!

Website: www.dreamfingroup.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ceoantoinique

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ceoantoinique

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4BGSR8MfZ9djWYC4uzdBmA

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