Meet Cigi Mann | Wife + Mama + Realtor

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

Hi Cigi, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think it’s so important to take risks in life. In those moments, you see what you are truly made of. I definitely call myself a risk taker at this stage of life, but my response would have been completely different 10 years ago. I’ve learned you need to do what you are being called to do and not what you think you are “supposed to do.” At one point in my 20’s I moved from Atlanta, GA to San Francisco. I was in a toxic relationship and I knew none of it was a fit for me. I ended that relationship and quickly moved back to Atlanta to be close to family and friends. I needed their support more than ever. This was such a pivotal point in my life. I learned so much about myself. I wanted to prioritize travel and experience new things. At that time, first on my list was going to Thailand. I planned that trip for two years, but when the opportunity came along, I took it. Zero regrets. Fast forward a few years later, my husband Jon and I decided to have a destination wedding in Arizona. Right before we got married, he called to let me know he had been laid off. Instead of this being a bad thing, we decided it was the right time to fulfill our dream of living at the beach. He starting flying back and forth from Atlanta to the Fort Lauderdale area to interview. He landed a job in Fort Lauderdale and we moved! Not long after that, I decided to completely switch careers. I got my real estate license, gave up my corporate accounting job, started networking, and started selling gorgeous homes in South Florida! Not only was I in a new city with a new career, but for two years my husband was battling kidney issues which resulted in a kidney transplant. Also, during that time, we welcomed our sweet baby girl to the world in December 2020! I’ve learned life has all sorts of ups and downs and sometimes they are simultaneous. You have to take the good with the bad!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My degree is in accounting and I spent 10 years in various finance & accounting roles. However, I always had an interest & passion for real estate, along with an entrepreneur mindset. I completely changed careers in my 30’s. I was very accustomed to my 9-5 and a steady pay check every two weeks. When my husband and I moved to Fort Lauderdale, I decided it was time to take the leap and I am so glad I did. You don’t have anyone telling you, you have to work, you have to go to that networking evert, you have to make that scary phone call. You have to hustle, be dedicated, and keep pushing yourself. You have to be extremely self-motivated and consistent. You won’t be motivated every single day, but consistency is key. The growth I have seen in myself has been so eye opening. I think a lot of people hold themselves back by not realizing that most skills can be learned. For example, I was so shy on the phone as an accountant, but after being in sales for years, I will answer any phone call without hesitation. I may not have all the answers, but I will find out who does and get back to you. Realtors are professional problem solvers and help people buy and sell one of their greatest assets. My negotiation skills have never been stronger. If you are looking to strengthen those skills, I highly recommend reading “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss. My advice for anyone looking to start a new career or strengthen a skill set is to not let fear get in the way. Take the risk. If you have a hard time with public speaking or presentations, join Toastmasters and throw yourself into the fire. Even if something doesn’t work out long term, you will never regret learning & growing, especially at such an accelerated pace. Take your shot!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh man, there’s so many! I would start at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. My husband and I became Q Club members this year and love having access to the pool cabanas, eating great food, and enjoying the beach view. I would probably stay there for a couple of nights so we can enjoy & walk to some of my favorite restaurants on A1A. El Vez is a must when we have people in town, for special occasions we enjoy Steak 954, and S3 (Sun Sand Surf) is great for drinks & small plates. I would also plan a beach day and lunch/beers at Park & Ocean, located in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Outside of pool and beach days, the tiki cruises are a great time followed by dinner at Rivertail or Shooters. Shooters is also a great spot for brunch! My husband and I also love Yot Bar & Kitchen, 15th Street Fisheries, and Coconuts (everyone must try the scoobies!) As far as visiting Miami, I would do a fun day wandering around at Wynwood Walls. I would also take my bestie to the Yellow Green Farmer’s Market on the weekend. Our first stop would be Puro Tinto Coffee, followed by shopping local, and ending our time there listening to live music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my husband, Jon, for always supporting my dreams and loving me through them. Shoutout to my daughter, Isla, who makes me a better person each and every day. And shoutout to my business partner, Samantha, a strong female leader that keeps me young.

Instagram: cigi_elizabeth

Linkedin: Cigi Mann

Facebook: Cigi Mann

Image Credits
The two images of me and my business partner, Samantha are by photographer, Melissa Sweredoski (Moments by Mel.) The image of my family in front of the Christmas Tree is by Bellies n Babies, A division of T.Y.E. Studios. And the image of my family in front of the brick wall is by Joy Lee (Joy Lee Photography.)