Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ketia Cayo.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
To begin, I want first to share that I come from a single-family upbringing where my mother was an immigrant from Haiti with no High School diploma. I am the oldest of 3 girls and a first-generation college and grad school graduate. Because of how hard my mom had to work to provide for us, it did not make my childhood enjoyable. I remained a strong student academically. I maintained the AB honor roll throughout middle and high school in advanced/honors classes. I always had teachers throughout my school days who invested in me to succeed and not become a statistic especially during my middle year at Carver Middle School. Once I got to High School, I left Evans High School to go to Olympia High School because my mother wanted me to attend a more diverse school. I had a guidance counselor in high school who took a vested interest in me, and she made sure by 11th grade, I knew what I wanted to major in by introducing me to Physical Therapy.
Once, in 12th grade, that same counselor took me to the Tom Joyner Family Reunion with a transcript. This is where I got accepted to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. I went to college at FAMU and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physcial Therapy in 3.5 years with the help of Dual enrollment. Then, I applied to Physical Therapy (PT) School and got accepted. From there, I navigated through a demanding and challenging program at FAMU, graduating with my doctorate degree in PT. From there, I moved back home, got licensed to practice in Florida, and then got my first job in Lakeland, FL. As I progressed through being a physical therapist and then quickly promoted to a Rehab director, I started to feel an entrepreneurial itch coming upon me.
I was now married and looking to start a family with my husband, Jonas. I started a freelance makeup artistry business called KC Artistry LLC in 2016, something I have always been interested in, but I needed to figure out where to start. In December 2015, my husband and I purchased our first home, and with that process, I realized how much I enjoyed everything about looking for a home and the process it took. I did not feel much of a connection to our agent or that he contributed much to the process, so shortly after, I told my husband I could do a great job as a realtor. So, following the start of the makeup artistry business, I decided to go to Real Estate school. While in school, I found out we were expecting our first child. I decided to complete the class, get licensed for the state of FL, and then take a year to focus on being a new mom before jumping into Real Estate. At this time, I decided to step down from being a Rehab Director back to being a Staff Physical therapist again. I grow my clientele for makeup artistry business allowing me to meet amazing women throughout the city.
2017, I decided I was ready to put myself out there as a realtor. I continued working my PT job and working on building a brand as a real estate agent, as I did not want to put the entire financial burden on my husband alone. We created a plan that once Real Estate could match or exceed my PT income, I could transition to doing only my Real Estate Business. I was determined to work hard to become a successful Trusted realtor. It has been so rewarding to be able to help individuals and families start their journey to homeownership or transition from their current home to another home. It has not been an easy journey to work 2 full-time jobs while starting a family, but God gave me the grace and the family support that I needed.
By the end of 2022, I was able to get real estate income to exceed my Physical therapy income, and at that point, we had reached the goal that my husband and I set for our family. I put in my resignation letter in Nov 2022. Jan 2023 started my first year of only working my Real Estate business, and with God’s favor, I reached my business goals for the year and was even able to get the Top Producer award for being in the Top 5% for the year. I now mentor several new agents and women. I have a heart for serving women through women empowerment, so I’m a part of a few organizations that allow me to do that in abundance.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, for sure. When I first started as a realtor, I feared putting myself out there as an expert and doubted myself greatly. I started with an agency that made me feel they could help me as I continued working my 9-5 job, but that was not a good fit, and I needed the initial help. So I decided to focus on being a first-time mom the first year I was licensed, and then I joined a new firm that a close friend of mine started called Abraham Legacy Realty. My friend and broker Sam at that time was the person who helped me build my confidence, and I got my first deal at the end of 2017, which closed at the top of 2018. Building my clientele required a lot of sacrifice, dedication, and re-inventing myself. From there, I had my second son in 2019, and then in 2020, COVID hit, and everyone was home in March. By June, I lost my Physical therapy job due to COVID and was out of a job for 90 days, and that was the catalyst that took my business to the next level. I rebranded the business and worked hard even once I got a job again for another Home Health agency. I had a great year in 2021, and at the end of that year, I decided to switch to another Brokerage Coldwell Banker Realty SW because I needed more than what my former firm could provide after some post-COVID changes.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ketia Cayo LLC. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
I run a Real Estate Business where I help individuals buy and sell real estate. I specialize in assisting First-time home buyers and New Construction purchases. I also help Individuals and families relocate to Central Fl or sell their homes to move to another location. I’m known for being the educating agent. I enjoy informing and equipping people for the process of either buying or selling their home. I intentionally make people feel comfortable with the process and make it as stress free as possible. My patience and negotiating skills set me apart. I enjoy helping first responders, such as Nurses and other health professionals, embark on their home-purchasing journey. I’m most proud of how much I’m not a salesperson, but you are hiring an advisor who walks you through the entire process and beyond. I want people to know they will have a Realtor who is not a pushy salesperson looking to only make money through a deal, but I am an educator who advises and guides you through one of the most significant purchases of one’s life. I am also a lifelong resource, so when you need a referral for a vendor to assist you with your home, like a roofer, insurance quote or contractor for your floors, I will have a list of quality individuals you will trust just as much as you trust me. Building generational wealth and a legacy through homeownership is the heart of my business.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is going to Disney with my family. My mother worked at Disney for 18 years, and we went there at least once a year.
Contact Info:
- Website: ketiacayo.com
- Instagram: ketiacayo_realtor
- Facebook: DrKetia Cayo
- Linkedin: Dr. Ketia Cayo DPT Realtor
- Youtube: ketiacayorealtor
Image Credits
Daniel Outing with dlo.vision, Alain Franklin with AF Pro Media
