Some lives follow a well-marked script; mine has been more like a wild improvisation—full of unexpected turns, heartbreak, laughter, and grace. Born and raised in Detroit, I began my real estate career in 1997 alongside my husband, my best friend and greatest supporter. We dove in headfirst, making every mistake possible, but always together and always learning.

In 2008, as the economic crash loomed, a sense of faith—and maybe a few whispers from...