Kendra Woodfin, formerly Kendra Morris, was thrust into the local limelight when she and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin went public with their relationship. The couple’s 2023 wedding was even covered by The New York Times. But Kendra, a Birmingham native who grew up in Ensley, was making her mark on Birmingham long before she became Mrs. Woodfin.
As a real estate broker, Kendra works with 25 agents through her company, Iron City Premier Realty, and she constantly strives to empower other women in business. Get to know our newest FACE of Birmingham, Kendra Woodfin.
How did you get interested in real estate?
My mom actually suggested it. Since I was little, I’ve loved looking at houses. In high school, I’d research houses online.
First, I went to school to do hair and makeup; I studied cosmetology at Paul Mitchell. But I started losing my passion for hair, so I went to real estate school and got my license.
I’ve been in real estate for about nine years and have been a broker since 2021. I have my business, Iron City Premier Realty, with 25 agents under me. I do development and real estate investing, as well.
What’s the real estate climate like right now?
Surprisingly, in Birmingham, I’ve noticed people wanting to purchase more expensive homes than they normally would. I really hope it’s because they have better opportunities and they’re making more money, so they can afford more!
I also think this generation — with social media and YouTube — has so much information. People are learning more about finance than they ever have before. People who wouldn’t normally have the ability or opportunity to do that because their parents didn’t know [about it] can just go on YouTube and learn. I think a lot of people — especially Black people — have been doing that.
What are some of the ways you’ve been working to uplift other women in Birmingham?
I’ll be a mentor at the Birmingham Business Journal’s upcoming Mentoring Monday event. I’m also on the board for the YWCA, and 97% of my brokerage are females.
I have always had a heart for helping women strive to reach their fullest potential in the workplace. History has limited us and put us in a box to where it’s hard for some people to even imagine wives and mothers who are breadwinners in the home, presidents of the PTA, the CEO of a company, don’t miss a recital or game, and make it to every office meeting. They are excelling in all areas. It’s extremely important for us — and the world — to know that we don’t have to choose between professional and personal lives. I want all women to know that we can balance and excel, gain and grow, have setbacks and setups, fail and win, nurture and be nurtured, be successful and happy, love and be loved. It’s all possible.
What’s the best advice you have to offer other women?
The best thing I’ve ever learned is to pay for your time. Women feel like I’m a wife; I’m a mother. I need to clean, cook, and do all these things for my household. I’m an entrepreneur; I need to be doing all these things about business. The best thing I have ever learned is to pay for my time. There is nothing wrong with paying someone to clean your house, cook your meals, take your children somewhere, or help you file the papers in your business. It frees up your time to be available for the people you care about.
When (and how!) did you and Randall meet?
We met in 2021 at a golf tournament where my company was sponsoring a hole. We talked and joked a little bit; I didn’t think much of it. Then I had a dream about him — we were riding around in a car listening to music. The night I had that dream, I had written a list of what I wanted my husband to be like. But I was not thinking about Randall at all. He didn’t cross my mind. So when I woke up, I thought, that was a weird and inappropriate dream — to dream that you’re chilling with a politician listening to R&B music.
I saw him that weekend at another charity event, and I told him, “Hey, I had a dream about you.” I did not know this sounded weird or like I was coming on to him. But now, when I hear myself say it, I’m like, oh my God!
But he just started talking to me, and we stood there for an hour and a half talking about everything. We exchanged numbers that day.
When did you know that he was the one?
On our first date. He would text me to ask if I was okay or needed anything. On July 1, 2021, he texted, and I said, “I need a drink.” That was the day that I started my brokerage firm. So, the day we started dating is the birthday of my business. God said, “I’m just going to change your life in one day.”
We met at Paper Doll. When we hugged, I exhaled. I had never felt that safe. I didn’t know I had been holding my breath forever until I exhaled. And I thought I don’t want to lose this feeling.
How are you dealing with having a relationship in the spotlight?
What is in the spotlight is what we allow to be in the spotlight. We share 2% of what actually happens in our life, and we share it when we want to share.
We don’t have privacy when we go out in the city. On dinner dates, people are always coming over to have a conversation. They want to talk about a pothole, or garbage that hasn’t been picked up, or their water bill. And I’m like, I’m just trying to eat dinner with my husband. That’s something that I had to get used to.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like journaling. I like spending time with my sons Aubrey (16) and Mason (10); they are boys’ boys. They love all things sports. I like to go to games with them. We go to NBA games, NFL games, and college football games.
Tell me about some of your favorite places in Birmingham.
I really like Botanical Gardens. It’s a good place to walk and meditate.
We have so many good restaurants! I like Yo’ Mama’s, Lé Fresca, and Eagles.
For shopping, I love ISHI? Boutique, and I like going to The Summit for places like Nordstrom Rack. I also like to bargain shop. I love My Sister’s Closet by the YWCA.
Where was your last great vacation?
We just got back from our honeymoon. We went to Curaçao. It was so relaxing, and the people were so kind.
What book are you currently reading?
I’m reading Marriage on the Rock by Jimmy Evans. I got a lot of books for gifts for our wedding.
What’s on your bedside table?
Journals. When I journal, it’s mostly prayers to God, but I also have journals for writing about my goals.
Other than friends, faith, and family, name three things you can’t live without.
Makeup, soul food, and sweet tea.
All photography courtesy of YNOT iMages.
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