Photo taken by Leigha Gray | Model: Lydia Capps
Lydia Capps had wanted to be a doctor since middle school. However, an entrepreneurial spirit and shift in passions led her to becoming the youngest realtor at Wallace Real Estate.
For Capps, entrepreneurship allowed her to find a career that aligns with her personality. In reality, she was able to use her strengths in attention to detail and personable communication with clients.
“Entrepreneurship is being able to create something of yourself, from yourself… Once you catch the entrepreneurship bug, you never go back,” Capps said.
After switching majors and transferring schools, Capps is now back in Knoxville where she grew up visiting family. She is now currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a double major in finance and business analytics.
Capps became interested in real estate due to an interest in credit and investment ever since she got her first credit card at 18. She attended seminars and networking events related to real estate which expanded her interests and connections.
Capps explained how being a young entrepreneur worked to her advantage in real estate. The median age of realtors is 60, so being a young realtor allows her to connect with a different demographic of clients. Additionally, a strong understanding of social media has allowed her to build her brand across multiple platforms.
She joined Wallace Real Estate in May 2023 where she currently works as a realtor specializing in condo and luxury home specialist, but that’s not to say it was an easy process.
“I work now more than I ever have, but it doesn’t feel like work,” Capps said.
Capps also serves as an ambassador at the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation where she facilitates and speaks at events. She is able to spread awareness for the resources available at the Anderson Center for students in any major who are interested in starting their own business or just learning more about entrepreneurship.
In her free time, Capps loves to travel because it helps to expand her perspective and worldview in addition to meeting new people. She prioritizes spending time with friends and family even with a busy schedule.
In order to manage her work, academics and social life, Capps depends on time management through lists and an organized planner.
“Time blocking is literally the only reason I can do everything, and I’ve always been a list girl… When you have so much to do and it’s all scrolling in your head of ‘Oh, I need to do this, this and this,’ it just causes an unnecessary anxiousness about the day,” Capps said.
Time blocking means scheduling every hour of a day. Capps has found how helpful it is to write out her schedule in order to physically see everything she has to get done rather than be overwhelmed by the thoughts of a busy day.
Capps encourages fellow students with a business idea or goal to start working toward their business. There is often pressure to wait until after graduation or waiting until you “feel ready.”
Capps argues there is never a perfect time, so it’s important to take the first steps with an idea as early as possible.
“I would say to not put yourself in a box. You don’t have to wait until you graduate to start talking to people and start thinking about your business. If anything, this is the best time… people want to give to young people and business,” Capps said.
Lydia Capps is just one of many entrepreneurs on UTK’s campus, and her determination and passion for real estate has allowed her to pursue her dreams even while balancing the demands of college life.
