Carlene Herring

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Carlene Herring, although many people know me as Ms. Radiance. I am the Owner and Broker of Record of Radiance Realty & Associates, a full-service real estate brokerage serving clients throughout New Jersey.

I am proudly born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, and my roots in the city have played a major role in shaping the woman and entrepreneur I am today. Growing up, I didn't come from generational wealth or have a roadmap showing me how to build a successful business. I simply had a vision for creating a better life for myself and my son, Jair. I was determined to make that vision a reality.

I'm passionate about helping others navigate real estate while also showing aspiring entrepreneurs that your starting point does not have to determine your destination. My journey is still evolving, but I'm proud of how far I've come and excited about where Radiance is headed next.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Radiance Realty & Associates is a full-service real estate brokerage that helps buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, and investors throughout New Jersey navigate the real estate process with confidence. We specialize in both residential and commercial real estate, including sales, rentals, investment opportunities, and property solutions.

Radiance was born out of my desire to create something of my own while providing people with the education, guidance, and service I believe every real estate client deserves. I started my career in real estate at 23 years old, working primarily with rentals and property management. As I gained experience, I began handling larger transactions and eventually became a licensed broker at 29.

On July 1, 2019, I took a leap of faith and opened Radiance Realty & Associates in Downtown Trenton. Starting a brokerage was a major step, and doing it during a challenging period for businesses made the journey even more meaningful. Since then, the company has grown and evolved, and we now operate from Hamilton Township while continuing to serve clients throughout New Jersey.

The name "Radiance" represents the experience I want our clients to have. Real estate can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Our goal is to bring clarity to the process, educate our clients, advocate for their best interests, and help them make informed decisions rather than simply focusing on closing a transaction.

Whether we're helping a first-time renter find a home, assisting a family with selling their property, helping an investor add to their portfolio, or connecting a business owner with the right commercial space, we want every client to feel informed, respected, and confident throughout the process.

Ultimately, Radiance Realty & Associates is about more than real estate. It's about helping people create opportunities, build wealth, find stability, and move forward in life through real estate. That's what makes the work so rewarding for me.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

My biggest advice to anyone starting a business is don't wait until everything is perfect to begin. You have to be willing to take calculated risks, learn as you go, and believe in your vision even when things get difficult.

When I started Radiance Realty & Associates, I didn't have everything figured out. I had a vision, determination, and a willingness to work. Entrepreneurship will test you, so you have to remain consistent, know your numbers, invest in yourself, and be willing to ask for help.

Most importantly, don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle. Focus on building something authentic and sustainable, and don't be afraid to evolve. Your circumstances may influence where you start, but they don't have to determine where you finish.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One piece of feedback that has always stayed with me is when a client told me that I made them feel like they were more than just another transaction. That meant a lot to me because that's exactly how I want every client to feel.

Real estate is a business, but behind every transaction is a person, a family, or someone's financial future. Knowing that a client felt heard, educated, supported, and genuinely cared for throughout the process reminds me why I started Radiance Realty & Associates in the first place.

For me, success isn't only about closing deals; it's about the relationships I build and the impact I have on the people I serve.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I see Radiance Realty & Associates continuing to grow into a well-known and highly respected real estate brand throughout New Jersey. My vision is to build a strong team of agents who share our commitment to education, professionalism, and exceptional client service.

I also want to expand our reach, increase our impact in the communities we serve, and create more opportunities for clients to build wealth through real estate. Ultimately, I want Radiance to be known not just for closing transactions, but for building relationships, creating opportunities, and helping people achieve their real estate goals for generations to come.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about real estate is that it's easy money. People often see the commission at the end of a transaction, but they don't always see the years of education, marketing, networking, negotiations, follow-up, and countless hours that happen behind the scenes.

Real estate is a relationship-driven business, and your reputation matters. You have to constantly educate yourself, adapt to the market, and genuinely care about your clients. It takes consistency, patience, and a lot of work to build a successful and sustainable career in this industry.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest struggles has been learning how to grow a business while wearing so many different hats. As a business owner, you are not just the person providing the service; you're also the marketer, problem-solver, leader, and decision-maker.

There have been times when business was slow or things didn't go as planned, and I had to remind myself why I started. I dealt with those challenges by staying consistent, learning from my mistakes, investing in myself, and continuing to adapt.

I've learned that challenges don't mean you're failing. Sometimes they are simply preparing you for the next level. You have to stay committed to the vision, even when the results aren't immediate.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I want to give a special shoutout to my parents, Darlene and Robert, for always supporting me and believing in me. To my son, Jair, you are one of my biggest inspirations and a constant reminder of why I continue to push forward.

A huge shoutout to my amazing assistant, Helen, for all of your hard work and support. I also want to thank all of my wonderful clients who continue to trust Radiance Realty & Associates with their real estate needs.

And finally, to my community of family and friends, thank you for your continued support, referrals, encouragement, and belief in what I'm building. Radiance Realty & Associates would not be where it is today without all of you. I truly appreciate every person who has been part of this journey.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about me and Radiance Realty & Associates by visiting our website at www.iamradiancerealty.com. They can also follow us on social media (Radiance Realty & Associates) to stay connected, see our latest listings, and learn more about the services we provide throughout New Jersey.

We're always happy to connect with new clients, investors, property owners, and anyone looking to take their next step in real estate. Come experience the Radiance difference!