Carolyn Shamis believes
"in making things happen."

A strong philosophy is only as good as the people who believe in it. And Carolyn Shamis has proven her philosophy works. "We don't listen to negative thoughts," she says. "We come to work every day with a positive attitude, and we refuse to take no for an answer."

By Gene Wilson PARK CITIES PEOPLE DECEMBER 24 1981
Positive attitude key for realtor

That sounds good, but obviously, it always works. In a time when many real estate people are discouraged about the business, Shamis notes, "Our business is running well ahead of last year."

She will do about $12 to $14 million in sales. Owner and president of her own real estate firm, Shamis concentrates mostly in the upper income areas of Dallas. She sells million dollar homes, high-rise condos, patio homes and even ranches. Her territory covers Highland Park, University Park, Turtle Creek, locations south of LBJ, east of Central, and west of Inwood Road. "Our clients know that we are going to give them all of our personal attention. We listen to what they're saying and then we follow through on every detail until we find them exactly what they want." According to Shamis, "It's just this simple. We have enjoyed a great year, and we see 1982 as an even better opportunity. " An attractive brunette from McComb, Miss., Shamis has been in the real estate business for 10 years in Dallas. And her concise, but decisive philosophy might be stated: .'It's attitude, hard work and knowing our market that is proving to be successful. "Shamis makes no denial that she is flamboyant and yet elegant at the same time. She wears expensive jewelry and designer clothes from the finest stores in the country .She also drives a $50,000 white Excalibur and dates the most eligible, richest men in the city. "If you look successful, you're going to be successful," she contends. "People will have confidence in you if you look like you have confidence in yourself. Frankly, I like women who are doing the best they can with what they have. Not all of us are born beautiful, but all of us can look better if we work at it."

Shamis began her real estate career with Troy Post's Tres Vidas in Acapulco. Before that, she was director of sales for the Fairmont Hotel. Her first real estate sales in Dallas were in the all male-dominated field of commercial real estate. But Shamis decided to use her positive mental attitude and sales ability to establish a sound business reputation. She proceeded to lease the 200,000 square foot LBJ Business Park at the comer of LBJ Freeway and Webbs Chapel Road. After banking her commission check, she decided to take a vacation. But a funny thing happened on the way to getting a tan. She sold a town home as a favor to a friend. Then a few days later, she sold another home for $650,000.
"It was easy and fun. I wanted to do more because the money was so good," she says, smiling.

Today.her clients number in the hundreds. She often takes them to property sites in a chauffeured limo. And sometimes she even gives a car away as a present. Shamis says she never encounters a dull moment.

"Real estate is the most exciting business in the world. There's nothing like finding a home for someone. Yet, you must learn to shrug off petty criticism, gossip and backbiting. If you're good at what you do and are climbing, you've got to learn to expect this sort of thing. Then you've got to learn to deal with it."

Shamis named her company Carsha, Inc. after her two names. She offices in a beautiful contemporary-designed office done by Fred Merrill. It's finished in black and white with mirrors and has white furniture, and fresh flowers are brought in daily.

"The image is very important. Sure I'm more flamboyant than some other women, but it pays me to be," she adds.

With more and more women starting their own businesses, what advice does she have for them? "Just stick to what you believe. Decide this is what you're going to do and then do it. Above all, listen to yourself and not to anyone else."

In her late 30's, Shamis keeps in shape by exercising daily and by taking vitamins and minerals and not over eating and drinking. Away from business she enjoys traveling, meeting new people. going to the theatre and to movies and entertaining at home. She lives in a million dollar condo.

But, she enjoys work most of all. "We are planning to expand our company in 1982, but we won't lose our individual touch with our clients. Remember by being alert to a client's needs and especially to his or her personality we can easily determine the most suitable home for them." Even in tough times? "Yes, you've got to make some- thing happen," she smiles.