When Jermeshia Goudeau followed her Grandma’s advice of getting her real estate license, she had no idea it would lead to her co-owning a successful real estate brokerage in Texas and documenting her family’s life on OWN’s Family Empire: Houston.
“When my Grandma encouraged me to get my real estate license, I never could have fully imagined where I am today,” Goudeau reflects while speaking to BrownStyle Magazine exclusively. “It started as a ‘just in case.’ The idea of a real estate brokerage— let alone a reality show— was nowhere on my radar. It really feels like a God-ordained journey.”
After being laid off from her corporate career, Goudeau cashed in her ‘just in case’ real estate license during a prime time for Houston’s real estate market. Her success as a licensed realtor closing deals for clients across Houston led her to become a broker and open Braden Real Estate Group (BREG), a firm she co-founded alongside her cousin, Nicole Handy.
From a thriving real estate firm to the bright lights of reality TV, Goudeau’s life showcases the true strength of family bonds, the courage to pivot, and the intentional act of building for the future.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into Jermeshia’s reflections on life after the cameras are cut, her pursuit of a soft life, and the legacy she’s cultivating for the following generations.
Family Empire: Houston
Family Empire: Houston follows four generations of the Braden family as they navigate running the Braden Real Estate Group together.
Soon after hitting the reality television scene, the authenticity and closeness of the Braden family quickly captivated viewers across the country.
“Being around family, you almost forget the cameras are there,” Goudeau shares. “It was important for us to be real and to show who we are, but also to protect the special bond we share.”
The Braden family’s goal to remain true to their family values and relationships paid off, as viewers turned to social media inquiring about a second season before season one wrapped up. (While the show has not been canceled, “Family Empire: Houston” has yet to be renewed for season two.)
While grateful for the opportunity to be on the big screen, Goudeau is glad to have a momentary break in filming and get back to her typical day-to-day.
Creating Generational Wealth
Outside of running Braden Real Estate Group, Goudeau and her husband are building their own generational wealth and real estate investments through their real estate team, The Goudeau Group.
“My husband Justin Goudeau and I are landlords and own real estate,” the busy mom shares, noting the importance of honoring her grandparents’ legacy by following in their footsteps. “We honor our grandparents because of the seeds that they sowed in us.”
Her grandparents’ legacy is also actively nurtured through the continued mentorship of their BREG agents, instilling a spirit of excellence rooted in their family’s values of integrity, energy, and hard work.
‘Legacy In Bloom’ Podcast
Goudeau’s desire to uplift and connect extends to her new podcast, “Legacy in Bloom.”
“What people loved about the [Family Empire] was the relatability of it and us just being open,” the entrepreneur explains. “That’s what ‘Legacy in Bloom’ is about. It’s a safe place for high-achieving, motivated women who are passionate about their future. It’s really building a community of ‘sister cousins.’”
Inspired by the relatable experiences shared on “Family Empire,” Goudeau envisioned a safe place for women to unpack and embrace the real, unpolished moments of life while building something meaningful.
(BrownStyle Magazine attended a live taping of the podcast. Check out our experience here!)
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Balancing the demands of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the many other hats she wears requires intentionality. For Goudeau, structure is key, with her calendar being an essential tool for navigating her busy life.
“It’s truly a navigation,” she explains about her experience maintaining a work-life balance. “It’s about adapting to the detours and finding a way to still reach your destination.”
She also consciously prioritizes her well-being and soft life, which includes the peace and quiet of spa days and a good therapy session.
✨ Soft-Lack Hack:
“If you can’t afford therapy, go to YouTube. I would watch a bunch of YouTube [videos] of people talking about therapy before I [started going] to therapy or I would just live vicariously through my friends’ therapy sessions,” says Goudeau.
Jermeshia Goudeau’s Words Of Wisdom
Looking back over her life, Goudeau’s one piece of advice to her younger self and the BrownStyle audience is simple: “Embrace your authenticity. When I started to see true growth in myself, my spirit, and who I am, that’s when I started perfecting myself, and not trying to mirror somebody else.”
Keep up with Jermeshia by visiting her website and following her on Instagram!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
