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BLOOMING IS THE BEAUTIFUL and natural process of becoming—and in this world of hope, pain, loss, and gain perhaps we need a reminder to stay in bloom, to learn, grow … and become! Meet Charlene Dearing, co-founder and team leader of The Dearing Team who, with more than her share of some pretty sharp thorns, continues to blossom in her career, her marriage, and her community.

“I grew up right here in Cornelius,” she smiles. “It’s amazing to see how much has changed over the years. I remember when there were barely any shops and restaurants … mostly there were just fields around the whole town where folks would gather for festivals. I used to feed baby cows and chickens on the farm where Birkdale Village now sits.”

With her love for home, Charlene didn’t go far for college, attending NC State University in Raleigh. She then went to school for radiology at Presbyterian Hospital and on to Cabarrus College of Health Sciences where she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and medical imaging. Charlene would spend many years in hospitals and operating rooms and found it rewarding, yet emotionally taxing.

“My experience in radiology and work in the healthcare eld taught me empathy, how to think quickly in any situation, and to stay calm under pressure. It also gave me the experience of meeting new people on a daily basis. You never knew who your next patient would be or what their story was. Certain situations weighed heavily on me, however. I was one of the rst people to see if someone had a tumor, cancer, or other life-threatening condition, so it was quite inevitable that my thoughts would often be consumed with work.”

A desire to help others and impressive problem-solving skills came in handy when Charlene met her husband, Josh. Not only did a career change to real estate await her, but a business and marriage that would blossom into a partnership extraordinaire were also on the horizon. “I’m inspired by my husband,” she says lovingly. “He believed in us to get started in real estate and had a vision and trust that together we would be successful. We literally both left our jobs, got married, and started full-time in real estate all in one month! We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Josh. He’s very passionate about what we do, and he inspires me every day.”

Also one of the rare, original Lake Norman natives, Josh adds to the homegrown appeal of e Dearing Team. Spending their entire lives and careers in this area gives this dynamic duo a unique perspective and insight into the North and South Carolina real estate markets. “We love showing people Lake Norman and Charlotte and being able to give them a real ‘home-town tour.’ Since we are from here, we’re able to give our out-of-town clients a one-of-a-kind experience and really show them everything we love about our area—from parks, restaurants, and events, to taking them on a boat ride with all our favorite spots along the way.”

Carrying a passion that is refreshingly authentic, Charlene’s goal is to guide her clients and build relationships. Not only is she a go-to source for local knowledge, but she is a true friend outside of the actual real estate transaction itself. “I am so blessed,” she gratefully acknowledges, “to work with such an amazing team. We all pride ourselves on taking the time to get to know our clients on a personal level. My clients are like family to me as is my team at work. I’m inspired by them every day. We learn from each other, and it is so rewarding to see them grow and thrive and make a name for themselves in this business.”

Regarding the aforementioned thorns that Charlene has endured, she has also learned to remove them, or at least live with them in a healthy fashion— using them to build the resilience she learned from her mother and grandmother. She was just 22 years old when her mom passed away, leaving her to take care of her grandmother who had become ill. Charlene and her grandmother were very close which made the decision to put her in a nursing home all the more di cult.

“My dad also taught me a lot about not giving up and being resilient,” she re ects. “I like problem-solving and coming up with creative solutions, and I get that from Dad. I was never allowed to say, ‘I can’t.’ Instead, he taught me to say, ‘I think I can’ and to solve things on my own. In fact, before I could have a car, I was taught how to rebuild an engine and take care of an automobile. at instilled con dence in me … that I can do whatever I set my mind to. You may fail but you’ll fail forward.” e passionate and empathetic nature that is indicative of Charlene does not end with her work. She,

Charlene and Josh do hope to have children one day but meanwhile three dogs have their hearts: Lincoln, the Great Dane who thinks he’s a Chihuahua; Gracie Blu, a silver lab who runs the show; and Oakleigh, a Great Dane/lab mix who they rescued while in Charlotte on a listing.

Josh, and the entire Dearing Team want to make a di erence and give back to the community that they love so much. “We’re constantly looking for ways to help partner with local charities and support nonpro t groups,” she says.

Hosting multiple events throughout the year, their Halloween party is one of their favorites, with all monies raised going to a di erent charity in the community each year. ey also coordinate a toy and coat drive at Christmastime.

“I’m determined to make each day a positive one and to make a di erence in some way,” Charlene concludes. “Not every day will go perfectly or according to plan, but I’ve learned that’s ok. It’s what you choose to do with your time that really matters and how you take what you learned today and use that tomorrow.” w