Theoni Rapo
Theoni’s career as a loan officer starting as a social media internship at a bank freshman year of college and she never went back, combining both interests to build her brand as Not Your Daddy’s Lender and disrupt the mortgage industry, get speaking gigs, and set-up multiple businesses to get to BILLIONAIRE status one day. She’s now using her 200,000 TikTok and Instagram followers to generate leads for her mortgage business and has created an entire backend system to support going viral on her page TheoniTheLender, which will be super helpful as her second child is due this summer and she’ll need to take some time off as her family grows. Theoni also gets real with us about being a working mom, including the honest truth about maternity leave in her world and how hard it is to set boundaries while trying to grow her mortgage business. She shares her motivation with us and it’s a super inspiring discussion making me want to do what she’s doing after listening to this! But more importantly, this interview will leave you thinking “If she can do it, so can I” which is the WHOLE point of this show.
Highlights from the Interview
Audrey: Welcome to Women Just Like You, Theoni! To start, could you share with us what your childhood aspirations were? What did you want to be?
Theoni Rapo: It’s funny looking back, but I actually wanted to be the president of the United States. That dream ended abruptly when I realized I couldn't because I wasn’t born in the U.S. After that revelation, I gravitated towards anything that involved leading or being in the spotlight, which for a while meant I wanted to be a dancer. Dancing was not just about being center stage; it was the discipline, the rehearsals, and the expression through movement that drew me in. It taught me a lot about focus and passion, qualities I've brought into my professional life.
Audrey: How did you find your way into the mortgage industry from there?
Theoni Rapo: My journey into mortgages was somewhat accidental. I started as a social media intern at a mortgage company while at college. Initially, I was just managing their social media because they didn’t understand it as well as my generation did. Curiosity got the better of me, and I began to ask questions about the actual work they did—what is a mortgage, how does it impact people’s lives, and so on. That curiosity led me to delve deeper into the industry, seeing the direct impact I could have on someone’s life by helping them secure a home.
Audrey: What does a typical day look like for you as a mortgage lender?
Theoni Rapo: Every day is about guiding clients through the financial maze of buying a home. I assess their financial health, calculate what they can afford, and explain the intricacies of mortgages, down payments, and closing costs. It’s about preparation and planning, ensuring they feel confident and knowledgeable about the process. The goal is to demystify the complexities and make home buying as transparent as possible.
Audrey: What aspects of your job are most rewarding to you?
Theoni Rapo: The flexibility of my role tops the list. It allows me to balance my demanding career with my personal life, especially important events with my family. This balance is crucial not just for maintaining relationships but also for personal well-being. Being able to help someone buy their home while still being present for my child’s milestones is profoundly satisfying.
Audrey: Entering a field like mortgage lending must have challenges. Any advice for those considering this career path?
Theoni Rapo: It’s crucial to be prepared for the fluctuating nature of commission-based work. There will be months where everything aligns perfectly and others where it feels like nothing goes right. Initially, align yourself with experienced professionals where possible. Learn from them while building your client base. Patience and resilience are key—qualities every new loan officer needs to develop early on.
Audrey: How has your approach changed since you started your own entrepreneurial venture in the mortgage industry?
Theoni Rapo: Shifting from a traditional bank to an entrepreneurial setup allowed me to focus more on personalized advisory services rather than just competing on rates. It's more fulfilling to provide tailored advice that truly fits each client's unique situation, which builds long-term relationships and trust.
Audrey: Your success on social media is quite inspiring. What new opportunities has this opened up for you?
Theoni Rapo: Social media has been transformative. It’s opened up opportunities for collaboration with other creators and professionals, which has been a tremendous learning experience. It’s also allowed me to hone my skills in personal branding and online marketing, extending my reach beyond traditional boundaries.
Audrey: For women looking to use social media to boost their businesses, what advice would you give?
Theoni Rapo: Understand the pain points of your audience and address these directly in your content. Social media is powerful for business growth when you use it to speak directly to the needs and challenges of your audience. Be specific and focused in your messaging, and you’ll find your niche and grow your presence effectively.
Audrey: As you prepare for the arrival of your second child, how do you plan to manage both your business and family life?
Theoni Rapo: I’m actively putting systems and support in place to handle the increased demands on my time. Hiring a loan partner to handle my social media leads is a significant step. It’s all about planning and adjusting these systems to ensure they work efficiently once the baby arrives.
Audrey: Do you have a favorite quote or piece of advice that keeps you motivated?
Theoni Rapo: One of my favorite sayings is, "Your goals don’t care how you feel." It’s a reminder that dedication and hard work towards your goals need to persist, regardless of the obstacles or how you may feel on a given day. Also, the app "We Croak", which reminds you seven times a day that you're going to die one day. It's a little bit morbid but the happiest monks in the world live by this principle and its a reminder to live in the present, so I like it.