By ERIC AYRES

WHEELING — Whenever Jayla Robinson feels herself holding back from trying something new, she’s learned to ask herself, “Why not?”

As a realtor and social media director at Paull Associates, Robinson embraces the “why not” attitude in the world of real estate and in all other aspects of her life, as that motto provides the framework of the weekly self-improvement podcast she co-hosts as co-owner of Ask Yourself Why Not LLC, along with her partner, Shaye Pentino.

“Fun fact: our podcast is named ‘Ask Yourself Why Not,'” Robinson said. “I came up with this because usually when you go to try something new, you can go down that spiral of questioning yourself to death. ‘Why me?’ ‘Why now?’ ‘Why would anyone listen to my podcast?’ It is a mindset shift of ‘why not me?’ ‘Why not now?’ And ‘why would anyone not want to listen?'”

Originally from Marietta, Ohio, Robinson transferred to then-West Liberty State College during her junior year and graduated in the institution’s first class after the status change to West Liberty University in 2010.

“At Paull, I get the privilege to help buy and sell the Ohio Valley that I love so much by being a top producing realtor in West Virginia and Ohio,” she said. “I am currently raising a family here and believe this is a great area to live in. Because I love the valley, I feel I can naturally market and sell it being 100% genuine.”

Robinson indicated that she puts some quirky personality into her efforts as well.

“Also, I do all social media presence for anything branded Paull Associates Real Estate, including ads and videos for the whole brokerage and all their agents,” she said. “It’s a big deal to buy or sell a home. I will never forget that. This is one of the biggest decisions an individual can make. A lot goes into consideration when buying and selling. And I get to help with that. It is so rewarding!”

She said when it comes to real estate, there are always great opportunities.

“There is enough room for everyone,” Robinson said. “Being in sales, having an abundant mindset is key. If someone else is successful, that does not limit your ability to be successful. We all have our niche and our strengths. Having a scarcity mindset will only put limits on your potential.

“Be you and be confident in you.”

Robinson said she sees more women taking on leadership roles in different aspects of real estate, creating their own businesses through property management and being landlords, or becoming brokers, contributing significantly and bringing a unique perspective to the industry.

“The changing dynamics have opened new opportunities, and my commitment includes mentoring and supporting aspiring women in real estate, through fostering a sense of community and empowerment,” she said. “This progress not only benefits individual women but also contributes to the overall growth and diversity of the real estate market in the region. This is only the beginning.”

For those beginning a career in real estate, Robinson recommends having a thirst for knowledge and a fearless approach to find the answers to all the questions that come up. Needing help is not a weakness, she said.

“Do not be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “We all start somewhere. I would say a shift in my career from the beginning until now is that I’m way more comfortable asking questions. It builds relationships, and at the end of the day, you are giving your best efforts and duty to your clients. I love asking other realtors for their input and perceptions, and I love when others can confide in me to increase their confidence in their opinion or just to help.”

Many locally owned businesses in the Ohio Valley are prospering, and Robinson said the mutual support and willingness to collaborate between businesses helps everyone succeed.

“People are thinking outside the box and are not afraid to do so, and I think that’s because the support is there,” she said. “People are paving the way for others and not expecting anything in return, and that’s why this area is gaining momentum.”

Genuine people want the best for their community and our families, and they are helping it grow, Robinson said.

A member of the Wheeling Board of Realtors, Robinson is also on the Crittenton Board and is a member of the American Heart Association Heart Ball Committee and Alzheimer Brain Ball Committee. She was runner-up in the 2023 Dancing With the Ohio Valley Stars and the People’s Choice winner in the Special Wish Ohio Valley Chapter’s Lip Sync Challenge in 2022.

Robinson’s Ask Yourself Why Not podcast has produced weekly episodes for four years. This has opened the door to many other opportunities, as well.

“We use self-help and community to help ourselves and others to simply ‘feel good,'” Robinson said. “We share our knowledge and interview experts from all over and bring their insights and knowledge to our Why Not community.”

The podcast has allowed Robinson and Pentino to become keynote speakers and course creators at events and seminars. They’ve spoken to everyone from high school and college students to leadership and mentoring programs and corporate events and symposiums.

“An important lesson I’ve learned is that you can do more than one thing,” Robinson said. “I’m a realtor, but I’m also a podcast host, a yoga teacher and a speaker. I remember when I first started promoting my podcast, I was met with a gasp of, ‘You’re quitting real estate?’ We can do more than one thing, and we can do more than one thing well. Promote everything! That is who you are. Do not hold yourself back on anything you do — especially anything you love to do.”

Robinson said she looks forward to growing the mentoring side of both of her businesses.

“If anyone looks at me or anything with my businesses and thinks that I can be of help in any way, I am an open book,” she said. “And if along the way you ask for help from someone and get a rejection, take that as a redirection and know that something ahead is going to be better for you.”