BONJOUR ANGELA
At the desk of Parisienne-turned-New York real estate expert, Angela Babel
They say good things come to those who wait. I began to feel the slightest bit skeptical as I waited outside a bakery, 8th in line, on a chilly February morning in New York’s intellectual Morningside Heights, though, I was soon reassured of what was in store as the next person pulled open the understated aluminum frame door and, equally excited for warmth and coffee, stepped inside to order at the crowded counter. The smell of freshly baked croissants, apple Linzers, and jam-filled Berliners escaped out the door. I watched each person’s nose perk up one by one…as if we were all following the cozy scent’s trail through the wintry air to the back of the line. I closed my eyes and breathed in the flaky buttery goodness, then I turned my head to the left and the scent had floated away as quickly as it arrived. When I opened my eyes, Angela Babel, a colleague I first met last summer, turned the corner onto Amsterdam Avenue from 112th Street and greeted me with a cheery “Bonjour!” Perhaps a friendly smile was what I was waiting for after all.
We soon made it inside the rakish cafe. For over half a century, The Hungarian Pastry Shop, a mellow gathering spot that hearkens back to the coffeehouse society of Eastern Europe, has, itself, played host to a who’s who of writers on this side of the pond. Inside, tiny wooden bistro tables covered with coffee stain rings are so closely placed to one another that you can’t help but feel a sense of tight community. Many were sipping cappuccinos with their heads buried in books. Others typed on Macbooks before they headed to class. Perhaps in some corner, a future writer was drafting the next great novel (Julie Otsuka once wrote The Buddha in the Attic here). Behind the counter, a baker grabbed a slip of wax paper and her pen and guest check pad, ready to take our order. If most New Yorkers at The Hungarian Pastry Shop are overwhelmed at choosing from the assortment of treats and beverages, Angela was, by contrast, simple and decisive. She ordered a chocolat chaud in her perfect French accent. We laughed as her bright red lipstick inevitably stained the lid no sooner than they handed the cup to her.
She was relaxed, jubilant, and unfussily going about her morning, having just dropped off her kid at school before heading to work. Coffee and pastries secured, I joined her for a morning commute, walking through the neighborhood to her “office” at Robert A.M. Stern Architect’s brilliantly designed Claremont Hall, where she is a sales manager on behalf of Corcoran Sunshine, the building’s exclusive marketing and sales team. Over the next half hour, we discussed what would become, now, From the Desk of ECF’s second installment of the “At the Desk” series, where I go behind the scenes to talk to industry creatives and professionals about their journeys. Our conversation ranged from trying to recreate her French lifestyle in America when she first moved to the Big Apple twenty years ago, to the activist and philosopher Angela Davis, to this Angela’s advice for young girls in the real estate industry today.
So, Angela, I’d like to begin by asking…what was your first city?
I was born and raised in Paris, France, and moved to New York for work. The first city I lived in here was Brooklyn, in East New York. I found the apartment on Craigslist and thought that East New York meant the East side of Manhattan!
And what is your favorite city?
Well, that depends on how you look at it! My favorite city to live in is Paris for its architecture, weather, food and drinks, people and their lifestyle and tradition, and for the ease of transportation. My favorite city for vacation is Nice, in the south of France. And my favorite city to work in is New York.
When did you move to NY? Can you tell a story about your first year in NY?
I moved to New York in 2004. I was working for a French Airline and stayed close to the French community. Therefore, I did not get to speak much English. But I was very, very confident, thinking I could get by if I understood about 30% of what Americans were saying and just assumed the rest. It led to a big (and funny) mistake! I was chatting with a colleague who worked in another department and we decided to go out to eat. By the end of the night, we ended up in front of a hotel and I didn’t quite understand how we got there. He was upset when I refused to go in and said that I said ‘yes’ when he asked. He called me a tease and stopped talking to me... so that night, I learned my first lesson in English: don’t say yes and don’t smile and shake your head yes if you don’t fully understand.
In my first year, instead of immersing myself in the American culture, I was trying to recreate the lifestyle I had in France. I was looking for everything French: groceries, restaurants, bakeries, medications, make-up and products. It became very expensive but it made me feel more comfortable. Hanging out with only French speakers did not help improve my comprehension or my English speaking skills. I also did not get to quite understand the culture and it was a detriment to progress and making friends.
How are you a different person today?
Today I am more personable and open-minded. I’ve lived in all boroughs except for Staten Island. After living the longest in the Bronx, I now consider myself a true New Yorker. People may laugh when I say that with my French accent. I’ve kept lots of my little traditions from France such as trying not to have dinner until after 7:00 pm, eating smaller portions, and paying attention to have balanced meals. And I’m better at understanding what people mean. This cute table someone gave me one time helped!
Let’s talk about how you got into the real estate industry.
I was always interested in architecture and interior design but not necessarily sales. I knew that my forte was customer service and after working one year as a patent assistant, I found it very boring working in an office. I knew I wanted to work somewhere where I could meet different people and where not one day would be the same. So I started working for an airline. This is how I got a work visa and arrived in New York. Then I worked in the hotel industry and from there I befriended a guest who told me about Corcoran Sunshine. He told me I would be a perfect addition to this specific company that specialized in new luxury development.
We met last summer when I was interning at Corcoran Sunshine! What is your current project and role at the company now?
I’m a salesperson at Claremont Hall designed By Robert A. M. Stern. It’s been my dream to work on a new luxury development uptown and to represent a building built by Robert A.M Stern. I was also delighted working on the Four Seasons Hotel Private Residences at 30 Park Place. There, back in about 2013-2014, I officially said “I’m living my American Dream.”
How many years have you worked at CS?
14 years! I started in 2010.
Is every day different at your job?
Absolutely. Even though my main duty is to sell, I also do a lot to build relationships with everyone involved in the process. I participate in all that it takes to generate leads. Think outreach, marketing, customer service, a bit of social media and public relations, interior and design input and it’s important to have this expertise in the process from submitting an offer to closing a deal. Being able to give referrals is a must so it’s important to know a few lenders, attorneys, interior designers, organizers, outside handymen, etc. Most buildings have lists of preferred vendors but it’s important to make it in a way that is more personalized to your buyer or broker friend. Buyers and brokers appreciate it when you refer them to the right people and when you go the extra mile. Oftentimes, it’s the additional input you add that makes the difference.
What was your previous assignment?
Before Claremont Hall, I was working at 130 William in the Financial District.
How does Morningside differ from the Financial District based on your experiences?
Morningside Heights is surrounded by historical architecture. The tree-lined streets and the fact that it’s close to many parks like Sakura Park and Riverside Park, add a touch of nature’s tranquility. I like the balance between urban living and a serene environment. You see lots of people walking their dogs, taking their time, looking at the sky, sipping on their drinks. People smile more and say good morning. It’s a bit less fast-paced than being in the heart of the Financial District.
Do you have any favorite places in Morningside?
I like going to Broadway Au Lait on Broadway and 122nd Street, not for the décor but for the ambiance and quality of the food. It’s a great spot for breakfast and lunch and the owner at the counter makes a difference. He remembers you and he’s a kind soul. You see less and less “mom and pop shops in NYC these days and I’m glad I stumbled upon this one. For drinks and more elaborate food, I like to go to Bar 314 on Broadway off La Salle Street and for yummy Italian food, which is my favorite type of cuisine, I like Pisticci on La Salle Street.
Okay, I’ve got to pause because this cafe just started playing some good music. So now, I must ask a fun question: if you could choose one song to play when you walk into a room, what would it be?
It would probably be a dance music song such as “Follow Me” by Aly-Us.
What’s something you always bring with you on the plane?
I always bring a book and nowadays, a phone has everything from a book to music!
If you could spend the weekend in any destination, what would it be?
Probably a nearby Caribbean island with all-inclusive and a golf course!
What is a fun fact you wish to share?
I was named Angela after Angela Davis! My dad wanted to just call me Davis but my mom wanted a more feminine name, so they went for Angela.
How does your identity as a French woman of color shape your story in your career?
It’s hard to answer. I don’t like to be identified by my color and ethnicity or background. I really wish, like Dr. MLK said, that I would be valued by the content of my character and my skills. I am just very grateful to be where I am doing what I love.
If we have to talk about feeling, I can say I feel like having an accent makes a difference because, oftentimes, it opens up the discussion about where I’m from. It makes some people with prejudice comfortable or at ease when I say I was born and raised in France. And I can tell just by observing their change in attitude from the moment they see me to 15 minutes into the conversation.
I just want to express my expertise in real estate and remain current on taxes, rates, and specific construction updates. I never stop learning about real estate and everything related to it. I spend lots of time reading Offering Plans for instance and not only when someone asks a specific question. I read the Offering Plan at least every other week. I watch and take classes and courses in sales, real estate, finances, and more. I don’t have a TV in my living room for this reason.
Have you ever done a deal speaking only in French?
I did and it’s challenging because the French language is so rich. The way of doing business and communicating is a bit less direct. I had to adjust and seek the help of my little brother who’s in commercial real estate in France. So I can update my vocabulary in French real estate since I’ve never worked in real estate there. And I’ve signed up to a few new letters in French and Spanish, which is helpful when dealing with Europeans.
What’s your advice to young girls today?
Believe in yourself, education is key and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Do things that you love and don’t try to impress anyone, do it for yourself and remain humble.
More about “education is key”; you must learn your trade and learn it well. The world we live in tends to depict fast success without hard work or knowledge. This is not réalité!!!
You must be knowledgeable and have the expertise in the domain of your choice to be successful. You must have the courage to face resilience and obstacles on your path to get to where you want. You also need to be patient.
How has the real estate industry at large embraced or rejected parts of your identity?
The industry has a mixed record and is known for discrimination, biased lending practices, and unequal access to opportunities. This is why we have specific bills to protect minorities, the Fair Housing Authority, and testers. My own experience has been positive. I did not go to school in the USA and yet, I was always given the opportunity to climb the ladders at Corcoran Sunshine. I went from marketing assistant to office manager and then to sales associate. I was part of teams at very iconic and famous buildings. I was awarded the Admin of the Year Award and recently, the Innovation Award. I was rewarded for my hard work, loyalty to the company, and consistency at work. I am also honest and have integrity and I’ve proven it working with various sales teams, managing directors, and developers.
Angela, your personality is warm and inviting, your story is inspiring, and your work ethic is très impressionnant…thank you so much for sharing with us.
Lastly, since this series is called At The Desk…what’s on your desk right now?
An empty cup of coffee, bottles of water, a building grid, and a picture of my daughter.
And, what do you wish were on your desk right now?
Some snacks…maybe it’s time we walk back to the pastry shop!
Thanks for reading the latest collaboration of my “At the Desk” series, where I interview a variety of professionals at the intersection of architecture, design, development, and culture. You can read the first edition, at the desk of Sybil Wa, where we discussed Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall renovation, at the link below. If you’re enjoying my posts, please consider subscribing and sharing with a friend! It is important to me to grow this space, and I appreciate you being here! ECF
