Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana May.
Diana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I didn’t take a traditional path into real estate or business ownership, it really started with a desire to build something meaningful for my family and my community. About eight years ago, I made the decision to pursue my real estate license, not fully knowing where it would lead but confident in my ability to connect with people and serve them well.
At the same time, I had a dream of opening a coffee shop, a place where people could gather, slow down, and feel a sense of community. That dream became 9BAR Coffeehouse, and what I didn’t realize at the time was how naturally the two worlds would come together. The coffee shop became more than just a business, it became a hub for relationships, conversations, and connections that organically supported my real estate career.
Over the years, I’ve been incredibly blessed to grow both businesses side by side. I’ve built a real estate team that I’m so proud of, one that leads with integrity, communication, and a true commitment to our clients. We’ve been fortunate to help hundreds of families buy and sell homes, especially within the Riverwood community that I live, work, and pour into daily.
At the same time, 9BAR has grown into something even bigger than I imagined. We recently expanded our space to better serve the community, and it continues to be a place where relationships are built, whether over coffee, events, or just everyday life.
Looking back, none of this was perfectly planned, but it was built with intention, hard work, and a genuine love for people. Today, I feel incredibly grateful to have created a life where my businesses support one another, my family is at the center of it all, and I get to wake up every day doing work that truly fills my cup.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road and I think that’s what’s shaped me the most.
Starting two businesses at the same time while raising a family of 6 came with a lot of unknowns, long days, and moments of doubt. There were seasons where I felt stretched thin trying to be everything to everyone, a business owner, team leader, mom, wife and learning how to balance those roles has been one of my biggest ongoing challenges.
In real estate, I’ve experienced the ups and downs of the market, difficult negotiations, deals falling apart at the last minute, and the pressure of always needing to stay consistent in an industry that can be unpredictable. Building a team also came with its own learning curve figuring out leadership, systems, and how to grow in a way that protects both the client experience and the people on my team.
With 9BAR, we’ve faced construction delays, operational challenges, and the day-to-day realities of running a hospitality business where every detail matters. Expanding the space was exciting, but it also came with stress, unexpected hurdles, and the need to make big decisions.
But through all of it, those challenges have been the greatest teachers. They’ve forced me to grow, to trust my instincts, to surround myself with the right people, and to stay grounded in why I started in the first place.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change those struggles as they’ve shaped the business, the team, and the person I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Diana May Real Estate Team at HomeTowne Realty and 9BAR Coffeehouse. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the heart of everything I do is people. My business has never just been about buying and selling homes, it’s about relationships, trust, and creating a full experience for my clients and community.
I lead the Diana May Realty Team with HomeTowne Realty, where we specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate the market with confidence, clarity, and strong communication. We’re known for being highly responsive, detail-oriented, and truly invested in our clients’ goals not just during the transaction, but long after closing. A large part of our business is referral-based, which I believe speaks volumes about the level of service and care we provide.
What really sets us apart is how we’ve intentionally built our brand around community. Alongside real estate, I own 9BAR Coffeehouse, which has become a central gathering place in Riverwood. It’s more than a coffee shop it’s where relationships are built, where conversations happen, and where I’ve been able to connect with so many people in an authentic, organic way. The two businesses complement each other beautifully, creating a space where business and community naturally intersect.
We also focus heavily on visibility and creativity in how we market our listings and serve our clients from hosting community events and open houses to leveraging in-house exposure at 9BAR and staying deeply involved in the neighborhoods we serve. We don’t just work here, we live here, raise our families here, and genuinely care about the growth and success of our community.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve created something that feels approachable, trusted, and rooted in real relationships. It’s not transactional, it’s personal. People know they can walk into 9BAR, grab a coffee, and ask a real estate question, or call us years after closing and still feel supported.
I want readers to know that whether they’re looking to buy, sell, invest, or just need guidance on where to start, we’re here as a resource first. Our goal is to make the process feel seamless, informed, and even enjoyable and to build relationships that last far beyond the closing table.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways to connect and work with us, and we truly welcome it all.
For those looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, the best way to start is simply reaching out. We walk our clients through every step of the process and pride ourselves on being a trusted resource from the first conversation to well beyond closing.
If you’re a local business owner or professional, I love collaborating. Whether it’s hosting events at 9BAR, partnering on community initiatives, or finding creative ways to support and promote one another, I’m always open to building meaningful connections that strengthen our local network.
For fellow agents, I’m passionate about mentorship and collaboration within our industry. I believe there’s room for all of us to grow, and I’m always happy to share, connect, and support where I can.
And honestly, one of the biggest ways people can support us is simply by staying connected follow along on social media, stop into 9BAR for coffee, attend our events, or refer a friend or family member who may need real estate guidance. Our business has been built on relationships and referrals, and we never take that trust for granted.
At the end of the day, whether you’re a client, a collaborator, or just part of the community, there’s always a place for you here and we’re grateful for every connection that comes our way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dianamayrealty.com and www.9barcoffeehouse.com
- Facebook: Diana May Realty Team @HomeTowne Realty and 9BAR Coffeehouse
