From vision to action: Fayetteville entrepreneur builds portfolio of businesses centered on community and connection
By Stacie Borrello, posted Jul 30, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com
When Santina Thomas saw a need in the market, she didn’t wait for someone else to fill it.
Whether helping families buy homes, creating a downtown gathering place, mentoring youth or launching community wellness initiatives, the Fayetteville entrepreneur has built a growing portfolio of businesses and nonprofit ventures around one common goal: serving people.
Today, Thomas is the managing broker and owner of The Real Estate Concierge, founder of the downtown wine bar The Sip Room, creator of S3 (Party) Rentals and leader of Sisters With A Purpose Foundation. She also organizes an annual music festival (Cigars and Rosé) and has launched a new women’s wellness initiative called Pilates and Pretty Vibes.
Although the ventures span different industries, Thomas said they all grew from recognizing community needs. “All of our businesses are really centered around people,” she said. “We love people. We love the community and we love creating spaces and opportunities that bring people together.”
Entrepreneurship came early for Thomas. Her first venture was S3 Rentals, which she launched to provide photo booths and event entertainment for weddings, corporate events and other celebrations.
Real estate came next. Through The Real Estate Concierge, she helps buyers and sellers navigate the housing market and has recently expanded into property management. Her goal, she said, has always been to provide clients with a concierge-level experience.
“I like helping people,” she said. “That’s pretty much why I got into real estate.”
Ironically, the business that has become one of downtown Fayetteville’s most popular gathering spots was born while she was searching for a place to work and hold meetings for her real estate business.
“I found myself looking for somewhere that was still quiet, still had a vibe, but also served wine,” she said.
While touring available properties, Thomas noticed a unique commercial space that had once been planned as a piano bar. Curious, she asked to see it.
“I walked in and fell in love with it,” she recalled. “He asked me what I was going to do with it, and I said, ‘I have no idea. Just give me a day or two to think about it.’”
Within 24 hours, she and two business partners had developed the concept that would become The Sip Room.
The downtown wine bar offers customers a relaxed atmosphere where they can work, socialize or unwind — something Thomas felt Fayetteville was missing.
For Thomas, business success has also become a vehicle for giving back.
Founded two years ago, Sisters With A Purpose Foundation focuses on empowering women, youth and families through mentorship, educational workshops and community outreach.
The nonprofit recently secured grants from both the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County to expand programming.
Among its initiatives are women’s seminars, youth mentorship programs, resume preparation, school supply drives, clothing assistance, spring break camps held at The Sip Room and emergency support for families.
Her long-term vision is even more ambitious. The foundation is raising funds to one day purchase a home that can provide temporary housing for women escaping abusive situations and for vulnerable families.
“That’s our main focus in the future,” Thomas said. “We’re saving so we can purchase a home and provide temporary housing for women and their families who need a safe place.”
The nonprofit also hosts the annual Cigar & Rosé Music Festival, which has become one of its signature fundraising events. This year’s festival drew more than 700 attendees, its largest turnout to date.
More recently, Thomas launched Pilates and Pretty Vibes — following the same instinct that gave rise to The Sip Room. After discovering Pilates while attending classes at Sandhills Community College, she fell in love with the practice. When her schedule changed and she could no longer attend, she simply created her own version.
“I realized how peaceful it was,” she said. “It was one hour where I couldn’t be on my phone and I was just focused on myself. When my class schedule changed, and I couldn’t go anymore, I thought, ‘I’m just going to create it myself.’”
Launched in March of this year, the Saturday morning wellness and networking series brings together 30 to 40 women three to four times each month at rotating locations.
Operating several businesses simultaneously requires more than ambition and good business ideas, Thomas said. The biggest lesson she’s learned has been building systems, trusting others and learning to delegate.
“Putting systems in place, prioritizing my day, utilizing my calendar and having people you trust — that’s how you make it work,” she said. She also credits her sisterhood for her success.
“A lot of people think I do a lot,” Thomas said. “I do, but I also have a lot of support — people that feel like the sisters I wish I always had.”
Her faith in God also plays a central role in how she approaches both business and life.
“I’m just His servant,” she said. “He’s leading the way, and I’m just finding ways to get better at it.” As entrepreneurship has become increasingly visible through social media, Thomas encourages aspiring business owners to focus less on chasing trends and more on building with intention.
“I think you have to have a plan, and you have to have a purpose,” she said. “When those two are aligned, there’s nothing in this world that you can’t do.”
She also cautions against trying to launch multiple ventures too quickly.
“I would tell a young entrepreneur to start with one thing and do that right first,” she said. “You can’t just start things and not complete them. You’ve got to have passion, and you’ve got to put in the work.”
That work has required sacrifices, including missed family time while building the businesses she hopes will become part of her family’s legacy.
Even with multiple successful ventures, Thomas is already planning her next chapter. Currently a full-time student at Sandhills Community College, she plans to transfer to North Carolina Central University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree before attending law school with the goal of becoming a real estate attorney.
“My goal is to put all of these businesses in place so one day I can pass them on,” she said. “Then, when I’m 50, I’d like to work as a real estate attorney and have my weekends back.”
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