An Inside Look with LaVonne Idlette

“[Paralympic Athletes] overcame serious adversities to compete at the highest level and I support that.” -LaVonne Idlette

What are NFTs?

NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) are not cryptocurrencies, but NFTs are an innovation brought to us by blockchain, the technology that powers many cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin had the first blockchain, then Ethereum made NFTs possible. Now there are dozens, if not hundreds of blockchains, including the one for Bitcoin, providing support for NFTs. Some notable ones include Solana, Tezos, Chiliz, Theta, Harmony and Kusama.

Tens of thousands of traditional corporations, influencers, entrepreneurs and artists have entered the space so far in 2021.

Don’t get what it’s all about? Here’s a quick intro:

Definition
Non-fungible: adjective, meaning not fungible, as in not easily replaced, not mutually interchangeable; unique.

This technology embraces many fields: digital art, collectibles, gaming, certifications and personal licenses, IDs, domain names, music, fashion, finance and insurance.

For a full explainer on NFTs, read this.

As of this writing, the dominant use of this technology lies in the field of digital art and collectibles, spearheading adoption of the technology of NFTs. This brings us to meet our next interesting personality.

Jumping into the NFT game is a incredible businesswoman who literally jumped over hurdles in the 2012 Olympics. It is my honor to introduce you to LaVonne Idlette!

Who is LaVonne Idlette?

LaVonne Idlette

“I see [NFTs] becoming the disruptor of many things including real estate. Could kill the need for title insurance if property titles were NFTs.” -LaVonne Idlette

LaVonne Idlette is an Olympian, and she also holds a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor. Virginia-raised and Florida-adopted, she is a real estate investor and community economic development advocate. She serves on several nonprofit boards involving everything from youth leadership to affordable housing, but her main passion is as an impact investor. In this role, she works with high achievers (especially athletes) to invest in communities they care about to realize passive income while making an impact.

An Inside Look

I reached out to LaVonne to get a closer look into her mind and heart, as well as ask about her personal views. Here is what she had to say:

1. Can you describe what a day in your life was like while training for competing in the 100-meter hurdle race in the Olympics?

5 am: wake up
6 am: hot yoga
7 am: breakfast shake and fruit
9 am: practice
12 pm: weights
1:30pm: lunch
2 pm: chiropractic and stretch
4 pm: law school classes
9 pm: dinner
10:30 pm: bedtime

2. What did it feel like to make it to the Olympics and represent your country on the world stage?

Like a wildest dream come true, even more special to come home to such a warm reception. I was able to go to the Olympics with two of my college teammates (one also went to high school with me).

3. How did the 2007/2008 Great Recession impact your life and the lives of those around you?

I had just finished college and gotten into real estate investing. Luckily I was intending to start grad school and stop trying to do deals for a while. I had two profitable flips in 2007 though which helped me train towards the 2008 Olympics (I didn’t qualify but had a promising season in Europe).

4. As a world-class athlete, you overcame literal hurdles for a living. Now as a businesswoman, what is the biggest hurdle you have had to overcome?

Believing everyone wants to be great and will do the right thing. My first business partner stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Fort Lauderdale Day Spa we co-owned.

5. What is one situation in the world you want to improve as an impact investor?

Better family lives overall for low to moderate income families which also leads to lower gun violence, higher graduation rates and less domestic violence. Quality housing and job creation changes the dynamics of a community as a whole for the better.

6. What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about starting their own business?

Talk to everyone. Tell them what you are doing and why. It will lead to your ideal customers faster.

7. How and when did you get into Bitcoin?

In 2011 I was on the European circuit and a young man named Wayne Davis was trying to explain this money he had on a memory stick. I didn’t know what the f*** he was talking about, but it sparked more conversations and I ended up getting a wallet and buying some the next year. I unfortunately lost the passphrase and the person who helped me do it passed away so I have no way to get to it now. I bought more in 2017-2020 but that was an important lesson learned about protection.

8. What is your favorite cryptocurrency?

Helium — I love the fact that it bringing the world online which is a big deal for countries like India who don’t have a lot of the infrastructure outside of major cities.

9. What are your thoughts about the present and future of NFTs?

Currently I think it’s trendy and awesome from a collectors perspective but I see it becoming the disruptor of many things including real estate. Could kill the need for title insurance if property titles were NFTs.

10. I understand you plan to jump into the world of NFTs. Can you tell us about your project?

My 3D art piece is about overcoming adversity — Hurdling Hurdles which is why a portion of the proceeds will be going to Paralympics. They overcame serious adversities to compete at the highest level and I support that.

This is the first of a series that will be supporting other philanthropic causes.

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This content is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute trading advice. Past performance does not indicate future results. Do not invest more than you can afford to lose. The author of this article may hold assets mentioned in the piece.

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