Meet Mara Benson | Co-Owner & Realtor Bliss Realty

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mara Benson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mara, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
For years women did not discuss their children at work, this reminded coworkers or employers that we have family demands outside the office, often seen as a negative that impacted our careers . As more women take on leadership roles within companies, and even become business owners, we see this stigma slowly changing. But we women still face the challenges of balance of work life that men do not. I am married with two children, and I am a business owner. Balancing a career and family is a challenge, something that over time I had to learn to balance. What I did learn was that I was not alone, and it was ok to ask for help. Help with the children, help with house duties or help with my career. For my mental health and independence, I needed my career, my own Identity.

Learning what you can and can’t do, what you will and won’t do is really important. I really had to learn to say NO. Establishing boundaries and sticking to them so that I would not become overburdened. This is so important when your children are young, you are pulled in so many directions with school activities, friend invites and volunteering. As a working mother I felt that I needed to say yes to everything just to show that I could be there for my children, to be a good mother. This put added pressure on myself. But you can’t do everything, be everywhere and be all things to everyone. I had to learn to ask for help and share the workload at home and at work, it is ok. And it is ok to say NO. This took me many years as a businesswoman to learn, it is ok to say, NO. These two letters are very powerful. Practice saying them, because for me it was hard to say. But, once I had the power to say NO, it came easier.

I really had to learn to work by a schedule or calendar. This means holding true those scheduled times that give you selfcare and private time. Schedule your tasks by priority, give yourself flexibility, in case you are running late. And give yourself a break, no one is perfect, know that you are doing your best. forgive yourself. Be intentional and do things that are just for you.
Meal prep, get up before the kids wake for your exercise time and schedule your work meetings if possible while the kids are at school. I even had to take work calls while at sporting events in my car, it is what worked for the time. Now within these last couple of years my children are in their 20’s and my health started to decline, and I realized that I was out of balance, I had stopped taking time for myself and my schedule had just been about work. So, I took back my time I started doing the things that I forgot that I enjoyed. I started hiking, walking, kayaking and even tried paddle boarding. You need to take a break away from your responsibilities. I had forgotten my hobbies, when my children were little, it was always about them.

We are encouraged to have the perfect home, clean, organized, with dinner on the table, but that is a myth. Our homes don’t need to be perfect; they need to be safe. Lowering our expectations will lower our stress, perfection does not exist. We need to work daily on self-compassion and being human. Evaluating who you invest your time with daily is important. Are they a positive influence for you? Do they motivate you? Do they provide good advice? Make a change with your circle of influence if needed and invest in a coach or mentor. It is also important what information you put into your mind. I have found that I am reading more business books and listening to more positive pod casts. It’s all about positive energy for me.

In the workplace as a woman, work-life balance doesn’t come easy. But it is possible, and it does not have to be a secret, not anymore. You can have both, and you should. It is proven that healthier, happier people make for better leaders, managers, and employees.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Bliss Realty & Investments is a dynamic, full-service lifestyle Real Estate brand dedicated to empowering and advancing tomorrow’s Real Estate professionals, today. From the very beginning, Bliss Realty & Investments was built to be a company that is invested in the success of our agents because we truly care. This goal remains true to this day: building a company that focuses on fostering a unique culture and gives everyone a voice. Bliss Realty & Investments is committed to helping clients fulfill all of their real estate needs. Whether it be residential or commercial, Bliss Realty & Investments has an experienced REALTOR® for you.

Since the launch of Bliss Realty, the company has experienced phenomenal growth. Today, Bliss Realty has an experienced team of real estate professionals and a robust portfolio of property for all clients. The company also gives back to the communities in which it does business through a wide range of philanthropic endeavors. At Bliss Realty, the Founders Mara Benson & George Bliss believe that true success is about more than growing their real estate portfolio; this top-notch group of professionals devotes countless hours each year to charitable causes that benefit diverse populations. From serving meals to the homeless to sponsoring events and participating in their local real estate boards, The Bliss Team is committed not just to improving the process of purchasing real estate, but to making Arizona a better place to live.

Bliss Realty has expanded with agents all over the valley. From the East Valley to the West Valley, to Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, Sedona, Payson & Show Low. We are excited to announce the Southern areas of Arizona, with agents in Tucson.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hike Flatiron Trail, Paddle Board the Salt River. With an early dinner at Postino’s & Dessert at Frost Breakfast at Butters pancakes & cafe, shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Spend the afternoon at the Phoenician Spa with dinner at the J&G Steakhouse.
Sunday we finish in Sedona with a tour around downtown, a small hike finishing with dinner at the Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Most don’t know but I am dyslexic. I learn differently, and I visualize things differently. Learning is hard for me; the real estate test took me 12 times to pass. But I never gave up, I went every week until I passed it.

Nathan Daniel & Chuck Wells with The LockerRoom have really challenged me the last year and helped me grow as a leader. Their positive attitudes and business InSite have made a huge difference in our team at Bliss Realty. Thank you so very much.

I have been blessed with multiple programs, Mesa Leadership & The Dodie Londen Program. Both to build strength and leadership awareness within the community.

My father, thank you for teaching me good work ethics. Love You.

Bliss Leadership Team, you make me strive to be better each day. To get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to let you know that having you as our Leadership Team makes all the difference. Thanks for all you do.

Our Bliss Realty Agents, you make the organization what it is today. Thank you for bringing your best every single day.

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