Meet Sara Muckenhaupt | Bartender, Art Model, Real Estate Agent

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

Hi Sara, how do you think about risk?
It’s been easy for me to take risks. I have always been more of an “act now, think later” type of person, where I will seize an opportunity and then figure out the rest once the ball is rolling. I like the unknown and all the potential it holds. I believe that growth happens when we push ourselves out of our comfort zones and into situations that demand us to be resourceful, adaptable, aware, and self-reliant. Risk is the absence of a security blanket, and in that absence we can truly learn what we are capable of.

I have embraced risk professionally, by leaving a stable, respectable career in favor of jobs that afford me flexibility, creativity, and challenges. I welcomed risk when I packed up my NYC life and moved cross country alone with no job or place to live lined up, simply because I wanted to be on the west coast. As an avid (solo) road tripper, I have faced numerous risks and unpredictable situations in the name of travel, exploration, and experience. One of my biggest life journeys to date has been becoming a mother – talk about a leap of faith! I found out I was unexpectedly pregnant just as the pandemic started, and embarked on the risk of single-motherhood and moving to a new location in order to set the best foundation I possibly could for our future.

Now, we just moved back out west, determined to make Phoenix our home. The risk is even bigger because I have my daughter, so her well-being is my main priority. In hindsight, however, these risks have resulted in intangible experiences, amazing connections, and fantastic benefits. Had I not initially moved to San Diego, I would not have my daughter; had I not then moved to Florida, I would not have the financial cushion from buying/flipping a condo and other real estate deals. The next chapter is, “had I not moved to Phoenix, I would not have____” and I can’t wait for it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the questions that has always been hard for me to answer is, “What do you do?…What is your job?” I have worked since I was able to work, and hustle is simply just part of my character. I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to recognize and capitalize upon (take risks!) unique opportunities to make money. I firmly believe that there is always work for those who want to put in the effort. I am most proud of my tenacity and my inner drive.

You can’t really put me in a box, professionally….I have a law degree, but I never practiced law. Instead, I embarked on a career in higher education for 10 years, and my law degree allowed me to teach courses without having to attain a Masters or Ph.D. At the same time, I was living in NYC where it seems you always need to have multiple side jobs to be able to afford anything; so, I also was personal trainer, I catered parties, I was a figure model, I wrote freelance, and I did real estate. One of the biggest challenges I faced was strategically scheduling everything. I had to be very organized with my time.

When I left my career and moved to San Diego, I opted to embrace bartending as my main job, so that I could travel, meet people, and continue my freelance work. Was it hard? Definitely. Some people enjoy the comfort of a 9-5…..however, personally I don’t see myself ever returning to that. I like each day being something different. Additionally, I’ve expanded my real estate activities since then, so I thrive off the continued momentum of new projects and prospects.

I’ve learned so much about myself and the world in constantly dealing with people and ever-changing situations. Patience is a huge virtue that I am always working on. I’ve learned to stand up for what I want and ask for what I need, because no else will do it for me. In line with this, however, is being able to clearly communicate: if there is one skill I think is paramount to any type of success, I believe it is effective communication. At this point, any one who has connected with me, both professionally and personally, knows that I put in the consistent effort to nurture relationships. I am that person you can count on to show up.

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.
Well, I hope this scenario actually happens very soon! Since I just moved here, I can’t wait for my friends to visit. C’mon y’all! I’ve got big plans for us!

Even though I just moved to Phoenix, I am very familiar with the city and Arizona in general from years of traveling here. My friends know that I am a big outdoor person and very active. Therefore, they can expect (within reason) a fair amount of trekking. We would definitely hit some trails, and for sure we would do some road tripping. I know some cool abandoned spots and places with amazing scenery. One of my best friends loves horses, so I would take her to a ranch I like to ride out at in Cave Creek.

We’re still discovering many new restaurants, bars, breweries, and distilleries, so whoever visits will be part of that experience!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many wonderful people I credit with helping me along my journey thus far…I am blessed to have really beautiful souls in my inner and outer networks.

First and foremost, my family and friends….especially my folks, for being such amazing grandparents.

Shoutout to my real estate mentor in Florida….I had some complicated deals right before I left there, and as my mentor at a new brokerage, she really helped me navigate the finer details so that everything closed right on time. The deals were instrumental in my being able to move to Phoenix.

Shoutout to everyone who stepped up and babysat my daughter for me when I worked crazy shifts or needed last minute sitters. I would not have been able to do it without y’all.  We love you!

Shoutout to my industry colleagues in NY, CA, and FL, who I can always rely on for positive references when I am job searching in a new area.

Shoutout to the Southwest Florida art community, for giving me plenty of work opportunities and referrals. Now I get to brave the Phoenix art scene!

Website: https://saramuckenhaupt.exprealty.com

Instagram: @_sarabean

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/sara-muckenhaupt-369b6717