Meet Shannon Carlson | Realtor & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Shannon, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
From the Pacific Islands to California’s coast to Arizona’s desert, each chapter of my life has forged the leader I am today, one who understands that true success is measured not in transactions, but in transformations.

Growing up in Hawaii and Guam as the oldest of six siblings was my first crash course in leadership, though I didn’t realize it at the time. Our household was loud, full, and beautifully chaotic. That’s where I learned to juggle priorities, read people quickly, and stay calm under pressure. The islands instilled in me a commitment to connection, which remains at the heart of how I approach relationships today.

San Diego brought a new chapter. As an adult, I was juggling life as a mother of four while also launching a women’s boutique. While it fed my love for fashion, it also became my classroom for entrepreneurship. I quickly discovered that running a business isn’t just about clothes or number, it’s about resilience, creativity, and building trust with the people who walk through your doors.

Now Arizona is home, and this chapter is where everything comes together. Real estate is so much more than transactions for me, it’s about walking alongside people during some of their biggest life moments. Whether it’s helping first-time buyers, guiding empty nesters into their next adventure, or supporting a family through a difficult transition, I bring both expertise and heart.

What I’ve discovered is that real success isn’t about accolades or dollar signs. It’s about showing up fully, caring deeply, and building relationships that last long after the keys are handed over.

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?
Real estate, for me, has never just been about buying and selling houses. It’s about people and their stories, the young couple holding hands as they close on their first home, the family navigating change and needing compassion, the retirees ready for their next adventure. That’s where I’ve always felt set apart. I bring not just market expertise, but a level of care and understanding that goes beyond the transaction. My clients know they’re not just another deal; they’re my priority.

Real estate has never just been about only transactions for me, it’s about people and their stories. I see the young couple holding hands as they close on their first home, the family navigating a difficult divorce who needs genuine compassion, and the retirees ready to downsize and embrace their next adventure. That’s what sets me apart: I bring not only market expertise, but also a level of care and understanding that extends far beyond the sale. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions in a person’s life, and I believe it deserves to be treated with the gravity and care it requires.

Looking back, one of the things I’m most grateful for is the journey that got me here. I built my real estate career as a single mom of four after moving to a brand-new state. I didn’t have family nearby or a safety net to fall back on, just determination and a passion for helping people. There were plenty of moments of doubt, but I leaned on the lessons my Grandmom instilled in me: lead with integrity, get back up when life knocks you down, and always keep showing up. Those lessons carried me through the hard seasons and taught me that mindset truly is everything.

What I want people to understand is this: being properly represented matters in every way. Luxury isn’t about a price tag, it’s about the quality of your experience. Whether I’m helping someone sell a multimillion-dollar estate or guiding a first-time buyer, my promise is the same: concierge-level service, clear and honest guidance, and the commitment that every client feels like my only priority. My career has been built on resilience and heart, and I believe true success is measured not by dollars, but by the lives you touch along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week in Arizona with my bestie? The perfect mix of luxury and local gems that show why this place is pure magic!

Adventure Meets Luxury. Sunrise at South Mountain for real Arizona magic, Camelback Mountain for epic photos, then poolside recovery at The Phoenician because adventure requires strategic luxury breaks!

Foodie Culture Tour. Brunch at Snooze (pancakes that ruin you for life lol), Roosevelt Row for authentic Phoenix vibes and local art, Musical Instrument Museum (sounds boring, absolutely amazing!), and dinner at The Mission for modern Latin cuisine in Old Town Scottsdale’s most stylish setting.

Sedona Magic. Non-negotiable road trip! Pink Jeep Tour through red rocks, artsy galleries at Tlaquepaque, dinner creekside at L’Auberge. The energy there is different, pure Arizona magic you can actually feel.

Local Insider Experiences. Desert Botanical Garden (desert plants are fascinating!), legendary Pizzeria Bianco, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West for Arizona’s architectural soul, then stargazing under Arizona’s mind-blowing night sky.

Luxury Finale. Spa day at Four Seasons Scottsdale, golf with Pinnacle Peak views, farewell dinner at Different Pointe of View for elevated Southwest cuisine with panoramic valley views.

What I love most? Watching faces change throughout the week. They expect cacti and heat but leave understanding why I fell for this place. Arizona has world-class everything from luxury, adventure, culture, and genuine people who make every moment special. By the end, they’d totally get why I chose to build my life and business here. This desert paradise perfectly combines sophistication and authenticity that just makes you feel alive!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the pillars in my life who have encouraged me in life and in my career as a Realtor.

First, my dearest Grandmom. She was the strongest, wisest woman I’ve ever known, and she taught me that struggle can be the greatest teacher. More than anything, she reminded me that the most important qualities in life are unshakable integrity and resilience. She reminded me that success isn’t measured by how many times you fall, but by how many times you rise, grow stronger, and become better in the process. Her example continues to inspire me every day to be the best version of myself for my family and for the people I serve.

Then there’s my daughter, Sierra. During the years when I was a single mom building my business from the ground up, she quietly became my partner in it all. Still just a teenager, she acted like my personal assistant taking over dinner, finishing the laundry, or making school lunches for her siblings so I could finish a client call or show a home. She never once complained about the sacrifices we had to make. Instead, she stepped up with a quiet strength and became my main support at home. She has always been my biggest cheerleader! Now at 22, I’m forever grateful to have not only an amazing daughter but also my closest confidant someone who continues to show me unwavering love and encouragement.

And finally, my fiancé, Bryan. He came into my life when I wasn’t even looking and became the missing piece I didn’t know I was searching for. He’s not only my partner in life, but also my best friend and anchor, the one who sees the vision and says, “Let’s make it bigger.” As a business owner and fellow entrepreneur, he’s taught me to lead with both kindness and boldness, and he’s been the catalyst inspiring me to grow. He doesn’t just challenge me; he’s chosen to walk this real estate journey alongside me, and I’m deeply grateful for the business and legacy we’re building together.

Together, they’ve taught me that true success isn’t measured by milestones, but by the person you grow into and the people who stand beside you along the way.

Website: https://www.sellingluxuryaz.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-carlson-550636368/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShannnonCarlson

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shannon-carlson-sothebys-international-realty-scottsdale

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