We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tania Blackwell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tania below.

Tania, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?

Yes, I do take vacations whenever I can. It’s essential for recharging and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Before I leave, I always inform my clients and potential clients about my leave of absence, how long I’ll be away, and the best ways to reach me during that time. Communication is key, and setting clear expectations helps prevent any misunderstandings.

As a Realtor, when I’m on vacation, I can’t show homes personally. However, my brokerage has a team of amazing and trusted agents I can rely on to show properties to my clients while I’m away. If a client decides they want to purchase a home, I can write the offer remotely. This teamwork ensures my clients continue to receive excellent service even when I’m not physically present.

While on vacation, I always take my laptop or make sure there’s access to a business center where I’m staying. I typically block off time first thing in the morning to check emails, respond as needed, and handle any urgent tasks. Text messages are usually the best way to reach me if something requires immediate attention, such as setting up a showing or meeting a deadline.

I’m fortunate to have an amazing Transaction Coordinator (TC) who helps keep contracts in line, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks while I’m away. Additionally, I try to handle as much as possible before leaving, including showings and contract preparations, so that we’re in a good place where things can hold steady until I return.

For entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away, my advice is to trust in your team and build systems that allow your business to run smoothly in your absence. Planning ahead, delegating tasks, and ensuring strong communication channels can make it possible to take a break without sacrificing your business’s success.

Tania, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into real estate isn’t your typical “I grew up loving houses” story. Nope, I started out as a bartender and bottle service girl, pouring drinks and chatting with folks from all walks of life. That experience taught me how to hustle, communicate, and connect with people—a perfect foundation for what was to come next.

With a Master’s in Business Administration, focused on leadership and international business, I always knew I wanted to run my own show. So when someone suggested real estate, I thought, “Why not?” It was the perfect blend of freedom, challenge, and the opportunity to be more present for my son, who was in middle school at the time. Real estate offered the flexibility I needed to be there for him during those critical years—and let’s be real, there’s nothing more important than showing up for your kid.

In my first year, I quickly realized that success in this industry isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about systems and processes. That’s where my inner “systems queen” came out. I developed a set of tools and routines that keep everything organized, from client follow-ups to nurturing leads, and every step of the transaction process. This not only helped me stay on top of things but also ensured my clients felt supported and informed every step of the way.

Then COVID hit, and like many, I had to pivot. I discovered a new passion—social media. It started with listing videos and work-related content, but soon I found myself loving the creative process. Now, I share more than just my professional life. I let people see the real me, not just the realtor. This has opened up a whole new way of connecting with clients and followers, making my work feel more personal and, honestly, a lot more fun.

What sets me apart? It’s my commitment to communication and education. I was once a confused homebuyer myself, so I understand the importance of breaking things down and making sure my clients truly get it—even if that means answering the same question ten different ways. I’m here to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible, without any sugar-coating.

I’m incredibly proud of the systems I’ve built, the trust I’ve earned from my clients, and the way I’ve managed to stay true to my values. But more than that, I’m proud of the relationship I’ve built with my son. Being there for him during high school and seeing him now thriving in the Air Force is the greatest reward of all.

So, that’s me in a nutshell. I’m a realtor, a content creator, a coach, and above all, a mom who’s found a way to balance it all. I’m always learning, always growing, and always ready to help my clients navigate their real estate journey with confidence.

Looking forward to connecting!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

When it comes to resources that have profoundly impacted my management and entrepreneurial philosophy, Mel Robbins’ *The 5 Second Rule* is at the top of my list. This simple yet powerful concept has genuinely transformed how I approach my day, particularly my mornings.

I’ve never been a morning person. The idea of getting out of bed at 4 AM used to feel impossible—especially when all I wanted to do was hit the snooze button. But that’s where Mel Robbins’ *The 5 Second Rule* comes in. It’s all about counting down from five and then taking immediate action before doubt or hesitation can creep in. This has been a game-changer for me.

Every morning, I wake up at 4 AM, and trust me, it’s not always easy. But thanks to this rule, I’m able to push past the initial resistance and remind myself of why I’m up so early. By 5:30 AM, I’m at the gym, already feeling accomplished before most people have even started their day. This routine kickstarts my day, setting a productive tone that carries through into my work and interactions with clients.

Mel Robbins’ approach has taught me the importance of taking action, even when it’s uncomfortable, and backing it up with a solid “why.” Whether it’s getting up early to hit the gym or tackling a challenging project, this mindset has been instrumental in helping me stay disciplined, motivated, and on track with my goals.

In my business, I apply these same principles. I believe in taking swift action, staying motivated by my bigger vision, and encouraging my clients and colleagues to do the same. It’s all about creating momentum and maintaining it, even when the going gets tough.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I decided to dive into real estate, it wasn’t a simple or easy choice. At the time, I was juggling three jobs—two daytime part-time gigs and bartending, managing, and working bottle service at a local nightclub. The nightclub job was the most lucrative, but it was draining, and I knew I wanted something more sustainable for myself and my son, who was heavily involved in sports (which, as any parent knows, isn’t cheap).

I studied for my real estate license for three months, and the Friday before my exam, I had a major argument with the nightclub manager. That moment was a turning point. I decided, “That’s it—I’m doing this!” Even though it was scary, especially with the financial uncertainty, I knew I had to take the leap. I had some savings, but they wouldn’t last forever, and I was well aware of the stories about people struggling to make it in real estate, with some not closing a transaction for over six months. The fear was real.

I took the test with the thought in my mind, “If I don’t pass, I’ll have to go back to the nightclub,” which wasn’t a path I wanted to take. Thankfully, I passed. I immediately joined a team to get as much training as possible on how to be a successful realtor. Shortly after, I quit one of my part-time jobs and smoothly transitioned from the other, where I was already working as an admin for the real estate team, into full-time real estate.

I hit the ground running, making countless calls and hosting open houses. Within a month, I landed two clients and closed both deals by the end of the year. From there, it was all about maintaining that momentum. I just kept doing the work, and the deals kept coming.

This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring tough times—it’s about making bold decisions, trusting yourself, and putting in the work to make your vision a reality, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taniablackwell-homes.com/
• Instagram: tania_blackwell719/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaniaTJBlackwell
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@taniablackwell4162