Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meenu Bhaskar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Meenu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

To me the meaning of “Legacy” is something that is passed on and it can be in many forms. like one’s faith, ethics and core values… A Legacy can also be monetary or your assets…

For me Legacy is my character, reputation and the life I lead. I want to be known as a woman who lead her life by setting an example for future generations, preserving memories and teaching valuable life lessons which will motivate and inspire others to strive for greatness, regardless of their circumstances. My journey has been very tough with lots of hurdles. I was constantly told that my opinions does not matter,
I came from a culture that instilled in me the belief that women do not work outside the home. My path was pre-
determined by others that I would pour all my energy into my family and my home. However I found the courage to create my path. No legacy is so rich as honesty. Legacy is not what I did for myself. It’s what I’m doing for the next generation. The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.

Meenu, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in India and in a very protected home. I got married in India and had my 2 beautiful kids. Then an opportunity came for our family to move to Unites States Of America in 1998. I was a home maker who was taking care of home, cooking and cleaning and raising kids. Before coming to America I never worked outside of my home even though I have earned 3 degrees, Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music & English, Master’s In English Literature and Law degree. I also speak 3 languages– Hindi, English and Punjabi.

After moving here I noticed how different this part of the world is. I was very intrigue by the fact that I can create a destiny for myself if I desire or want. I came from a culture that instilled in me the belief that women do not work outside the home. My path was pre-determined by others that I would pour all my energy into my family and my home. This is what was expected where I came from. It was not until we moved into this amazing community and my children started attending school that I saw women who worked outside the home. Women who went out for coffee and lunch and had jobs. I saw women building a life outside the home. And for the first time, I wanted that too.

When I learned what it meant to be a realtor, I knew that was the path for me. Helping families find a
house to make their home. Connecting people to their chosen community at such a meaningful time in
life. Because managing the home was my life. It was all I knew. The opportunity to be a realtor, to keep these strong connections to home, to security, to family. These are my strongest beliefs.

But you see, I could not just wake up one day and decide to become a real estate agent. It wasn’t
something that would be so easily accepted in my family at the time. However I found the courage and signed up for the real estate license classes without asking permission. I made the decision, and I just did it. And even though it wasn’t always easy, it was the best decision I ever made. To build my own financial security, to build my support network and to find a
career where I could work for myself and make my own dreams come true!

In my 21 years of being a realtor in the Bloomington-Normal community, I have learned and evolved so
much. And now I am so grateful to be in a position where I can share some of what I have learned and
can make a difference.

I have great passion for my job. Making peoples dream becoming reality is the biggest satisfaction I get. When I walk my clients through their biggest investment and guide them in making the right choice for them, I know I am helping create happiness and memories in a place they will call home.

I have always put my client needs first and take my role as real estate agent very seriously. To me hard work and keeping my ethics in this journey is way more important. No compromise when it comes to doing the right thing for my clients. I take special pride in the fact that my business has grown so much through referrals which is the most satisfying feeling I cherish.

My job has also given me the strength to survive through my most difficult times and help me adhere to my values and my convictions which I have held since childhood.

I am elected and serving as 2024 Board President for my association Mid Illinois Realtors Association (MIRA)

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My resilience shows up when I decided to work outside my home, even though I was not permitted. I did it anyway. I decided that I will be the writer of my life story. I had to go through a lot of obstacle and hurdles. Those painful experience have taught me a lesson “Never Give Up”. Keep moving forward with determination. I had to work 10 times harder to achieve what I have today and it was only possible because of the strength I build in me. I took the fear out of me at the age of 39.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

There are 2 lessons which I have to unlearn

1: “To always do as you have been told without questioning”

It has been ingrained in me from childhood that I am suppose to be obedient and follow the instructions what my family members– Dad, Brother or Husband expect from me. And I did lived my life till I made a choice and decided to start working outside the home.

2: ” Never love yourself as its very Selfish ”

I have been raised with the belief that my job is to serve and make everyone happy. If I love myself that means I am very selfish and that is not a good thing.

Unlearning both lessons was very difficult but i did achieve it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meenubhaskar30/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeenuBhaskarRealtor/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenu-bhaskar-8a1b6822/

Image Credits
I have paid and got these images taken for my profession