In the heart of sunny San Diego, a power couple is shaking up the real estate scene with their unique blend of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Meet Sara Swikard and Bianca Marino, two trailblazing realtors who are not only changing the game in the industry but also revolutionizing the way we approach work-life balance and personal fulfillment.
Sara and Bianca’s journey began in the corporate world, where they both excelled in sales positions. Yet, despite their success, they found themselves yearning for something more meaningful and liberating. Fate brought them together in 2009 during their time at SDSU, and from that moment, they shared a dream of working side by side in a venture that resonated with their passions.
“Their deep desire for autonomy and control over their careers fueled their rise to prominence in the industry.”
In 2015, they took the courageous leap of faith to establish their own real estate business under the eXp Realty umbrella. This move marked the turning point in their lives, freeing them from the confines of traditional employment and allowing them to chart their own course. Their deep desire for autonomy and control over their careers fueled their rise to prominence in the industry.
However, their journey was not just about real estate. Sara and Bianca are advocates of diversified paths, and they each pursued their own passion projects alongside their realty venture. Sara became a sought-after coach, guiding fellow realtors to elevate their social media presence and transform it into a potent lead generation tool. On the other hand, Bianca’s online wellness business empowers mothers to break free from the 9-to-5 grind, enabling them to work from home while nurturing their families.
Sara and Bianca’s lives are a testament to embracing the unpredictable. Their decisive nature led them to explore new opportunities, challenge norms, and take unconventional paths. Even as challenges arose, they remained steadfast in their commitment to doing things their way, which ultimately contributed to their remarkable success. They became parents to two beautiful children, and instead of letting this slow them down, they used it as an opportunity to foster their bond and grow their businesses while working from home.
Beyond their professional accomplishments, Sara and Bianca hold a deeper vision. They reject defining success by a mere dollar amount; instead, they focus on crafting a future filled with limitless possibilities. With their children in tow, they aspire to travel the world, embracing diverse cultures and experiences, while continuing their mission to empower women in real estate and wellness.
The challenges of entrepreneurship are a daily reality for Sara and Bianca. Yet, they approach these obstacles as stepping stones, navigating them with grace and intentionality. Their advice for the next generation is simple but profound: you control your journey, even in the face of adversity. Celebrate victories, learn from losses, and never stop evolving. They emphasize the importance of personal development, comparing it to working out for your mind and emotions—crucial for staying healthy, inspired, and fulfilled.
As a queer couple thriving in a male-dominated sales industry, Sara and Bianca are staunch advocates of diversity and representation. Their commitment to inclusivity extends to their business practices, where they ensure a safe and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds. Their real estate business proudly serves a substantial LGBTQ clientele, a testament to their dedication to making homeownership a reality for marginalized communities.
“Even as challenges arose, they remained steadfast in their commitment to doing things their way, which ultimately contributed to their remarkable success.”
The concept of work-life balance takes on a new meaning for this dynamic duo. Sara and Bianca embrace a prioritization-based approach, where they rank and adapt their daily priorities to maximize productivity and efficiency. Communication and mutual support are their secret weapons for navigating the intricacies of partnership, family, and business.
As the dynamic duo of Sara Swikard and Bianca Marino continue to redefine success, they find themselves at the epicenter of collaboration, representation, and empowerment. Their commitment to building a supportive community for women has led them to new heights, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and encouraging others to follow suit.
Collaboration across Boundaries
Sara and Bianca’s foray into coaching has opened doors to collaboration with female leaders across various industries. A pivotal moment occurred when they realized the potential to cultivate a tribe of like-minded women. What felt like a magnetic shift led to the creation of powerful connections with others who share their mission. This collaboration has accelerated their businesses beyond their expectations. With a focus on passive income opportunities, they’ve fostered strong relationships with women nationwide, forging bonds through social media engagement, live events, and weekly mastermind sessions. Bianca’s accountability groups have created a sense of community, particularly within the online wellness space.
Pioneering Representation for Future Generations
For Sara and Bianca, the role of women in shattering barriers is monumental. Their mission revolves around creating a different reality for their children and future generations. As a queer family, they recognize the importance of representation. Sara’s reflection on her own upbringing, where LGBTQ representation was scarce, fuels her passion to lead by example. Their businesses not only cater to diverse clientele but also assert their presence unapologetically in a male-dominated environment. Taking up space and using their platforms for advocacy is integral to their approach.
Authenticity on Social Media
Authenticity reigns supreme in Sara and Bianca’s approach to social media. By showcasing their true selves and taking a stance on critical issues, they’ve garnered a loyal following. Their journey from corporate secrecy to embracing authenticity has resonated with their audience, inspiring change and promoting compassion. While some may fall away due to differing values, the right people are drawn to their genuine message. They aim to inspire others to take action and tackle important matters head-on.
Mentorship and Paying It Forward
Sara and Bianca are staunch believers in mentorship and giving back. Their personal growth journeys have highlighted the immense impact mentorship can have on growth. Recognizing the absence of this support in their early days, they are dedicated to offering guidance and encouragement to the next generation. Bianca’s background in teaching public speaking and their shared communication expertise have allowed them to mentor team members, while their coaching roles enable them to invest in their skills and share their knowledge with others.
“Celebrate victories, learn from losses, and never stop evolving. They emphasize the importance of personal development, comparing it to working out for your mind and emotions—crucial for staying healthy, inspired, and fulfilled.”
Reframing Work-Life Balance
The real estate industry often demands relentless availability, creating a challenging balance for women who are often primary caregivers. Sara and Bianca aim to shift this narrative by openly prioritizing their family life. By showcasing their family-centric approach on social media and emphasizing that their clients are fully aware of this, they hope to encourage a more balanced outlook for all. They understand that addressing these challenges in the open can help others overcome similar struggles.
Empowering Single Women in Real Estate
Sara and Bianca have their sights set on empowering single women in the real estate arena. They proudly broadcast the fact that single women make up a significant portion of their clientele. By providing education, resources, and unwavering support, they’re equipping these women with the tools they need to succeed. Their transparent approach not only shatters stereotypes but also paves the way for more women to embark on successful real estate journeys.
Sara and Bianca: Champions of Change, Advocates of Unity
Sara Swikard and Bianca Marino’s journey continues to be a testament to their unwavering commitment to their community, their family, and their vision of a more inclusive world. Through their numerous accomplishments and profound impact, they’ve become beacons of change, offering inspiration and empowerment to those who walk a similar path.
Supporting the LGBTQ Community
One of Sara and Bianca’s most rewarding achievements is their dedication to the LGBTQ community. Their successful fundraiser for LGBT Youth Housing leading up to San Diego Pride stands as a beacon of hope for marginalized youth. By addressing the heartbreaking issue of homeless LGBTQ youth, they showcased their dedication to giving back and helping those in need. This act of kindness demonstrates their commitment to uplifting others and making a tangible difference in their community.
Representation and Breaking Barriers
Sara and Bianca’s impact extends beyond their local community. Through their authentic presence on social media, they’ve become trailblazers in the representation of LGBTQ women. Their features in various publications, often as the first gay women to grace those pages, highlight their unapologetic authenticity. Their willingness to be visible and vocal paves the way for future generations, inspiring others to be themselves and fostering acceptance and understanding.
“Their commitment to inclusivity extends to their business practices, where they ensure a safe and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds.”
Messages of Transformation
The impact of Sara and Bianca’s presence goes beyond numbers and statistics. The messages they receive from individuals whose lives they’ve touched illustrate the profound influence of their journey. Parents, struggling entrepreneurs, and young individuals facing adversity have all found hope and guidance in their story. These connections reinforce their belief in the power of authenticity and the ripple effect of positive change.
The Driving Force of Passion
Sara and Bianca’s passion for what they do radiates through every facet of their journey. Their love for their work, their family, and their community shines brightly, keeping them motivated even in the face of challenges. The addition of motherhood has further ignited their drive, serving as a constant reminder of their “why.” With their children as a guiding light, they continue to navigate obstacles with unwavering determination.
Championing Collaboration over Competition
In an industry historically characterized by competition, Sara and Bianca advocate for a shift towards collaboration. They understand that empowering one another ultimately strengthens the collective force of women. By offering support to fellow women in their field and beyond, they’re breaking down barriers and rewriting the narrative. Their belief that there’s room for everyone to succeed highlights their commitment to fostering a sense of unity.
An Open Letter of Encouragement
Sara and Bianca’s words of encouragement resonate deeply with those who dare to dream big. They acknowledge the potential of combined efforts and the power of women supporting women. Their respect and admiration for fellow trailblazers reflect their genuine desire to connect, collaborate, and create a better world together. Their heartfelt message serves as a reminder that change is a collective effort, and every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
As Sara Swikard and Bianca Marino continue to pave the way for future generations, their impact reaches far beyond their individual lives. Their journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of authenticity, unity, and unwavering determination. In a world that’s constantly evolving, their story remains a guiding light, reminding us that change is not only possible but achievable through compassion, connection, and collaboration.
“Sara and Bianca’s lives are a testament to embracing the unpredictable. Their decisive nature led them to explore new opportunities, challenge norms, and take unconventional paths.”