Prescott-based entrepreneur, broker, and mom is writing a new chapter in her life
By Hilary Dartt • Photos by Blushing Cactus Photography
Video by Steven Kinsley
Carissa Maxwell is finally free … and freedom is a state of mind.
“To me,” she said during a recent interview, “being free means that you are true to yourself and true to your own your story and how it has shaped you, and you believe the person you present to the world is authentically who you see yourself to be.”
From childhood, Carissa was determined to justify her worthiness in life. “I grew up in a home where what you produce is what makes you valuable and loved. The message to me was that you are not loved because you are loved; you are loved if you do what is expected without question, regurgitate acceptable ideas, and cater to others’ needs before your own. I was like a chameleon, changing colors to stay safe and be ‘good.’”
People-pleasing tendencies mixed with a big determination to do great things drove Carissa to make a big impact on the world. She married right out of college and settled with the idea that being a young wife and mother would unlock the key to happiness and fulfillment. She was going to build a family unit that was better than what she had, and she was going to be good at it—the best.
“I thought I was going to be a stay-at-home mom forever and wouldn’t need to go back into the workforce,” she said. “I thought my life’s work was to raise kids and take care of the household.”
After her third child was born, everything changed.
Carissa went into real estate with little expectation of what the outcome would be. She was grateful to be in a position to learn, grow, and bring in much-needed income to support her family.
“I started to ask myself the hard questions one needs to ask to grow in who they are, what they want, and what they are willing to do to get it,” she said.
This caused a shift in Carissa’s vision of what the scope of her life’s work would look like.
“I was motivated to help women like me succeed. I was not the only one who was experiencing this desire to rise above circumstances and build a free, intentional, and well-rounded life. I wanted to bring everyone who was with me from the beginning to a new level and build a culture that was supportive and likeminded.”
Carissa’s confidence and boldness grew year over year, which led to the decision to open an
independent boutique brokerage in two locations in northern and central Arizona. Launched in January 2022, Glow Realty is focusing on increasing the number of transactions among an exclusive number of agents. By investing in 50 agents maximum, Carissa is able to mentor, train, and support agents directly which reinforces the sustainability, retention, and wholistic culture Glow Realty promotes.
“I am a mix between a designated broker, team leader, and a friend to all of our agents, which is a unique thing in this business,” she said. “I am helping people figure out who they are in real estate, and support their vision to build the life they want.”
Glow Realty is a product of Carissa’s creative approach to work life, which has proven to be a beacon for growth, not only for herself, but also for those who are shining alongside her.
On the personal side, being true to herself has transformed the landscape of Carissa’s life.
She and her ex-husband divorced three years ago, which has opened a new chapter in her story filled with new challenges, realizations, and “Parallel Parenting.”
“Getting divorced, starting the brokerage, and letting go of past beliefs has been very rewarding. It has given me room to invest in healthy relationships and to heal,” Carissa said. “I trust myself more than ever, and feel like all the questions I had are being answered. And it’s happening because I chose to be free and not be fearful of the unknown.”
And now? She feels successful in both areas: career and family (the definition of which, she said, has evolved into something new. “My family is a compilation of those who have showed up for me in so many ways. I love them just because I love them, with no expectation. This is the purest form of love … to love yourself so much that you have an overflow to give to others.”
“We create what we deserve. That’s my new motto,” she said. “Staying in that mindset is important because it holds you accountable for what you do every day.”
Just like so many things in her life, she said, “We just have to figure it out by doing it, by taking action.” And it’s working. “Now I’m free. It’s so awesome.”
Learn more at http://glowreaz.com.
Mentoring Others on Their Path to Freedom
In her quest to share her mindset with others, Carissa Maxwell considers herself a mentor. To that end, she shared what impressed her about several of the real estate agents at her brokerage.
Joyce Wilson
Carissa said: “Joyce is the warrior who stepped up when she was needed and didn’t back down when things got tough.”
Joyce said: “Transitioning from my previous career into real estate has granted me the freedom to pursue opportunities that a traditional 9-to-5 job would have never allowed. Recently, I adopted my three young step-grandkids and took on the role of parent, something that would have been incredibly challenging with a different career. Real estate has not only given me the flexibility to embrace this new chapter in my life, but it has also boosted my confidence in connecting with and helping others. Additionally, my six years as a board member and past president of the Sedona Verde Valley Association of Realtors have broadened my industry knowledge and enriched my professional journey.”
Sarah Allen
Carissa said: “Sarah is well rounded, living her life to the fullest!”
Sarah said: “I was at a pivotal change in real estate when I made the move to Glow Realty. My business was thriving, but my personal/family life was struggling. I wanted to find a place where I was welcomed to rest within my career to build healthy boundaries between my work and personal life. Carissa was a driving force in understanding that boundary and encouraged me to accept that transition within myself. As women and moms, we have a hard time accepting a ‘step back,’ but when we allow ourselves to have it, we flourish far greater than we imagined.”
TJ Ricketts
Carissa said: “TJ is a true example of resilience, fighting the good fight every day in our property management division and just started helping clients buy and sell.”
TJ said: “When I first met Carissa, I had no idea how much she would change my life. I’ve been drawn to real estate since I learned about VA home loans and benefits during a class after leaving the Marine Corps in 2007. That sparked my interest in the housing industry, but life had other plans. I became a father to two beautiful daughters born just 17 months apart, and my focus shifted. Ten years later, as a single father juggling a demanding job and raising two daughters, feeling like I was missing too much of their childhood, I found myself at a crossroads. Then came that coffee meeting with Carissa. I wanted to pursue a career at Glow, and her words still resonate with me: ‘Let’s do this!’ Those three simple words ignited a spark. Being the father of two young women has its challenges, but Glow has given me more than just a career: it’s given me a community. I’ve found support among colleagues who understand my challenges as a parent and have shared their own insights. Carissa has been my biggest ally, encouraging me every step of the way. Thanks to her belief in me, we started the Property Management Division, and over the past two years, it has grown steadily. I’m proud of what we’ve built, and more than that, I’m grateful for the people who have lifted me up along the way. ‘Your past has shaped your strength. Your challenges will shape your resilience. And with the right people in your corner, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.’”
Wyndie Whitney
Carissa said: “Wyndie has been gutsy, and stood up for what she believes is right.”
Wyndie said: “Working with Carissa has totally changed the trajectory of my life and given me opportunities I never even thought I would be able to achieve. I am so thankful for her and her support and continued belief in me!”
Chelsey Marciano
Carissa said: “Chelsey is a great example of someone who has true grit and said yes to challenges when others have said no. She is here for it!”
Chelsey said: “Carissa is a genuine leader who loves to help other women achieve their goals and will show them exactly how to do it. She radiates a calm confidence that draws others to her. I feel incredibly blessed to have met her.”