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Meet Rachel Hugenschmidt of Sonoran Desert Living in Central

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Hugenschmidt.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It all started when I decided to leave the corporate world and start my own business. I had wanted to do this for years- but it was scary and I was petrified! By putting one foot of the other I focused on getting it started and immersed myself. I forgot about fear and felt like I was flying- I still do to this day. It’s a feeling so hard to put into words- think ecstatic.

All of those boring corporate jobs- 15 years worth of them was about to pay off. You know how they say once you learn how to ride a bike you can do it with your eyes closed? It’s the same with business, marketing, networking and the like. You don’t just speak that language you breathe it, it’s in your DNA.

People ask- how did you do this, how can I duplicate it, and a ton of other questions. The truth is that there is so much already in my DNA I’m not sure I could begin to define every accomplished feat. If I could bottle this and sell it- I’d be a billionaire. I’ll let you know how that goes.

From being a newly licensed real estate agent 3 1/2 years ago to opening a design studio its been an amazing journey that I’m so grateful for I can barely put into words.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I must say that we have had the stars align most of the time. Our mantra of sorts is you get what you think about so positivity is a must. We work as a team also as a family. Have we had our moments? Yes. Think of us all gathered around the kitchen island in our home arguing about lighting at 10:30 on a Tuesday night- but I still wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Re-branding and rapid growth have been a challenge. Just like any business, we have to be strategic about our next moves and decide what kind of company Sonoran Desert Living We must decide what opportunities/challenges to accept or not accept. Constantly we are looking at our business and we are molding it and sometimes there are categories that go away and some that grow and develop.

Please tell us about Sonoran Desert Living.
Sonoran Desert Living is not just one entity. Based on my belief in a diverse business, I feel I’ve created a well-rounded business model that is centered around real estate.

Real estate in many forms, from the first time homebuyer to a seasoned investor to sitting in someone’s living room buying houses from cash. We have our own flipping business which also serves to market our designs. We just opened a design studio in the popular Uptown area where we will meet with our interior design clients and sell retail products.

We offer full home furnishings and home staging. Last but not least we manage 15 Airbnb Properties with 5 more on deck. Our offering for vacation rentals is turnkey from property selection, interior design, setup and handling reservations we do it all.

Simply what sets us apart from others is us. Others may put the whole package together and try to duplicate but they aren’t “us”

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Spending time at the polo fields with my dad. We rode horses together and he had a blast playing, a couple of our horses were excellent. He was an incredible man and I don’t think I would have had the determination I have today without him.

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Image Credit:
Lifecreated, Dan Ryan

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