A Realtor® With a Side Hustle: Closing Deals and Opening Bottles

Some Realtors® might pop champagne with clients when a deal closes, but Carey Smith has established an additional business popping bottles alongside her real estate career. 

In 2023, she opened the Magic 5 Wine Bar in downtown Bloomsburg. After launching her Magic 5 Wine winery, the bar felt like a natural next step.  

“I’ve always been passionate about community and creating spaces where people can gather, connect and enjoy themselves,” Smith, a member of the Central Susquehanna Valley Board of Realtors®, explains. “As a Realtor®, I’m deeply rooted in our local market, and I saw an opportunity to bring something different to Main Street – something a little more elevated but still welcoming and approachable.” 

“The wine bar has allowed us to take what we were doing at the winery and bring it into the heart of downtown. It’s become a place where people come before dinner, after events or just to unwind – and that was exactly the vision from the start.” 

Does Smith’s career as a Realtor® play a role in her wine-related business? 

“Absolutely,” she says. “Both businesses complement each other more than people might expect.” 

“Real estate has given me a strong foundation in business, marketing and, most importantly, relationships. At the core of both careers is people. Understanding what clients want, creating experiences and building trust all translate directly into the wine bar.” 

“On the flip side, owning the wine bar has expanded my network and visibility in the community in a completely different way,” Smith adds. “I’m meeting people in a relaxed, social setting, which naturally leads to conversations and connections that often circle back to real estate.” 

“It also reinforces my brand as someone who is invested in the community – not just selling homes in it but actively contributing to its growth and energy.” 

What advice would she offer to other Realtors® who want to pursue a side hustle or non-real estate business endeavor? 

“First, make sure it’s something you’re truly passionate about. Real estate is already a demanding career, so your ‘side hustle’ has to energize you, not drain you.” 

“Second, build systems! You cannot do everything yourself. Both of my businesses run successfully because I have incredible people around me and clear expectations in place.” 

“Third, don’t be afraid to leverage your real estate skills. As Realtors®, we already know how to market, negotiate, manage time and build relationships. Those skills transfer into any business.” 

“And finally, stay intentional,” Smith adds. “Your reputation carries across everything you do. If you’re going to step into another venture, make sure it aligns with your brand and the level of service you’re known for.” 

“At the end of the day, both real estate and the wine industry come down to the same thing – creating experiences for people and being part of the moments that matter in their lives.”