Cynthia Mattiza, Associate Broker at Kuper Sotheby's International Realty, shares what being nominated for the Austin Business Journal Women in Business award has taught her about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and building a business in West Austin, Bee Cave, and the Texas Hill Country.

I'm thrilled to share that I've been nominated for the Austin Business Journal Women in Business award. It's the kind of recognition that makes you pause and reflect on everything that's gone into building a career,  not just the deals closed, but the business behind the business.

Being a Realtor Is Running a Company, Not Just Closing Deals

As an Associate Broker at Kuper Sotheby's International Realty serving West Austin, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Lake Travis, Lakeway, Spicewood, and the greater Texas Hill Country, I've learned that being a realtor isn't just about negotiating deals and matching buyers with their dream homes  though I genuinely love that part of the job. It's about running a business, and I mean really running it.

Some days I'm the CEO, setting the vision and making the calls that shape where my business goes next. Other days I'm the CFO, watching the numbers and making sure the fundamentals are sound. And most days, I'm the CMO  hustling to make sure my clients and my brand are seen and known in a market that never stops moving.

That's the part people outside the industry rarely see: the entrepreneurship underneath the transactions.

Why Being an Entrepreneur Is One of the Most Fulfilling Things I've Done

Building a business from the ground up  one built on relationships, referrals, and reputation has been one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done. It's also one of the most demanding. There's no ceiling and no floor; the business is exactly as big as the work you put into it.

I spend my "extra" time constantly learning  soaking up podcasts, books, and advice that make me a sharper leader, advisor, and business owner. I draw a lot of inspiration from women like Codie Sanchez and Emma Grede, who've shown what it looks like to build something real and own it fully. Watching how they think about ownership, leverage, and brand has shaped how I think about my own business in Bee Cave and across the Austin luxury market.

Every Entrepreneur Needs a Board — Even an Informal One

I'm endlessly grateful for my own tribe of girlfriends  women who make up my personal "board." They challenge me, encourage me, and never let me settle. Every entrepreneur needs a circle like this: people who will tell you the truth, celebrate the wins, and push you back up when a deal or a season gets hard.

Real estate can be an isolating business if you let it. Having people who understand the grind — and who aren't afraid to call you out or cheer you on  makes all the difference.

Advice for Women Getting Into Real Estate

To the women thinking about getting into this business: find yourself a mentor, and don't skip the work. There's no shortcut  just showing up, learning, growing one deal at a time, and doing the reps. Success will not come from doing it halfway.

This industry rewards consistency far more than it rewards talent alone. The agents who last twenty years  the ones who become the person their community calls first  are the ones who treated every deal, every follow-up, and every relationship like it mattered, especially before anyone was watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Cynthia Mattiza? Cynthia Mattiza is an Associate Broker at Kuper Sotheby's International Realty specializing in luxury residential real estate across West Austin, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Lake Travis, Lakeway, Spicewood, and the Texas Hill Country. She has more than 20 years of market experience and has been named a Platinum Top 50 REALTOR® annually since 2012 and an Austin Business Journal Top Producing Agent annually since 2014.

What is the Austin Business Journal Women in Business award? It's a recognition program through the Austin Business Journal that honors women leaders and entrepreneurs making an impact across Austin-area industries, including real estate, business ownership, and community leadership.

What makes a successful real estate entrepreneur, according to Cynthia Mattiza? Consistency, mentorship, and treating the business like a business  not just a series of transactions. Cynthia points to continuous learning, a trusted personal "board" of advisors, and simply doing the reps day after day as the real drivers of long-term success.

Where does Cynthia Mattiza work in real estate? Cynthia Mattiza serves buyers and sellers across West Austin, Bee Cave, Westlake Hills, Lake Travis, Lakeway, Spicewood, and the Texas Hill Country as an Associate Broker with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty.

Grateful for this nomination and for every client, colleague, and friend who's been part of the journey so far.

Cynthia Mattiza Associate Broker, Kuper Sotheby's International Realty West Austin | Bee Cave | Westlake Hills | Lake Travis | Lakeway | Spicewood | Texas Hill Country 512-940-5293 | [email protected] | cynthiamattiza.com