Life Built by Design

About Marti

Hi, I’m Marti.

Like many of you, I wear a lot of hats. I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, business owner, and what some might call a serial entrepreneur. At the center of everything I do is a deep love for family, community, and building a life that feels meaningful and intentional.

Professionally, I’m the owner and Designated Managing Broker of Vesta Real Estate in Central Illinois, where I work with buyers, sellers, and investors while also leading a growing property management company. Our team manages long-term, short-term, and mid-term rentals, helping property owners protect and grow their investments.

I’m also a real estate investor myself and the coordinator of the Central Illinois Real Estate Investor Group, where I enjoy bringing people together to learn, share ideas, and support one another in business.

Beyond real estate, I’m passionate about living intentionally. Two lifestyle projects that have grown out of that philosophy are Tiny by Design — simplifying life so what matters most has room to grow — and my personal journey with the Carnivore lifestyle, which has led to the creation of The Carnivore Way Facebook page and The Carnivore Movement community, where we explore nutrition, health, and real-life experiences with this way of eating.

People often describe me as an optimistic thinker, an encourager, and someone who stays calm under pressure. My personal motto is simple:

“Why worry about something that hasn’t happened?”

I’ve found that worry is often a thief of happiness and usually unwarranted, so I try to focus my energy on the things that truly matter — family, meaningful work, good food, and bringing people together.