Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariska Harris.
Hi Mariska , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It really started with us just wanting more time together—less rushing, less noise, and more moments where we could actually be present as a family.
I’m Mariska Harris, and my husband Chris and I have been married for 16 years. We’re both educators and coaches, and that legacy runs deep in our families. Serving others, showing up, pouring into people—that’s who we are at our core. I’m born and raised in the Nashville area (a true unicorn), and Chris has called Tennessee home since elementary school. We planted our roots in Nolensville in 2011 and have been raising our two boys here ever since.
Life has always been full in the best ways—but also busy. Between school, coaching, work, and raising a family, we started to feel how fast everything was moving. We knew we needed a space to slow down… to reconnect… to breathe.
In 2019, we took a leap and purchased our first rental property and vacation home in Tracy City, Tennessee. It’s a luxury tiny home sitting on an acre of land, right on the water, surrounded by nature. From the beginning, it was meant to be a place for our family to step away from the noise and just unwind.
What we didn’t expect was how much that space would impact not only us—but others too.
We decided to open it up to guests, and from day one, we self-managed everything. Over the past six years, we’ve learned so much—not just about running a short-term rental, but about what truly makes a stay meaningful. We’ve always focused on the details, the feeling, the experience. We wanted every guest to walk in and instantly exhale.
At the same time, Chris has spent the last 12 years building his career in real estate as a realtor and broker. Through that, we saw firsthand how many property owners wanted to step into the short-term rental space—but felt overwhelmed by everything it takes to do it well.
And that’s where everything started to click.
We realized we could take our combined experience—education, coaching, real estate, and hands-on property management—and build something together. Something that not only serves others, but allows us to work side by side, which has always been a dream of ours.
So in early 2025, we started Unwind Property Services.
It’s a full-service short-term property management company, but to us, it’s so much more than that. It’s about creating spaces where people can slow down and reconnect. It’s about taking the pressure off property owners and helping them feel confident in the process. And it’s about building a life and business together that reflects what matters most to us.
What started as a simple desire to create a place for our family to unwind has grown into something we’re incredibly passionate about.
And we’re just getting started.
Alright, 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?
This journey hasn’t happened overnight—it’s been built step by step. What started as simply self-managing our own property slowly turned into something more, as we realized how much we enjoyed not just hosting, but creating meaningful experiences for guests. Along the way, we made our fair share of mistakes and faced challenges that pushed us to learn, adapt, and grow. Those experiences became some of our greatest teachers. At the same time, we felt a growing pull to build something together—something that combined our strengths and allowed us to work side by side as a couple. We’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have close friends who run a successful property management company in Florida and Nashville, and their guidance, advice, and encouragement gave us both confidence and clarity as we stepped into creating our own business.
We’ve been impressed with Unwind Property Services , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Unwind, a property management company, who is detailed-oriented, relational, reliable, and value genuine hospitality and excellence. As a family-owned and operated business, we manage one of a kind, unique vacation rentals. We know firsthand what it’s like to be a short term rental owner & frequent traveler, which gives us the skills to make both the owner and guest experience unforgettable and of the highest quality.
Our team is committed to ensuring that your vacation rental property takes the work off of your shoulders and allows you to Unwind and enjoy the benefits of your property. We offer a range of services to help you achieve returns and make your property stand out.
What matters most to you? Why?
Our faith in Jesus is what matters most to our family. We desire as a couple, family to live everyday as a light to the world. We want to follow God’s plan for our lives and whatever he calls us to do in each season of life to do it with a great attitude, honesty, integrity and love. We want our owners and guests we serve to feel seen and appreciated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unwindpropertyservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unwindpropertyservices
