Create Additional Income & Flexibility with a Short Term Rental
Design a unique vacation rental, retreat, or farm stay that’s memorable for guests – and profitable for you.
Do you dream of having your own vacation rental, guest house, or farm stay? Have a hunch you’d be great at curating experiences and sharing what’s special about your region? Is generating additional income one of your goals?
Operating less than 6 months per year, the income from my tiny cabin rental rivals the annual salary of my former government job. While it took me many (many) years of trial and error to get here, I want to help you fast track your success so you can skip everything I had to learn the hard way.
We’ve been named one of Airbnb’s Most Wish Listed properties, Hipcamp of the Year, and appeared in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and Buzz Feed.
But getting to this point was not easy…
It took years of trial and error and a lot of stress. What used to take as much commitment as a full time job (and I already had one of those) now earns me an income with just a few hours of management each month.
Maybe you can relate to the thoughts I used to have…
“Who would visit here?”
“There are a million listings on Airbnb. Why would someone choose mine?”
“I can’t provide a good experience without handling every detail myself, and I don’t have time for that.”
”I’m overwhelmed with options and don’t know where to start.”
Fast-forward to today. Whether I’m working on a business project, caring for my kid, or traveling, I don’t have to worry. Because no matter where I am, my rental business is producing income that supports my family and our amazing team. It’s providing our guests with a unique experience. And it’s bringing important tourist dollars to the place I live and love.
Operating our glamping-style vacation rental provides:
Flexibility. The tiny cabin is available less than 6 months of the year. My team rarely works a weekend or holiday, and we all take time off.
Additional income. A unique farm stay experience nearly doubled our flower farm’s annual revenue.
Freedom. Our model allows time for travel, family, and pursuing other interests and work.
In addition to tangible and lifestyle benefits, having a profitable vacation rental also allows me to:
Give back to my community and support causes I believe in
Inspire and educate our guests about nature, sustainability, and slow intentional living
Transform the lives of our guests with a unique experience (birthdays, honeymoons, babymoons, anniversaries, elopements, new jobs, writing retreats, new businesses…we’ve been a part of so much!)
These are just some of the successes I’ve helped clients achieve:
Subsidize the building cost of a couple’s primary residence with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
Plan a flexible, income producing path forward for a newly-single parent
Create a profitable, diversified stream of income for a farm
Strategize for a successful professional to work less hours in a demanding career
Provide additional income and a creative outlet for a work-from-home marketing professional
Create additional and diversified revenue for small business owners
Build an income stream that allows a career professional to semi-retire
Sydney
“Anyone that has the opportunity to work with Melissa is truly lucky. She will answer any question with sincerity and patience, especially for those with a genuine interest. Her attention to detail and organizational skills are incredible, while her passion extends far beyond her business. When working with Melissa, it is clear that she truly aims to help you succeed.”
Kate
“My 1:1 with Melissa was wonderful. She really took her time to provide specific recommendations for my unique property, even linking to items that would enhance my decor and furnishings. I felt that she was invested in my success and really wanted to share what she could to help my business grow. Melissa continues to be invested in seeing my property succeed. Even months later she follows up and checks in. I feel like I have someone in my corner routing for me - it really means a lot.”
Ready to experience your own version of success?
Our time together includes six 1:1 sessions where we’ll define your goals and create a detailed map that guides you to more income, flexibility, and fulfillment.
Coaching Package for New Hosts
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Sessions 1 & 2: Goals, Business Model, & Your Story
Define your goals
Discover the best business model for you
How to tell your story
Develop a holistic action plan that considers your experience, strengths, and parameters
Learn how to make the best decisions at every step
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Sessions 3 & 4: Implement Action Plan
Begin implementing your customized, step-by-step plan to reach your goals
Complete “homework” steps between sessions
Receive expert support and guidance as you take each step – including email support between sessions so you’re never stuck
Revise action plan as needed
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Sessions 5 & 6: Plan for Future Success
Learn how to efficiently manage setbacks and challenges
Refine your action plan for post-program success
Deep dive on 1-2 topics of your choice, such as:
Marketing
Design
Amenities
Guest experience
Hiring help
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You'll also receive:
Detailed notes eliminate distraction and never miss an important detail
Recordings refer back anytime
Email support never waste time between sessions because you’re stuck
BONUS Ultimate Resource Guide for Creating Top-Performing Vacation Rentals
BONUS: Ultimate Resource Guide for Creating Top-Performing Vacation Rentals
How to create a 5-star experience
The most important tools to increase bookings
How to save time, money, & stress with automation
Our go-to list of must-have products, amenities, and the best brands & pros to work with
In this comprehensive guide I share my top secrets for creating a vacation rental that’s one-of-a-kind and profitable. Available exclusively to my private clients, this is the guide I wish I had when starting out.
Ready to make it real?
Ready to make it real?
Sign up now for your customized package:
6x 1:1 sessions
All notes & recordings provided
Email support between sessions
BONUS Creating Top Performing Vacation Rentals Ultimate Resource Guide
This one-on-one package is for you if you’re:
Overwhelmed with options and tired of wasting time searching
Desire a safe space to think outside the box, be encouraged, and receive expert guidance from someone who’s actually been there
Ready to be held accountable and receive support while turning your dreams and goals into reality
Committed to increasing and diversifying your personal income or business revenue through creativity and hard work
This may not be a good fit if:
Your goal is a large portfolio of single-family home Airbnbs
Doing work that’s fulfilling, profitable, and with positive impact isn’t important to you
You don’t want to be involved in the creation or management of your stay, or the guest experience
You’re comfortable with the slower pace of projects that results from trial-and-error and crowdsourcing free tips
Looking for a “get rich quick” scheme
Sound like you?
Hi! I’m Melissa
I’ve created one of the most sought-after Airbnbs in the country. We’ve been named one of Airbnb’s Most Wish Listed properties, a Top 10 Most Liked on Instagram, and appeared in Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and more. I’m a Certified Life & Business Coach, educator, and creator of spaces that are beautiful, inviting, and make an impact. Hosting has had a tremendous effect on my life and business, and I help other purpose-led people get the same results.
My Story…
When my husband Mike and I purchased our home and soon-to-be flower farm in 2013, we were ecstatic. There was an amazing spot on our land where Hemlock trees sloped down towards the river and created a peek-a-boo mountain view. After falling in love with unique cabins and campsites while traveling across the USA one summer, we wanted to build something of our own.
After finding the perfect inspiration (read: easy and economical), we purchased plans from local architect Robert Swinburn. Joke was on us though: we weren’t contractors or architects, and couldn’t read the plans! Tossing them (and our $100) aside, we got to work making it work.
A place to pause
We were also growing a flower farm and floral studio, Tanglebloom. Our open-air tiny cabin in the woods served as respite for our tired bodies and frazzled minds. We’d amble out along the forest path, exhausted and dirty, and crack open a cold beverage and enjoy the sunset.
The joke was always the same: “Wow, it’s so peaceful out here - you’d never know all the work and stress hidden back behind the trees!” Laugh/cry.
When we had a baby a few years later, our beloved cabin wasn’t getting much use. Friends told us to rent it out, but we were sure it was much too rustic and well… different than anything else available.
“Who would come here?” we thought.
Never have I been so glad to be wrong! We listed the tiny cabin on Airbnb and Hipcamp as an elevated camping - or “glamping” - experience. Soon we were booking every available night, and found ourselves having to block dates just to enjoy it ourselves.
In 2020 we were named Airbnb’s Most Wish Listed property in Vermont and one of their Top 10 Most Liked Photos on Instagram. Before that we were voted Hipcamp of the Year. We started appearing in places like Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and Buzz Feed. More than that, people were traveling from all over to celebrate and unplug. They left notes that made us cry the best kind of tears.
We were on to something.
Before all the press and accolades though, there was a lot of Learning Things The Hard Way. Stress. Even burnout. I was overwhelmed with the full-time job and business I already had, and couldn’t make a memorable experience for guests that didn’t take an unsustainable amount of my time and energy.
Then, a global pandemic halted most of my work. Travel restrictions meant we couldn’t host many guests. Determined to crack the code, I spent a year focusing on little else.
These changes led to a 6x revenue increase. When we open the calendar, it starts filling months in advance. We had to start a wait list.
The tiny cabin is more than a vacation rental; it’s an experience. Guests say things like…
“I feel like myself again.”
“A once in a lifetime experience.”
“What dreams are made of.”
I cracked that elusive code: a bucket-list level experience for guests without burning out. Our calendar is full, guests are cared for, and we’re profitable.
Now I get to teach everything I’ve learned to people like you who are creative, driven, and embrace a unique kind of hospitality. You want to reach your income goals and also make an impact. You’re ready to go after the additional income and flexibility you desire. Because everyone benefits when you’re doing what lights you up.
What clients are saying…
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“I am so glad I was able to meet you and to gain knowledge from your success. You are inspiring and I feel my confidence bolstered due to your help.”
Carrie
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Melissa, I want to let you know that I had a bolt of clarity during our session that has left me fired up and excited! It's like there were all these floating pieces that kept coming and going from my busy mind and you wrapped them up for me in a pretty bow. You listened and saw the bigger picture, helping my investment property dreams come into focus (despite real challenges). I'm so grateful for our time together.
Desha
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“You were so supportive and had great ideas. I also felt really validated about the concepts I've been considering and now have the confidence to move forward.”
Kate
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“Thanks so much for sharing your expertise and resources! It really gave me a confidence boost about this whole idea.”
Anna
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“Thanks so much Melissa! I’m planning on working a bit more on the design this weekend.”
Bryan
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“In the age of information overload, it's truly invaluable to be able to directly access the answers you need, tailored to your unique situation, from a real person. Melissa's coaching has saved my business money, stress and time. I am a one-woman operation, but I know that I can rely on her to be an interactive business partner when I need one.”
Amber
FAQ
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Yes. Most people I work with are in the very beginning stages. Everyone’s timeline is different, and that’s OK - but my best advice is to start sooner rather than later. Things often start moving more quickly once you get going! One recent client came to me in November unsure of if she wanted to build or buy, or where exactly she should create her project. In July she sent me her Airbnb listing!
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I’ve been there. Your concerns are valid and we’ll work together to address them. The increased revenue that’s possible for your farm is worth exploring!
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While it’s true that the vacation rental market has become saturated in some areas, there are plenty of ways to set yourself apart, increase your bookings, and make your rental more profitable. If this is your primary goal, consider signing up for a smaller package of 3 sessions or even a single session.
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