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The STR Sisterhood

The STR Sisterhood

By: Stacey St. John
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 Whether you’re brand new to Airbnb or an experienced Superhost, you’re giving yourself the gift of financial freedom and FUN when you enter the short-term rental space. If there’s anyone who knows this, it’s Stacey St. John. She built a 7-figure STR portfolio in less than two years and was able to leave her W2 thanks to the earnings from her properties. Today, she’s living the life she was always meant to live – on her terms. And on her new podcast, The STR Sisterhood, she’s sharing how you can, too! On this show, it’s all about you and your short-term rental journey. You’ll hear actionable advice from industry experts as well as inspiring stories from real women about their experiences, achievements, frustrations, and challenges…and how they’ve managed to turn their short-term rental dreams into reality. If you’re an ambitious woman who’s looking to have a 5-star Airbnb business on your hands without having to sacrifice the things you love, then tune in every week for all the goodness!Stacey St. John Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Building an STR Business Through Faith & Grit with Christina Tracy

    Building an STR Business Through Faith & Grit with Christina Tracy
    Apr 28 2026
    Have you ever felt a deep nudge to change your life, but had no idea what the path ahead would look like, and stepped forward anyway? Most people wait for a perfect plan; Christina Tracy is proof that you only need the courage to take the first imperfect step.In this episode, we’re tracing her journey from a handshake deal on an off-market property in Ohio to building a multi-market portfolio across Florida and Charlotte, all while navigating the messy reality of flipping houses with a toddler in tow.We talk about:How Christina jumped into real estate with zero experience, relying on grit and YouTube tutorials to build her first successful portfolio.How Christina’s background in public health turned her into a "data nerd" who uses tools like PriceLabs to master pricing and performance.A candid conversation on rebuilding trust, reconnecting with God, and finding peace after seasons of grief and "hustle culture."The healing power of quiet time, prayer, and meditation as tools for hearing your own voice, and God’s, again.Shifting from "controlling tasks" to "empowering outcomes" and how inner growth changes the way you hire and lead a team.Christina pulls back the curtain on what it means to lead a values-driven, people-first business while protecting your own energy. You’ll hear why intentionality is the ultimate secret to scaling, and how a deep spiritual foundation provides the peace required to navigate the growing pains of entrepreneurship.If you’ve been sensing that there is a different, more peaceful way to build your empire, this conversation will speak straight to your heart. Get ready to stop surviving the grind and start leading with purpose.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:59] A short introduction about our guest Christina Tracy, the owner of STR Host Company[05:31] Christina shares her background in public health and real estate and describes how she transitioned into short-term rentals by combining data analysis with hospitality[06:15] Christina shares taking action on their first investment property without experience and reflects on the challenges and lessons from learning through doing[10:19] Christina’s shift from a grind mindset to a more intentional approach, explaining how she learned to move through challenges with greater awareness, grace, and alignment over time[12:19] How Christina developed awareness of limiting beliefs through intentional practices like solitude, journaling, and daily routines that build self-trust and mental clarity[15:55] Christina and I share how reconnecting with God profoundly shaped our personal growth and resilience, illustrating the role of faith in navigating life’s challenges[22:20] Christina shares how cultivating inner peace has transformed her daily life, relationships, and business[23:34] Christina shares her daily habits and mindset practices for maintaining inner peace, protecting her energy, and creating a positive, aligned environment both personally and professionally[27:38] How Christina mentally prepares for challenging situations by grounding herself, focusing on service, and detaching from outcomes while trusting the bigger picture[29:48] The challenges of building and leading an aligned team while the host shares leadership strategies for hiring, developing, and empowering team members as a business evolves[37:21] How I integrate mindset and emotional awareness into leadership through coaching, trust-building, and proactive communication rather than formal discussions about mindset[42:41] Christina shares practical advice for those feeling stuck or disconnected by encouraging them to dream freely, identify internal resistance, and grow through small, intentional steps[45:08] The lightning roundGolden Nuggets:“You can't sit in the planning forever. You have to take action.”“If I'm sandwiching my day with truth, then it kind of keeps me more aligned as the day goes on.”“In every failure, there's always a seed of benefit being planted.”“It's really important that you're working towards a goal.”“I don't delegate tasks. I empower people to produce business results.”“Give yourself space to dream. That's always where we start.”Let’s Connect:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/christinatracy/ Proudly Sponsored by PriceLabs: https://pricelabs.co/users/sign_up?referral=STRSISTEREnjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    50 mins
  • Designing for Bookings: The Power of Cohesive STR Experiences with Ashlyn & Olivia

    Designing for Bookings: The Power of Cohesive STR Experiences with Ashlyn & Olivia
    Apr 21 2026
    What if the secret to a standout short-term rental isn’t just great design, but a fully cohesive experience that starts the moment a guest clicks on your listing? In this episode, I’m joined by sisters Ashlyn and Olivia, the creative powerhouses behind Abideaway. We’re diving into how a simple idea shared over a Marco Polo video evolved into a full-service studio that helps hosts build standout stays through the perfect marriage of design and strategy.We talk about:How interior design, branding, and web presence work together to create a seamless narrative for your propertyMoving beyond "who" your guest is to what they are worrying about, and how to solve those fears through intentional layout and amenitiesWhy custom art is more than just a "photo op" and how it can be used to stop the scroll and reinforce your property’s storyPractical, high-impact advice on where to spend a limited budget in your kitchen, living room, or outdoor space for maximum ROIHow to mine architecture, local history, and personal passions to guide every design decision you makeBut this isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about intentionality. Ashlyn and Olivia pull back the curtain on their creative process, from using Procreate mockups to ensure owner confidence to scoping mural projects that actually last. You’ll hear their "design hotline" wisdom on how to avoid the "I wish they’d thought of that" moments that kill guest reviews, and how to create a space that feels custom, memorable, and deeply resonant.If you’ve been looking for the bridge between "just a rental" and a "cohesive brand," this conversation is your roadmap. Get ready to stop guessing and start designing with a clear, story-driven purpose.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:59] A short introduction about our guests, Ashlyn Feller and Olivia Gerber from Abideaway, and shares how the idea started organically between them as sisters with complementary creative skill sets[04:31] Ashlyn and Olivia emphasize defining the ideal guest and starting with priorities to build a cohesive STR brand[07:45] Olivia explains starting with the ideal guest avatar and using a phased approach to build a cohesive STR brand experience[11:35] Olivia shares her philosophy of designing with intentionality and uncovering the story of a property[13:27] Olivia describes ways for hosts who are bootstrapping their STR design to uncover and build the story of their property[16:04] Ashlyn and Olivia explain when themed properties make sense and the role of data in decision-making [17:44] Olivia shares why engaging a designer early in the acquisition process is beneficial [18:45] Olivia and Ashlyn talk about what to consider in design before closing on a property and explain that designers can also refresh or elevate underperforming properties[20:37] Ashlyn shares why murals are a powerful design tool for short-term rentals and describes how hosts can budget for them based on size, complexity, and customization [24:16] Ashlyn describes her mural creation process from concept to installation, including design mockups, painting techniques, and care, and [27:26] Ashlyn shares creative ideas for placing murals in both large and smaller spaces and introduces the STR Sisterhood Design Hotline as a resource for hosts seeking design guidance[29:21] Ashlyn and Olivia describe the STR Sisterhood Design Hotline and what folks can expect if they've never been to a design hotline[32:39] Ashlyn and Olivia explain how even a modest $1,000 budget can meaningfully improve different areas of a short-term rental when spent strategically[34:01] Ashlyn explains how to approach branding with a limited budget by focusing on defining the overall guest experience and building a cohesive brand beyond just a logo[37:44] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“We have to go deeper and understand what that person is thinking when they're looking at properties, what that person is thinking when they are making a booking decision, what that person is stressed out about, what they're afraid of, what they're concerned about if they book the wrong property, because those are the things that ideal guest is not actually telling anyone that's a conversation he or she is having with themselves.”“Pull some piece of the puzzle and use that as, like a seed of inspiration.”“I am a huge believer that we are all in business to, not only, you know, improve our own lives. But isn't it great that we can proactively help each other like that just makes us all go to bed at night feeling that much better, right?”“Build your network and build it strong.”“If we're not aware, number one of things we need to tackle in our businesses, or things that may need improvement in our businesses, if we don't dedicate focused thinking time, which is that white space, we can go for months and even years without having those problems solved or those new ideas generated.”Let’s Connect:Website : https://www.abideaway.com/Facebook : ...
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    51 mins
  • Scaling STRs Together: The Airbnb Sisters’ Secrets to Success with Jen Stone and Lauren Schmidt

    Scaling STRs Together: The Airbnb Sisters’ Secrets to Success with Jen Stone and Lauren Schmidt
    Apr 14 2026
    What happens when two sisters team up to build a powerhouse short-term rental brand in two of the most competitive markets in the country? Most people think working with family is a recipe for disaster; Jen and Lauren prove it’s actually a competitive advantage.In this episode, I sit down with Jen Stone and Lauren Schmidt, better known as The Airbnb Sisters. We’re unpacking how they’ve grown a thriving portfolio across Nashville and 30A while keeping their standards sky-high and their sisterly bond intact.We talk about:How a single CMA Fest booking turned into a professional management career for Nashville’s biggest developersThe strategy behind their iconic pink-themed homes and how they attract high-value group stays like weddings and bachelorette partiesHow Jen transitioned from personal assistant to the engine of the business, managing guest flow and flawless check-insThe story of finding (and fiercely protecting) a standout cleaning crew to maintain five-star standards from hundreds of miles awayA candid look at hosting large groups, and how their branding and screening process attract guests who actually respect the propertyBut this isn't just a story about pretty houses. It’s about the evolution of a brand. Jen and Lauren pull back the curtain on the delicate conversations they have with owners about decor budgets and why they now insist on being involved before a home is even furnished. You’ll hear how they still run a high-volume business with a personal touch, and my honest take on where they can finally let technology take some of the weight off their shoulders.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a "side hustle" into a recognizable brand or how to successfully partner with family, this conversation is your front-row seat. Get ready to learn what it really takes to dominate the high-energy group stay market.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[01:15] A short introduction about our guests Jen Stone and Lauren Schmidt, and share how they started and grew their short-term rental business together as sisters[05:42] Jen explains how she and Lauren divided roles while building their short-term rental business[07:16] Lauren shares why she brought her sister Jen into the short-term rental business[08:29] Jen explains how social media helped grow their short-term rental business and attract large group bookings[10:54] Lauren outlines their mixed short-term rental business model of ownership and management, and how a long-term developer partnership shaped their portfolio[13:41] Lauren highlights that running properties far from home, like their 30A beach rentals, is very different from managing Nashville homes[14:35] Jen and Lauren discuss managing long-distance properties and finding the right cleaning team [18:19] Lauren and Jen explain how they maintain quality and consistent design across their properties[20:12] Lauren describes managing guest communications themselves and my advice to them about dynamic pricing tool and property management software[26:57] Jen explains that their approach to adding properties is highly selective, focusing first on the relationship and communication style with the owner rather than just the property itself[29:19] How Jen and Lauren use experience and firm standards to guide budgeting and property fit decisions [33:12] Jen and Lauren debunks bachelorette myths and highlights the reality of high-quality group guests [36:00] Lauren and Jen share how they generally don’t actively screen bachelorette parties or other group bookings and they treat all guests equally and welcome those who want to book[37:47] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“It's so important that we've got backups and backups for our backups.”“You can have a beautifully designed property, but if it's poorly run, you're not going to get great reviews.”“If somebody is giving you trouble, kill them with kindness.”Let’s Connect:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/the.airbnb.sisters/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    44 mins
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