How One Host Turned Entertainment Industry Skills Into Hospitality Success
Cherae’s journey from the entertainment industry to vacation rentals demonstrates how genuine care for guests, combined with the right platform partnerships, can create both business success and meaningful human connections.
Connecting with our hosts is at the heart of what we do. But it’s not enough for us to simply have conversations with our hosts. We believe their stories deserve to be heard. By sharing their journeys, we hope to inspire, empower, and help other hosts grow. That’s why we recently chatted with Cherae in Atlanta to learn more about her property, and her story.
Q: Tell us about a time you saved the day as a host when a guest needed special accommodations.
A: I recently encountered a situation that really tested my values as a host. A guest contacted me through messages explaining she had two kids and was going through an ugly divorce. I didn’t pry, but she was very open about her circumstances. I found myself with two options: allow her to stay for a significantly cheaper rate, or not charge her at all and trust that I wouldn’t be burned by doing something nice for someone who had been brave enough to ask another adult for help.
She had hope, or at least no ego, that allowed her to trust someone would help. I had enough trust that even if she didn’t pay me back, I did it with a pure heart and good intentions, believing it would come back around. The lady checked out and we remained in touch. Two weeks after her stay, when she got the check she was waiting for, she actually paid me back in full.
Sometimes we have to do what our heart says and stop always thinking about the business in everything. It was a reminder that behind every booking is a real person with real circumstances.
Q: How did you get started in the vacation rental industry and what were you doing before?
A: I’ve always been in the entertainment business as a musician and model. I originally got started in vacation rentals by using Airbnb when I traveled between Miami and Atlanta. I loved how it was less of a headache than hotels, and for young travelers or families, I felt it was really geared to that clientele – and that’s what made Airbnb successful.
Of course, with success sometimes it’s easy to get away from what made you successful in the beginning, and you lose sight of what’s important. I joined different platforms to begin my hosting journey in 2015, and yes, since then there have been significant changes across the board with each platform.
I’m excited about Whimstay and how modern its adaptability is with today’s needs, expectations, and flexibility. I love the vacation rental industry because with the right formula and platform partnership, you really can be a successful host.
Q: What is your favorite way to market your property?
A: I only market my property via the platforms provided. I actually have such a great success rate in bookings and occupancy that other methods, although I’m sure they work effectively with the right tools, aren’t necessarily needed to maintain consistency with my property. The platform-based approach has been sufficient for keeping my calendar full.
Q: How does Whimstay fit into your overall strategy?
Q: What are some unique challenges you’ve faced as a host that Whimstay has helped you navigate?
A: Whimstay has provided a clear and user-friendly marketing platform that allows the time spent on the app to be productive. I really love the goal for this platform and how it differs from others. Last-minute vacancy is always one of the top concerns of any host on any platform, and Whimstay’s approach to addressing this challenge sets them apart.
Learn more about listing with Whimstay
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