Do you want to see the pousada?

Tour inside

I’m opening a connection-led pousada, or boutique inn, in Paraty, Brazil in the upcoming months. For a quick 101, read this. During this opening prep, I’ll be sending casual updates into the process, alongside some of my regular brand strategy dispatches.

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I’ve been waiting for the day I can show you what the pousada property looks like! And that day is today - my lease started this week and I’m writing this to you from the future communal breakfast table.

If you follow me on Instagram, you already saw this on my stories, but I pulled the clips together into a video to show here in case you missed it and you’d like to see. Here’s a short 10 minute, very casual, tour of what it looks like:

Lots more to do, but so excited to be on site in this beautiful place! Let me know what you think of it?? So far everyone’s favorite room seems to be the tree house-like one with the built-in bed.

This means I can also share the branding next week! I wanted you to see what it looks like before I shared, since it’s very influenced by the space.

More exciting news!

I was interviewed by Tina Yip on her podcast Space to Grow! I’ve admired Tina’s work from afar for years now, so I was thrilled to be invited.

It was especially special to record this at this moment, and have the space to reflect on my career as I go through the transition of freelance brand strategist → running a pousada. Thanks to everyone who’s listened and written me a sweet note, and thanks, Tina!

Brand bits and bobs:

• I loved this piece on the bungalow colonies of the past in upstate New York. I have mixed feelings on them being brought back as essentially just properties for group travel. What stood out to me from the past iteration were the repeated interactions that led to true community-building of spending the entire summer there , vs. in the current iteration just expensive beautiful Airbnbs grouped together. Something I’ve been thinking of since my days at Sofar - why is it so hard to create a for profit company that focuses on relationships over time? Is it just not profitable enough?

• Absolutely loved reading about Pizza Hut’s reading program that’s existed continuously since the 80s. THIS is what I want to see more of from companies! A true win win of giving back + brand building.

• Can warehouses get a glow up? Turns out, they can. As someone who deeply believes in the power of great branding, reading this tested my beliefs… not sure it needs to go this far?

• The “Lives Lived” obituaries in the New York Times’ Morning newsletter are my favorite way to get a glimpse into interesting, unknown-to-me lives. This one on the Jansport founder was especially enjoyable, and gave me more respect for the brand overall, which I didn’t know much about previously!

• As a child of the 90s, of course I loved this throwback-referencing Gap ad (and Janet track). A+

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Let’s chat!

If you dig what I’m putting down:

• Shoot me a reply back or comment on this post

• Check out my full site for brand strategy work and The Office of Beloved Brands. I’m open to very select projects at this time.

• Do you have a brand question you’re working through? See if my Brand Power Hour one-off consulting hour is something that would help.