It's finally here! O Portalzinho is open!
The long journey to opening my pousada in Paraty
It’s open!! O Portalzinho is open!!
Those of you who have been with me for the long haul know the backstory, but as a refresher, I’m a brand strategist who started this new journey of opening a pousada, or small boutique hotel, here in Paraty, Brazil, just over a year ago:
December 2023: Started the business plan to flesh out the business and see if viable
March 2024: Started raising friends & family investment for startup costs
April 2024: Moved from São Paulo to Paraty on the coast
September 2024: Signed the lease on an amazing 9-room property
November 2024: Started the lease and kicked off small renovations and design
December 2024: Shared the branding process for O Portalzinho
February 2024: Worked every day and dreamed of a far off day with work-life balance and vacation days… hard to remember what those are
We had our first guest in late February, visiting Brazil for Carnaval all the way from Germany!
Reservations are now open — with 40% off through our soft opening through June 30th, to give some time to work out the kinks ;)
One day I’ll have the chance to reflect more on everything I’ve learned so far, but for now I’ll say I’m THRILLED to be out of the larger renovations phase and getting more into the creative process of marketing and hospitality. I can cross “flipping houses” off my list of potential career paths.
Even though I’m doing this as a sole venture, one of my favorite parts so far is getting to work with so many other people who helped me get it open, especially working together in person. It was something I desperately craved after working remotely (mostly by myself) for 6 years. I shared a larger list on Instagram but a special shout-out to Clarissa of Quinta Estúdio for the interior design and Libby Connolly, my partner in The Office of Beloved Brands, for the visual identity.
Sharing photos below — we have 9 rooms, all different, and one of the most unique pools I’ve ever swam in :) Professional photos to come!
If you don’t know it, Paraty is an under-the-radar paradise I’m lucky to live in, and lucky that I’ll get to introduce so many others to! If you’re interested in visiting and have questions about itineraries, safety, etc. please reach out xx
I’m unsure how I’ll be using this email newsletter as I continue to balance the pousada + brand projects— it’ll most likely continue to be with my thoughts on branding or sharing work on that side of things.
If you’d like pousada-only updates, you can sign up here for O Portalzinho updates. I’ll be using that newsletter to share much more about hospitality, the pousada and Paraty.
Go Brandy go!
I love it! Thks for sharing!