The big news I've been hinting at!
I’ve been excited to share more about this news for months now, but was waiting for the right time. I’ve mentioned it off and on, but it’s now happening! The lease is signed!
Some of you know that this year I’ve been working to open a pousada, (similar to a b&b or an inn) here in our new home of Paraty, Brazil. As of last week, the lease is signed on an amazing property. It’s a magical spot!
After 6 years of working remotely and 4 years of working for myself, last year I realized I deeply missed the in person connection and hospitality that I was a part of during my years at Shake Shack and Sofar Sounds. Eight years ago, I traveled and volunteered at hostels in Europe, and that experience always stuck with me. Running a pousada was a longtime dream that I decided to move up a few years! I will be focusing on this with select brand strategy projects alongside it - including the branding for the pousada 😉
There are so many design-led hotels - I want to create a place that’s connection-led - a warm, welcoming place that makes it easy to connect with Paraty and other guests. I aged out of hostels awhile ago in favor of cleaner, more comfortable places, but I don’t think we age out of wanting that easy connection with others.
It’s been a big adventure and learning process so far, so I can’t even imagine what’s next! I hope to open by end of 2024, but as I’ve learned, you never know!
If you’d like to stay updated on the progress, this is the best place to do so, or my Instagram as well, most likely.
A big shout-out to all my friends, family, and Carlos!! who have supported me thus far - it means everything. 😊 There are so many times I vented or celebrated small and big wins on coffee chat calls and in Slack communities with many of you. I’m so inspired by everyone else trying to build a portfolio career too!
What’s next?
I view this as Phase 2. Phase 1 was creating the business plan, fundraising, setting up the legal and accounting side of things, and finding the right property. Phase 2 will be getting the property ready to open.
Libby and I are starting the branding process for the pousada! It should be a lot of fun, but I also realistically know it’s always hardest to do for yourself 😉
I’m still taking on select brand projects for clients, prioritizing ones that are part of The Office of Beloved Brands with Libby.
I’m diving into the interiors project for the pousada. Each room is a unique gem, this will be fun!
Similarly, you can find me this week deep in a Google Sheet trying to figure out orders of towels, sheets, mattresses, and so on. Tomorrow I’m heading to São Paulo’s Equipotel, a big fair for hotels, to see supplies in person.
I could go a lot deeper on everything, but I’ll save that for another time! For now I’ll say - if you have a big dream and need some words of encouragement, feel free to write me and I’ll be happy to provide it 🤗
Will leave you with some pretty photos of Paraty:
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Pls keep the regular updates coming!!!