Shampoo & Booze 6: Interview with Bekah, Airbnb Host in New Orleans

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Bekah, a trained professional nurse, and her husband Brian kind of accidentally became very, very successful Airbnb hosts. They own a multi-family in a lovely New Orleans neighborhood not far from The French Quarter. Not wanting to become a long term renting landlord, Bekah thought she'd give Airbnb a try. That was three years ago. In that time, she was able to cut her hours down at work to almost nothing and make a full time income through Airbnb. We have been inspired by her work and we know you will be too. Thanks Bekah!

Check out how freakin' cute Bekah's place is!





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10 comments:

  1. What amazing photos! Everything is so crisp, white and clean.

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    1. i know, i love it, it's so cool!

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    2. Hello Jay and Ryanne, also Bekah. Another great podcast!
      I can see that J&Rs farmhouse has pine flooring - was it pre-existing or did you install? And Bekah does your home have a mix of wood flooring? We are contemplating pine vs. hardwood flooring and wondering if any of you can weigh in on the durability of the pine? Ease of cleaning etc? Any comments or tips about wood flooring in general and pine vs oak or other woods? Love the look and affordability of some pine, but still having reservations vs. hardwood. Thanks everyone.

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    3. yes the floors were pre-existing. heartwood pine from the 1850s, it's pretty sturdy stuff. not like pine flooring you would buy today which is softer. i would go with a harder wood if you're buying new. or do what we do, go on craigslist and see if anyone is selling flooring.

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    4. I agree with Ryanne. If you're starting from zero, I would buy some of the newer wood flooring. They've done a great job with baking on the protective coating so it'll last for years. We just got lucky buying a house that had heartwood pine already installed (after we peeled back three layers of carpet and linoleum).

      Also, we find it's smart to have place rugs strategically in high traffic areas. Warms up the space but also protects the wood.

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    5. Thanks for your feedback! I am looking into reclaimed heartwood pine. After doing some research apparently, as you mention, not only is it harder, the wood also compacts as it ages and so if I get reclaimed time and someone has already done it's job - and we are in such a habit of rugs already I guess we would feel naked without them. Up until recently I was dead set on Oak, but the wide pine planks sure have a nice look that can flex from country to industrial to modern decorating. So I have some decisions and more investigating to do. Thanks again ! Love your place.

      On an unrelated side note - a thought for your off season or slower times - I am aware of a few people who do air bnb, vacation and furnished rentals and have gotten some nice clients in divorce situations where a temporary move until things are settled is necessary. Sometimes these are weeks or months, but you could possibly send a postcard out to attorneys in the area. Also of course people coming through on temporary business, but it is a way to cash flow in the off season. Just a thought for you if you weren't aware of it.

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  2. It was awesome chatting with you guys! Thanks for the opportunity to share!

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    1. thanks for coming on, can't wait to visit your place!

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  3. I am really enjoying your new podcast series! This interview was great - I hope you will do more interviews. I had to laugh at the "bring your own towels and bed sheet thing". During our stay in Norway last year, we travelled a lot, and unless you were in a strict hotel setting, you were always supposed to bring your own stuff - hostels, cabins, mountain lodges, etc - always had to bring our own stuff. Also, you are expected to clean and wash your space after your stay, lol. In one mountain lodge we stayed, we even got an angry and rude manager yelling at us for using the wrong common kitchen because "did you not study the rules???" Different mindset I guess, Americans are much more about customer satisfaction and just being friendly to strangers - which is partly why I love Americans so much perhaps ;-) Cheers, MM

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    1. glad to hear it! yes we should be having more interviews in the near future. i am kind of glad other people make you bring your own linens, so we can stand out as special!

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