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Stacey St. John

SIMPLY BRILLIANT BLOG

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Discover tips and inspiration on entrepreneurship, business growth, real estate investing, and hospitality.

Big Changes to Airbnb Host Fees: What You Need to Know

Big Changes to Airbnb Host Fees: What You Need to Know

AUGUST 28, 2025 Airbnb Host Fees Are Changing: Your Guide to the New 15.5% Service Fee Ladies, let’s talk about some big changes coming from Airbnb this fall…changes that directly affect your earnings and pricing strategy, especially if you’re using property...

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Short-Term Rental Vendor Management: Build Your Dream Team

Short-Term Rental Vendor Management: Build Your Dream Team

SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 How to Build Your Rockstar Short-Term Rental Dream Vendor Team Running a successful short-term rental isn't just about a beautiful property and happy guests. It's also about the invisible engine humming behind the scenes: your vendor team. Imagine a...

STR CEO Mindset: Scale Your Rental Business

STR CEO Mindset: Scale Your Rental Business

AUGUST 28, 2025 Unlock Time Freedom: Shift My STR CEO Mindset to Scale Strategically Lady! Tired of chasing your own tail? What if, instead, you had guests chasing your short-term rental? Hmmmmm.  Seriously, you’re reacting to every email, guest message, or...

Big Changes to Airbnb Host Fees: What You Need to Know

Big Changes to Airbnb Host Fees: What You Need to Know

AUGUST 28, 2025 Airbnb Host Fees Are Changing: Your Guide to the New 15.5% Service Fee Ladies, let’s talk about some big changes coming from Airbnb this fall…changes that directly affect your earnings and pricing strategy, especially if you’re using property...

How to Implement Profit First for Short-Term Rentals

How to Implement Profit First for Short-Term Rentals

AUGUST 21, 2025 How to Implement Profit First for Short-Term Rentals: A Smarter System Are you living from booking to booking? Your STR properties are generating impressive gross revenue, but your bank account tells a different story. You feel trapped in a cycle where...

Create an Ideal Guest Avatar for STR Success

Create an Ideal Guest Avatar for STR Success

AUGUST 14, 2025 Do you know who wants to rent your property? Do you know their needs, their wishes, their dreams? Do you know your guests? In the competitive world of short-term rentals (STR), knowing exactly who you’re serving is your ultimate advantage. An ideal...

Create High-Converting Airbnb Listings & Get More Bookings

Create High-Converting Airbnb Listings & Get More Bookings

AUGUST 07, 2025 Are you tired of refreshing your Airbnb dashboard, only to see a calendar full of empty dates? You’ve created a beautiful space, but the bookings just aren’t rolling in. It’s frustrating. It gets you down. And it can make you question if all this...

Mastering Airbnb’s Cancellation Policies

Mastering Airbnb’s Cancellation Policies

JULY 31, 2025 You’re a host in the STR world. That means you’re navigating a lot of moving parts. What if I told you that one super important, yet often overlooked, aspect is Airbnb's cancellation policies? To elevate yourself as a host, you need to understand these...

Top Short-Term Rental PMS 2025: Best Picks

Top Short-Term Rental PMS 2025: Best Picks

JULY 24, 2025 Table of Contents TL;DR Key Takeaways Introduction Evaluation Criteria for Short-Term Rental PMS Hostfully Short-Term Rental PMS Review Lodgify Short-Term Rental PMS Review OwnerRez Short-Term Rental PMS Review Side‑by‑Side Short-Term Rental PMS Feature...

Boost STR ROI with Key Data Dashboard

Boost STR ROI with Key Data Dashboard

JULY 17, 2025 How much control do you actually have over your STR business? Are you waiting for things to happen, and then responding? Or are you tracking data so that you can stay ahead of the game? If you’re like most of the amazing students inside my STR Success...

AI Prompts for Airbnb Hosts: Complete Guide

AI Prompts for Airbnb Hosts: Complete Guide

JULY 10, 2025 Unlocking the Power of AI Prompts in Your Short-Term Rental Business Lady! I see you. You’re a smart short-term rental (STR) investor. You got a lot going on and time is just not on your side. So you’re looking to offload some of your tasks, and you’ve...

STR Ownership vs Co-Hosting: Choose Your Path

STR Ownership vs Co-Hosting: Choose Your Path

JULY 03, 2025 TL;DR Building your portfolio with short‑term rentals (STRs) typically follows one of two proven models: Ownership Track: Deploy capital to purchase property and capture equity, appreciation, and favorable tax treatment. Co‑Hosting Track: Provide...

How I Built a $2M Short-Term Rental Investing Portfolio

How I Built a $2M Short-Term Rental Investing Portfolio

JUNE 26, 2025 I used to live the life I thought I was supposed to want—six-figure salary, leadership role, and a calendar packed with back-to-back meetings. But behind the scenes? I was running on empty. The long hours, constant pressure, and lack of control over my...

Why Is My Airbnb Listing Not Performing?

Why Is My Airbnb Listing Not Performing?

APRIL 14, 2025 Why Is My Airbnb Listing Not Performing?   If you've found yourself repeatedly asking, "Why is my listing not performing?" you're not alone. The vacation rental market is competitive, and even small details can significantly impact your booking...

Are Short-Term Rentals a Good Investment?

Are Short-Term Rentals a Good Investment?

March 18, 2025 Are Short-Term Rentals a Good Investment? Investing in real estate can be a game changer—but when it comes to short-term rentals, the stakes are uniquely dynamic. In this post, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of short-term rental investments,...

How to Ensure Compliance with Local Short-Term Rental Regulations

How to Ensure Compliance with Local Short-Term Rental Regulations

FEBRUARY 18, 2025 How to Ensure Compliance with Local Short-Term Rental RegulationsNavigating the maze of short-term rental permits can feel like deciphering a secret code—one that could make or break your rental business. Understanding which short-term rental...

Why Leadership Matters as a Real Estate Investor and Airbnb Host

Why Leadership Matters as a Real Estate Investor and Airbnb Host

Why Leadership Matters as a Real Estate Investor and Airbnb HostToday, I want to dive into a topic that's often overlooked but is absolutely critical to your success as a female Airbnb host and real estate investor: leadership. If you think leadership is just for CEOs...

How to Hire a Virtual Assistant (Remote Professional)

How to Hire a Virtual Assistant (Remote Professional)

How to Hire a Virtual Assistant (Remote Professional) When you’re running a growing short-term rental business, balancing a family, and maybe even working a full-time job, you might find yourself needing a little extra help. Hire a Virtual Assistant! Or, as I prefer...

How to Get More 5-Star Reviews

How to Get More 5-Star Reviews

How to Get More 5-Star ReviewsIn the world of short-term rentals, getting consistent 5-star reviews can make all the difference in attracting new guests and ensuring repeat stays. Reviews are not just feedback; they shape the reputation of your business. To help you...

Easy Ways to Make Your Airbnb a Cozy Autumn Retreat

Easy Ways to Make Your Airbnb a Cozy Autumn Retreat

Fall Into Comfort: Fun & Easy Ways to Make Your Airbnb a Cozy Autumn Retreat As the crisp air of autumn settles in, there’s a magic to the season that draws travelers seeking cozy, picturesque stays. Whether your Airbnb is nestled in the mountains, near a forest,...

How to Turn Bad Airbnb Reviews into More Booking Opportunities

How to Turn Bad Airbnb Reviews into More Booking Opportunities

How Do I Handle a Bad Airbnb Review? Running a short-term rental (STR) or Airbnb business means you’ll eventually face a bad guest review—it’s inevitable. Even if you strive to provide a 5-star experience, sometimes things don’t go as planned. But here’s the good...

How to Perfectly Stock Your Airbnb Kitchen: Essentials Guests Love

How to Perfectly Stock Your Airbnb Kitchen: Essentials Guests Love

How to Stock Your Short-Term Rental Kitchen with Airbnb Kitchen EssentialsAs an Airbnb host or short-term rental owner, one of the easiest ways to elevate the guest experience is by providing a fully stocked kitchen with Airbnb Kitchen Essentials. Guests love the...

Airbnb Property Management vs. Co-Hosting: What’s the Difference?

Airbnb Property Management vs. Co-Hosting: What’s the Difference?

Airbnb Property Management vs. Co-Hosting: What’s the Difference?If you’re looking to get into the short-term rental game, you’ve probably come across two business models: Airbnb property management and co-hosting. Both can be incredibly profitable, but they come with...

3 Negotiation Tips for Women in Real Estate

3 Negotiation Tips for Women in Real Estate

3 Negotiation Tips for Women in Real EstateThe world of real estate investing is full of opportunity, and women are increasingly taking center stage. But mastering the art of negotiation can be a key differentiator. Here are 3 effective tips to empower you when you...

How to Ditch Analysis Paralysis

How to Ditch Analysis Paralysis

How to Ditch Analysis ParalysisFeeling stuck in decision-making quick-sand? You, my friend, are stuck with a classic case of analysis paralysis! 😵 But don't sweat it, friend! I've got some killer strategies to help you slice through this messy knot like a hot knife...

How to Choose a Short-Term Rental Mortgage

How to Choose a Short-Term Rental Mortgage

  How to Choose a Short-Term Rental MortgageChoosing the right financing strategy is like picking the perfect pair of high heels - it should fit your budget, match your style, and take you places. 👠 With a plethora of mortgage products at your fingertips, it's...

Why Being Detail-Oriented Matters

Why Being Detail-Oriented Matters

Why Being Detail-Oriented MattersRunning a short-term rental business is a complex juggling act. From crafting a winning investment strategy to managing finances and keeping guests happy, there’s a lot to keep track of. In this whirlwind, it’s easy to overlook the...

The “Live Big” Beach Retreat!

The “Live Big” Beach Retreat!

The “Live Big” Beach Retreat!I am beyond thrilled to officially invite you to the Live Big Beach Retreat! I’ve created an intimate setting at an amazing beachside resort in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, where you’ll be surrounded by 30 like-minded women who are...

#150 Scaling Short-Term Rentals to 25 Properties

#150 Scaling Short-Term Rentals to 25 Properties

SEPTEMBER 16, 2025  #150 Scaling Short-Term Rentals: How Chelsea Cutrer Grew to 25 Properties in Just One YearWhat would it take for you to leave behind a secure, six-figure tech career and bet on yourself instead? For Chelsea Cutrer, the decision came after a...

Short-Term Rental Vendor Management: Build Your Dream Team

Short-Term Rental Vendor Management: Build Your Dream Team

SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 How to Build Your Rockstar Short-Term Rental Dream Vendor Team Running a successful short-term rental isn't just about a beautiful property and happy guests. It's also about the invisible engine humming behind the scenes: your vendor team. Imagine a...

#149 Airbnb Design Ideas That Wow Guests

#149 Airbnb Design Ideas That Wow Guests

SEPTEMBER 09, 2025  #149 Airbnb Design Ideas: How to Create Spaces Guests Can’t Stop Talking AboutWhat if the real magic of your short-term rental wasn’t in the furniture you bought—but in the experiences you created? That’s the approach designer Robin Spires takes...

STR CEO Mindset: Scale Your Rental Business

STR CEO Mindset: Scale Your Rental Business

AUGUST 28, 2025 Unlock Time Freedom: Shift My STR CEO Mindset to Scale Strategically Lady! Tired of chasing your own tail? What if, instead, you had guests chasing your short-term rental? Hmmmmm.  Seriously, you’re reacting to every email, guest message, or...

#148 Building a Family Airbnb Business That Works

#148 Building a Family Airbnb Business That Works

SEPTEMBER 02, 2025  #148 Building a Family Airbnb Business That WorksFamily Airbnb Business: How One Host Built Success With Her Parents Can family and Airbnb really mix? Or will working with loved ones lead to strained relationships, heated arguments, and awkward...

Big Changes to Airbnb Host Fees: What You Need to Know

Big Changes to Airbnb Host Fees: What You Need to Know

AUGUST 28, 2025 Airbnb Host Fees Are Changing: Your Guide to the New 15.5% Service Fee Ladies, let’s talk about some big changes coming from Airbnb this fall…changes that directly affect your earnings and pricing strategy, especially if you’re using property...

#147 Direct Bookings for Short-Term Rentals

#147 Direct Bookings for Short-Term Rentals

AUGUST 27, 2025  #147 Direct Bookings for Short-Term Rentals: How One Host Reached 70% Without OTAsWhat if the career you’ve spent decades building was the very thing standing in the way of the life you actually want? That was the turning point for Kerri Gibson, a...

How to Implement Profit First for Short-Term Rentals

How to Implement Profit First for Short-Term Rentals

AUGUST 21, 2025 How to Implement Profit First for Short-Term Rentals: A Smarter System Are you living from booking to booking? Your STR properties are generating impressive gross revenue, but your bank account tells a different story. You feel trapped in a cycle where...

#146 How Emotional Design Can Build Airbnb Guest Loyalty

#146 How Emotional Design Can Build Airbnb Guest Loyalty

AUGUST 19, 2025  #146  Emotional Design for Guest Experience: The Hidden Shortcut to Guest Loyalty in Your AirbnbWhat if the key to repeat bookings, raving reviews, and lifelong guests wasn’t a fancier coffee maker or five-star linens—but the chemicals in your guest’s...

Create an Ideal Guest Avatar for STR Success

Create an Ideal Guest Avatar for STR Success

AUGUST 14, 2025 Do you know who wants to rent your property? Do you know their needs, their wishes, their dreams? Do you know your guests? In the competitive world of short-term rentals (STR), knowing exactly who you’re serving is your ultimate advantage. An ideal...

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