The art of thoughtful hosting: how Brooke Lestikow builds spaces guests love

Where soul meets strategy: how Brianna Michele designs STRs that perform

In this episode, Marc sits down with Brianna Amigo, the founder of Brianna Michele Interiors, a professional designer who has furnished over 500 short-term rentals nationwide since launching her business in 2019. Brianna shares how she transitioned from a decade in corporate marketing to becoming one of the first designers to specialize in the short-term rental space, and how her data-driven, avatar-focused approach helps investors stand out in competitive markets. They dive into where the real ROI lives in short-term rental design – from prioritizing common spaces and amenities that drive bookings to avoiding costly renovations and over-amenitizing that won't move the needle. Brianna also breaks down her tried-and-true product picks, including why she swears by Polywood for outdoor, Public Goods for toiletries, and brands like Burrow, TOV, and Polly & Bark for sofas. From layered lighting and full-length mirrors to luggage racks and fully stocked kitchens, this episode is packed with practical, do-it-tomorrow tips for hosts who want to elevate the guest experience and protect their investment.  Not a Minoan member? Sign up today and receive $25 Minoan credit in your account: https://minoan.com/minoan-podcast [https://minoan.com/minoan-podcast] Check out Brianna Michele Interiors: https://www.briannamichele.comhttps://briannamicheleinteriors.com [https://briannamicheleinteriors.com]

The art of thoughtful hosting: how Brooke Lestikow builds spaces guests love

In this episode, Marc sits down with the founder of DB Dens, Brooke Lestikow, a short-term rental host known for creating thoughtful, guest-first spaces in the Colorado mountains. Brooke shares how she transitioned from a career in education to building her own hosting business, and how focusing on the fundamentals – cleanliness, communication, and intentional design – has led to an incredible track record of five-star reviews. They dive into what actually matters most to guests, from investing in outdoor amenities like hot tubs and saunas to elevating the small details like cookware, towels, and scent. Brooke also shares what she’s learned about furnishing from scratch, where she would (and wouldn’t) spend money, and why doing the basics really well can outperform over-the-top design. From stocked kitchens to standout art and simple, durable pieces that last, this episode is full of practical insights for hosts looking to create spaces guests truly love staying in. Not a Minoan member? Sign up today and receive $25 Minoan credit in your account. https://minoan.com/minoan-podcast [https://minoan.com/minoan-podcast] Check out the DB Dens website: https://www.dbdens.com/ [https://www.dbdens.com/] Shop DB Dens on their Minoan Showrooms:   * Woody Creek Den - https://minoan.com/shop/woody-creek-den [https://minoan.com/shop/woody-creek-den]  * Elk Creek Den - https://minoan.com/shop/elk-creek-den [https://minoan.com/shop/elk-creek-den]

Designing with Intention: How Jenika Newsum furnishes with purpose

In our first episode, Marc sits down with Jenika Newsum, the designer behind Black Bear Cabin in the Poconos. Jenika shares how she went from an empty piece of land to a fully furnished, guest-ready home, and the lessons she learned along the way. They dive into what actually holds up in a rental, where to invest vs. save, and the items hosts end up replacing more often than expected. From real leather couches to jute rugs and go-to linens, this episode is full of practical insights for anyone designing a short-term rental. Not a Minoan member? Sign up today and receive $25 Minoan credit in your account. https://minoan.com/minoan-podcast [https://minoan.com/minoan-podcast] Check out Black Bear Cabin on Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1261093278710830117?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=ece1b289-a5a9-449a-b2b2-eb1c222af280 [https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1261093278710830117?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=ece1b289-a5a9-449a-b2b2-eb1c222af280] Shop Black Bear Cabin on their Minoan Showroom: https://minoan.com/shop/black-bear-poconos-cabin [https://minoan.com/shop/black-bear-poconos-cabin]