Q: How long have you lived/worked in Lexington?

5 years

Q: What led you to your current career and why do you love it?

After graduating from the University of Kentucky & getting my first “big girl job”, I quickly realized that a desk job was not for me. I love to help people, I enjoy being creative, & I like to do something a little different every single day. I was blessed with the opportunity to work with a property management company to learn more about this industry & everything it had to offer. I have always dreamt of owning my own business & after being presented with a really neat opportunity, I took a leap of faith and started Experienced Stays with some wonderful partners.

Q: What would you like for people to know about your job/business?

Experienced Stays creates a 5-star experience for everyone involved. We are passionate about ensuring that each guest enjoys their stay in our short-term rentals, but also enjoys their stay in Lexington, Kentucky. We provide our guests with different packages that offer unique local experiences that they will not be able to get anywhere else. We also work hard to make sure our clients are receiving a 5-star service from us. Our clients receive 24/7 communication, complete transparency through owner portals, and calendar optimization for each of their properties.

Q: What or who has been your biggest inspiration?

My family has been my biggest inspiration in life. At a very young age, I was taught how to be a leader by being the oldest of five children. My dad was a businessman & my mom is a nurse in London, Kentucky. I grew up watching them both work very hard to be successful and provide for their children. After my dad passed away in 2016, I watched my mom take on both roles to continue being the best she can be for the entire family. My dad always inspired me to work hard for what I want & my mom has inspired me to never give up, no matter how hard life gets.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lexington and what is your go-to item on the menu?

I love Windy Corner & soup beans are always my go-to item because it reminds me of home!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I want to travel to Alaska! My dad’s favorite show was “Alaska: The Last Frontier” & he promised that when he got better, we would go to Alaska. I know he is in a better place, so it is time for me to take that trip for him!

Q: What is your favorite thing about Lexington?

I love Lexington because one minute you can feel like you’re in a city & the next you can feel like you’re out in the country. I love spending time with friends at Thursday Night Live in downtown Lexington, but I also enjoy long drives watching sunsets and looking at all of the beautiful farms here.

Q: Where do you take friends and family from out of town when they visit?

I love to take friends and family to Keeneland during the spring or fall meets so they can enjoy the races & a good hotdog. It is always really special when they get to stay in one of Experienced Stay’s short-term rentals so they can get a feel for what I do every day!

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

Life is wild & you never know where it will take you, but I do know that I want to be proud of the business that I started when I was 24 years old. I want to take my brand nationally to continue creating great experiences for guests & clients. I want to be in a position where I never have to choose work over family.

Q: If you could have lunch with any living person, who would it be?

The country part of me wants to say Dolly Parton, but the business part of me wants to say Barbara Corcoran. I think both women are very respectable in today’s society. They both grew up very poor but refused to let that hold them back from being successful women who continue to make a huge impact.

Q: Where can we find you on your day off?

On my day off, I either travel to London to spend time with my family or find something fun to do outside!

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

I want to see the Northern Lights!

Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?

I was born with six fingers on my right finger. If my parents didn’t get it removed, I could have been a great piano player!

Q: What is a topic you wish you knew more about?

I want to make Experienced Stays a national company, so I would love to know more about the real estate markets in more states than I do now!

Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show & what are you currently binge-watching?

My favorite movie is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off & I am currently binge watching The Office, again.

Q: What do you feel that is an essential part of your daily or weekly routine that contributes to your overall well-being?

I always find a place where I can be alone and recharge. I like to visit local coffee shops, The Blushery, or a park to read a book or get organized for the week.

Q: If you were cast in a movie, who would your co-star be?

I would love to be in a movie with Dolly Parton, preferably at Dollywood.

Q: Who is your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

I don’t have a specific brand, but I always turn it to my 70’s & 80’s playlist. They don’t make music like they used to!

Q: If you could give advice to any group of people, what would it be?

Life isn’t always easy and it isn’t always fair, but tough situations build strong people. The adversity we face in life is just a stepping stone to greatness. Never give up and always work hard for what you want, the only person stopping you is you.