Jilayne Smith's story is one we can relate to. Feeling burnt out in medicine, she looked for something that could revive her purpose and passion for life. She found that empowerment in hosting. Today, Jilayne owns The Nest Collective, a growing short term rental company based in Colorado. With the help of HostGPO, she is able to save money while furnishing her properties with durable, beautiful pieces. Read her take on her craziest hosting story and see how she revived her passion for life.

How many years have you been in the short term rental industry and how did you get started?

In August of 2020 we bought a second home with another family and decided to renovate. In order to pay for the renovations, we opted to AirBnb it one weekend a month. Only because I didn’t want to pay a property management company 30%, I agreed to take on the management of that home and got bit by the hosting bug!

My husband and I loved taking something old and dated, and giving it new life and love. We bought the next property in March of 2021, gutted that to be able to short term rental full time. Again, in October of 2021, was our latest renovation/STR acquisition. I’m a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner by day and I realized I LOVE helping others, taking care of people and providing customer service. Only with hosting, I get to be a part of their joy and good times and not the hardest most vulnerable. A major bonus is I get to be more in control of my income which I’ve not had in 21 years of medicine. So, I suppose that is 1.5 years :)

What do you find most rewarding about your career?

Positive feedback, hearing people notice the details that I focused on to provide them a 5-star experience.

What is your favorite rental property you have and why do you love it?

I love the Lake House and The Mountain House for two very different reasons. I love water, and where the water meets the mountain is my happy place. The views of Lake Dillon from this precious condo had my heart the moment I walked into it. I love the lighter and brighter colors of the Lake House and how some of the smallest of changes felt so drastically different. Furthermore, I love the Mountain House because it’s where we as a family stay because it’s larger so we can have more friends and it’s also pet friendly. With every property I’ve learned a little more and of course with the second…I found HostGPO :)

What's the craziest story you have from hosting?

The craziest story is that I never knew I could be so brave. I feel empowered, full of joy (and stress of course), but I have a renewed purpose and passion.

What's one "pro-tip" you'd be willing to pass on to the community?

Find mentors, get your learn on, embrace other hosts and create community not competition.

What's the most recent item that you can remember that you've ordered from HostGPO?

Society6!

What would you tell others about whether to join HostGPO?

Why did you not do it yesterday!?