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The STR Sisterhood

The STR Sisterhood

Written by: Stacey St. John
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Whether you’re brand new to Airbnb or an experienced Superhost, you’re giving yourself the gift of financial freedom and FUN when you enter the short-term rental space. If there’s anyone who knows this, it’s Stacey St. John. She built a 7-figure STR portfolio in less than two years and was able to leave her W2 thanks to the earnings from her properties. Today, she’s living the life she was always meant to live – on her terms. And on her new podcast, The STR Sisterhood, she’s sharing how you can, too! On this show, it’s all about you and your short-term rental journey. You’ll hear actionable advice from industry experts as well as inspiring stories from real women about their experiences, achievements, frustrations, and challenges…and how they’ve managed to turn their short-term rental dreams into reality. If you’re an ambitious woman who’s looking to have a 5-star Airbnb business on your hands without having to sacrifice the things you love, then tune in every week for all the goodness!Stacey St. John Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • From Rock Bottom to STR Success: Rebuilding with Mindset and Strategy with Elle Anderson
    May 12 2026
    What would you do if you lost everything—twice—and had to rebuild your life, your finances, and your identity from the ground up? Most people would let the weight of that loss define them. In this episode, I sit down with acquisitions expert and STR investor Elle Anderson. We’re diving into her extraordinary journey from the depths of financial loss to building a business rooted in mindset, identity work, and high-level strategy.Inside the episode, I dive into:How Elle jumped into buying businesses with no money, raising equity, and learning the high-stakes game of investor relations on the flyWhat happened when Elle’s last $5 became the catalyst for a total identity shift, moving her from chronic worry to conscious creationHow Elle applies deep due diligence to real estate, spotting market gaps and adding high-ROI amenities like year-round pools to outperform the competitionA creative, guest-centric approach to winning over neighbors and building community goodwill around your rentalsExploring the connection between your nervous system, your identity, and the actual results in your bank accountBut this isn't just a story about a comeback. It’s about the freedom of choice. Elle pulls back the curtain on why she walked away from a company with 120 employees to find the flexibility and creativity of short-term rentals. You’ll hear how she designs for "memorable moments", from slides between floors to interactive design touches, and why she believes bold action is only possible once you’ve done the inner work to support it.If you’ve ever wondered if you can truly recover from a setback and build something even better on the other side, this conversation is your proof. Get ready to stop praying for things to go wrong and start training your mind for what’s possible.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:54] A short introduction about our guest Elle Anderson, and how she began her entrepreneurial journey with no experience or capital, relying on belief, resourcefulness, and investor support[04:12] Elle explains how she navigated entering business acquisitions with no experience or capital, relying on belief, resourcefulness, and investor support[06:05] Elle describes the wide variety of businesses she acquired and shares how her follow-up approach helped build trust and credibility with investors.[08:58] Elle recounts the second time she was left with only $5, no food for her two-year-old son, and describes how a profound shift in mindset transformed her path forward[13:01] How Elle recognized her lifelong tendency to worry and transformed it into intentional focus on positive outcomes.[15:29] Elle shares how she learned to harness awareness and intention to transform her mindset, even after repeated setbacks [18:37] Elle talks about the emotional impact after her first financial loss and how she began the long journey of rebuilding without the knowledge she needed[21:22] Elle describes her recipe for success, emphasizing the power of momentum and decisive action in rebuilding and growing her businesses[23:05] Why taking imperfect action and learning from mistakes is more powerful than waiting for the perfect moment[26:56] Elle’s transition from large-scale business acquisitions to short-term rentals and how she identifies gaps in competitive markets[32:38] Elle shares how she translates lessons from business acquisitions into short-term rentals, using due diligence, creative design, and strategic ROI-driven decisions [37:20] Elle talks about the foundational mindset shift that transforms success, even in moments of uncertainty or doubt[38:47] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“Where you put your attention is where your energy goes, and that grows.”“I would celebrate my success long before it happened. And it just kept coming and coming and coming.”“Worrying is one of the biggest wastes of energy ever possible, because you end up putting out into the world what ultimately you're going to attract.”“My brain is literally just a data center. It's just a big old, massive computer, right? And what we input into that computer directly affects the output that we're able to get from it.”“Once I understood about mindset and identity, like who you believe you are inside, then it all made sense. You don't have to be smart, you don't even have to be good, you don't even have to have the best tactics. You just have to believe that it's going to be successful.”“You have to have action, even if it's not perfect action. You're going to learn and you're going to adjust, and you're going to get better.”“Perfectionism is one reason why people don't take action because they're waiting to do something until they get that home run, or it's a slam dunk, or they know for sure.”“Failure comes from mistakes only when we don't learn from them.”Let’s Connect:Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/elle.ande.10Resource Mentioned: Innercise: The New Science to Unlock Your Brain's Hidden ...
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    45 mins
  • Fixing the Messy Middle of Airbnb Hosting: The Story Behind Simpli Host with Beth Turner
    May 5 2026
    What happens when the “messy middle” of short-term rental hosting gets so chaotic that you decide to build the software you wish already existed? Most hosts just keep duct-taping systems together; my guest today decided to build a better way.In this episode, I sit down with Beth Turner, the non-technical founder of Simpli Host. We’re talking about the unfiltered reality of operating multiple short-term rentals while working a demanding full-time job, and how that operational anxiety pushed her to create an all-in-one platform designed for the hands-on host.We dive into:The "messy middle" of juggling seven different apps and the constant anxiety of wondering if the cleaner showed up or the hot tub is actually hot.Practical tools for reclaiming your peace—from the power of a deep breath to reframing yourself as a true business owner rather than a "side-hustle" host.How repeated requests for help led to a platform with unified messaging, integrated locks, and seasonal maintenance reminders.The hard lessons of hiring and firing dev teams, trusting the experts, and resisting the urge to "just learn to code."Why establishing firm policies and guardrails around things like pets and trash days is the only way to protect both your profit and your sanity.But this isn't just about software. It’s about buying back your time. We pull back the curtain on the importance of quiet time, journaling, and surrounding yourself with a community that understands the unique weight of this industry. You’ll hear about the power of a daily gratitude practice and a vision for building a business that serves your life, rather than one that consumes it.If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in notifications and logistics, this conversation will offer you a roadmap to systems, support, and a more aligned way of hosting. Get ready to move out of the chaos and into a more intentional way of leading.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:47] A short introduction about our guest Beth Turner, her accidental journey into short-term rentals, and how she started Simpli Host[02:52] Beth describes the chaotic behind-the-scenes reality that quietly overwhelms hosts before they realize something has to change [05:13] Beth and I challenge the “passive income” myth and highlight the hands-on reality of running short-term rentals[06:51] Beth shares how the “messy middle” actually begins earlier, when juggling a full-time job, constant travel, and nonstop guest demands[09:40] Beth reveals how simple mental shifts, not complex systems, helped her regain control in high-stress hosting moments[12:18] How separating identity from the business helps operators lead more objectively, improve standards, and make stronger operational decisions[16:44] How documenting processes, especially through simple repeatable methods, prevents knowledge from being siloed and ensures business continuity and consistency[20:41] How using policies as a neutral authority helps operators remove emotion from guest decisions and maintain consistency, even when running solo[21:54] Beth explains how fragmented systems and operational overload led her to create Simpli Host as a unified solution for short-term rental management[25:37] Beth describes how the software functions as a centralized system that brings together the core operational layers of short-term rental management[31:58] Beth explains how building Simpli Host forced her to delegate, stop coding herself, and shifting from frustration and control to empowerment and trust in her team[34:36] Beth and I explore how clarity, creativity, and business insight emerge through quiet reflection, self-awareness, and intentional disconnection from noise[43:56] The importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive network of women and operators at different stages of their short-term rental journeys[47:26] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“One thing that people don't realize is, STRs are not passive.”“You feel that rising and you know that you're no longer in a good mental space to make good choices. And even if you do make good choices, you're rolling the dice on that choice when you're in that state. So one of those is taking, taking that deep breath.”“I think it is so important that we learn as business owners to separate ourselves from the business.”“Having good people in your business is 100% essential. However, I will say, you know, I learned a huge lesson. Yeah, along with those good people, we have to make sure that if they're smarter than you about something, they're helping you build your policies, your processes and procedures. So that if they ever got hit by a bus, you know you would still operate without them.”“Exploit your strengths and hide your weaknesses.”“Having a network of other women around us who have experienced different things that are in all different stages of their businesses, I will tell you, I have mastermind programs. I have mentorships, I learn as much from...
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    56 mins
  • Building an STR Business Through Faith & Grit with Christina Tracy
    Apr 28 2026
    Have you ever felt a deep nudge to change your life, but had no idea what the path ahead would look like, and stepped forward anyway? Most people wait for a perfect plan; Christina Tracy is proof that you only need the courage to take the first imperfect step.In this episode, we’re tracing her journey from a handshake deal on an off-market property in Ohio to building a multi-market portfolio across Florida and Charlotte, all while navigating the messy reality of flipping houses with a toddler in tow.We talk about:How Christina jumped into real estate with zero experience, relying on grit and YouTube tutorials to build her first successful portfolio.How Christina’s background in public health turned her into a "data nerd" who uses tools like PriceLabs to master pricing and performance.A candid conversation on rebuilding trust, reconnecting with God, and finding peace after seasons of grief and "hustle culture."The healing power of quiet time, prayer, and meditation as tools for hearing your own voice, and God’s, again.Shifting from "controlling tasks" to "empowering outcomes" and how inner growth changes the way you hire and lead a team.Christina pulls back the curtain on what it means to lead a values-driven, people-first business while protecting your own energy. You’ll hear why intentionality is the ultimate secret to scaling, and how a deep spiritual foundation provides the peace required to navigate the growing pains of entrepreneurship.If you’ve been sensing that there is a different, more peaceful way to build your empire, this conversation will speak straight to your heart. Get ready to stop surviving the grind and start leading with purpose.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:59] A short introduction about our guest Christina Tracy, the owner of STR Host Company[05:31] Christina shares her background in public health and real estate and describes how she transitioned into short-term rentals by combining data analysis with hospitality[06:15] Christina shares taking action on their first investment property without experience and reflects on the challenges and lessons from learning through doing[10:19] Christina’s shift from a grind mindset to a more intentional approach, explaining how she learned to move through challenges with greater awareness, grace, and alignment over time[12:19] How Christina developed awareness of limiting beliefs through intentional practices like solitude, journaling, and daily routines that build self-trust and mental clarity[15:55] Christina and I share how reconnecting with God profoundly shaped our personal growth and resilience, illustrating the role of faith in navigating life’s challenges[22:20] Christina shares how cultivating inner peace has transformed her daily life, relationships, and business[23:34] Christina shares her daily habits and mindset practices for maintaining inner peace, protecting her energy, and creating a positive, aligned environment both personally and professionally[27:38] How Christina mentally prepares for challenging situations by grounding herself, focusing on service, and detaching from outcomes while trusting the bigger picture[29:48] The challenges of building and leading an aligned team while the host shares leadership strategies for hiring, developing, and empowering team members as a business evolves[37:21] How I integrate mindset and emotional awareness into leadership through coaching, trust-building, and proactive communication rather than formal discussions about mindset[42:41] Christina shares practical advice for those feeling stuck or disconnected by encouraging them to dream freely, identify internal resistance, and grow through small, intentional steps[45:08] The lightning roundGolden Nuggets:“You can't sit in the planning forever. You have to take action.”“If I'm sandwiching my day with truth, then it kind of keeps me more aligned as the day goes on.”“In every failure, there's always a seed of benefit being planted.”“It's really important that you're working towards a goal.”“I don't delegate tasks. I empower people to produce business results.”“Give yourself space to dream. That's always where we start.”Let’s Connect:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/christinatracy/ Proudly Sponsored by PriceLabs: https://pricelabs.co/users/sign_up?referral=STRSISTEREnjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
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    50 mins
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