Episode Summary:

In this episode, Diana Stobo, a pioneering chef and advocate for wellness and healthy living, shares her transformative journey from a raw food advocate to a wellness real estate pioneer in Costa Rica. Diana discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a wellness hotel focused on healing modalities and the philosophy of "slumming it in luxury" in the hospitality industry. Joined by Ariela, they dive into the importance of staff retention, leadership in hospitality, and the personal journey of self-discovery and overcoming Imposter Syndrome.

Episode Time Stamps:

• 0:00 - Introduction to Diana Stobo and her journey in Costa Rica
• 2:09 - Building a wellness hotel with a focus on healing modalities
• 7:13 - Overcoming challenges in Costa Rica: Staffing, regulations, and growth
• 11:29 - Luxury hotels in Costa Rica and Bali: Personalized service and unique experiences
• 18:21 - The challenges of building and leading a team in the hospitality industry
• 22:25 - Self-discovery and leadership: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and finding self-worth

Episode Highlights:

• Diana's transition from a raw food advocate to a wellness real estate pioneer
• The concept of building a wellness hotel starting with food and expanding to include various healing modalities
• The decision to build in Costa Rica over Thailand and the associated challenges
• "Slumming it in luxury" and the importance of unique experiences in luxury travel
• The significance of staff retention and creating an authentic, intimate guest experience
• Ariela's insights on leadership, balancing compassion with effective management
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and the journey of self-discovery and personal growth

Episode Conclusion:

Diana and Ariela highlight the transformative power of wellness, not just in the context of a hotel or travel experience, but as a personal journey of growth, leadership, and authenticity. They stress the importance of knowing oneself, being direct, and maintaining integrity in both personal and professional life. This episode serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the hospitality industry or seeking personal transformation through wellness.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela for more insightful discussions on the boutique lifestyle lodging industry. Thank you to our sponsor, Solonis!

Keep connected with BLLA for the latest updates and explore BLLA.org for more resources. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up with the pulse of boutique hospitality.

Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode of The Unfamiliar Shift, Ariela engages with Audrey Laurent and Sergio MacLean, the visionary principals of Mac&Lo Hospitality. The duo dives into their unique approach to curating immersive and impactful guest experiences, drawing from their diverse cultural backgrounds and deep artistic roots. From initiating operations from the ground up to spearheading custom hospitality projects, Audrey and Sergio share insights into their exemplary service ethos, molded by industry icons like Ian Schrager and Andre Balaz.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to hospitality industry insights with Mac&Lo principals
• 00:02:46 - Discussion on luxury hotel design and approachability in Detroit through the Shinola and Bedrock partnership
• 00:11:51 - Insights into the hospitality industry backgrounds, training, and the art of storytelling in service
• 00:18:25 - Exploration of hotel management and operations with a focus on culture and design

Episode Highlights:

• Hospitality Industry Insights: Audrey and Sergio share their journey in creating bespoke hospitality experiences, highlighting their diverse cultural backgrounds and artistic influences.
• Luxury Hotel Design in Detroit: The episode sheds light on their partnership with Shinola and Bedrock, revealing their commitment to celebrating Detroit's culture and heritage while providing a luxury experience. Ariela, Audrey, and Sergio discuss the evolving trends in hotel service, emphasizing the importance of approachability and personalized service.
• Backgrounds and Training: The episode takes a deep dive into the backgrounds of Audrey and Sergio, showcasing how elements from acting, arts, and service industries blend to create a unique approach to hospitality, focusing on storytelling and meticulous service.
• Hotel Management and Operations: Audrey and Sergio recount their experiences in managing hotels in NYC, their meeting at the Mercer hotel, and their journey in building a company that thrives on a blend of culture, design, and exceptional operational standards.

Episode Conclusion:

Wrapping up this episode of The Unfamiliar Shift, Ariela highlights the passion and dedication of Audrey and Sergio in redefining hospitality through their unique blend of culture, design, and impeccable service. Their journey from the grassroots in the industry to leading bespoke hospitality projects serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of innovation, personalized service, and a deep understanding of guests' needs. This episode not only sheds light on the intricate workings of luxury hotel management but also celebrates the diverse backgrounds and creative approaches that drive the industry forward.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela for more insightful discussions on the boutique lifestyle lodging industry. Thank you to our sponsor, Solonis!

Keep connected with BLLA for the latest updates and explore BLLA.org for more resources. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up with the pulse of boutique hospitality.

[Episode Summary]

In this episode of "The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela," host Ariela Kiradjian is joined by industry expert Cory Schisler to dive into the world of authentic hotel and restaurant brand building. Cory shares his insights, experiences, and valuable advice on creating unique and successful hospitality ventures. From a luxury boutique hotel project in wine country to the intricacies of branding, PR, influencer marketing, and the power of creativity, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge for anyone in the hospitality industry.

[Episode Timestamps]

• Introduction: Authentic hotel and restaurant brand building with Cory Schisler. (0:00)
• A luxury boutique hotel project in wine country. (1:56)
• Funding and positioning a boutique hotel in wine country. (6:11)
• Branding and messaging for a boutique hotel. (12:14)
• Preopening budget for PR and its impact on a hotel's success. (15:44)
• Influencer marketing for a small hotel. (20:16)
• Creativity, reading habits, and podcasting. (26:19)
• 
  

[Episode Highlights]

Introduction: Authentic hotel and restaurant brand building with Cory Schisler. (0:00)

• Cory shares insights on building authentic hotel and restaurant brands.

A luxury boutique hotel project in wine country. (1:56)

• The Madrona in Healdsburg, California, opened a year and a half ago.
• The trio behind the project, including Cory Schisler, found the hotel through serendipity and shared passion for real estate and design.
• They pursued the opportunity despite initial assumptions, showcasing the power of following creativity and living in flow.

Funding and positioning a boutique hotel in wine country. (6:11)

• The Madrona offers a cosmopolitan experience with a high-end cocktail program and luxury service.
• Securing funding for smaller properties with under 50 rooms can be challenging; Cory shares his approach through personal connections and networking.
• Challenges faced, including the pandemic and election cycle, were overcome with community support and helpful county permits.
• Building relationships with neighbors and stakeholders from the beginning was a priority.

Preopening budget for PR and its impact on a hotel's success. (15:44)

• PR is crucial for a successful hotel opening; allocating a significant budget for pre-opening PR efforts is advised.
• Establishing awareness and building relationships with PR partners for ongoing interest in the hotel is vital.
• Collaborative PR efforts with a nearby winery resulted in mutual benefits and increased exposure.

Influencer marketing for a small hotel. (20:16)

• Building relationships with publications and influencers is essential for driving awareness and inquiries for small hotels.
• Influencers as content creators play a key role in keeping the brand visible and relevant.
• Measuring digital marketing efforts through metrics and data for bookings and ROI is crucial.
• Finding balance in a partnership, with creativity and finance/hospitality focus, is discussed.

Creativity, reading habits, and podcasting. (26:19)

• Ariela and Cory discuss multitasking reading habits and creative brains.
• Cory shares his approach to reading books based on mood and the importance of creativity in the industry.
• 
  

[Episode Conclusion]

This episode of "The Unfamiliar Shift with Ariela" provides invaluable insights into the world of authentic hotel and restaurant brand building, with Cory Schisler sharing his experiences and expertise. From finding the perfect boutique hotel project to funding, branding, PR, and influencer marketing, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed in the hospitality industry. The...