From Design Firm to Direct Booking Success: How Janice Built a Thriving STR Brand with Resilience and Smart Marketing

When Janice Thayer launched her short-term rental business, Curated Properties, she wasn’t just starting a new venture — she was reinventing her entire career. After decades of running an interior architecture and design firm, Janice found herself navigating a major life transition. With resilience, creativity, and a deep understanding of hospitality, she transformed her personal property into a direct booking success story.

In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, Janice shares her incredible journey from design firm owner to sought-after STR host in Abingdon, Virginia. Along the way, she faced challenges familiar to many hosts: limited local resources, the steep learning curve of property management, and the complexities of marketing directly to guests.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:
• Leverage Your Background: Janice’s design expertise and hospitality mindset gave her an edge in creating a luxury guest experience.
• Start with Education: By joining Hosting Business Mastery (HBM) before launching her first property, Janice accelerated her learning curve and avoided costly mistakes.
• Maximize Your Property: She creatively reconfigured her home into multiple rentable units, increasing her income potential while maintaining guest privacy and comfort.
• Implement Dynamic Pricing: Janice credits dynamic pricing as a game-changer for her revenue growth.
• Build Direct Booking Pathways: Through SEO-friendly social media profiles, a well-designed website, and consistent guest communication, Janice now generates nearly 30% of her bookings direct — without paid ads.
• Create a Strong Mindset: Resilience and problem-solving are at the heart of Janice’s success. She emphasizes the importance of thinking strategically and adapting to challenges.

Today, Janice’s business continues to grow. She’s doubled her revenue year over year, built a loyal base of direct-booking guests, and remains an active, engaged member of HBM — showing that success isn’t just about starting strong but staying committed to continual learning and improvement.

If you’re a host looking to increase revenue, attract better guests, and take more control over your business, Janice’s story will inspire you to take action and to help you think through how you want to approach these tricky situations in your own business.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Join our FREE upcoming workshop: thanksforvisiting.com/workshop
• Hostfully | Use Code TFV500 for $500 off!
• Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!
• The #1 Airbnb Revenue Management Metric You NEED to know about! | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
• #STRShareSunday: @curatedproperties_
• Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com

#STRShareSunday

@curatedproperties_

Today’s #STRShareSunday goes to @curatedproperties_ and her beautiful property The Cozy Oasis in Abingdon, Virginia! Janice is an HBM member whose passion for hospitality shines through every thoughtful detail — from the stunning koi pond views to the stocked coffee and breakfast bar that feels like pure guest care. We love how she creates true little sanctuaries that still feel welcoming, accessible, and rooted in comfort. The Cozy Oasis is the perfect peaceful basecamp, whether you’re heading out to the Barter Theatre, hiking the Creeper Trail, or simply curling up in the sunroom and letting the day slow down.

Janice, we are so proud to celebrate your work and can’t wait to see what you do next!

📍Check out The Cozy Oasis and her full portfolio at @curatedproperties_!

We would love to feature YOU! Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com.