How Kristen and Michael Built a Standout STR Brand in Joshua Tree (Episode 503)

Joshua Tree may be a crowded market, but Kristen and Michael prove that with the right mix of creativity, strategy, and storytelling, you can still stand out. Their journey into hosting started with risk—living in their property during renovations and betting on themselves when family members doubted the move. Four years later, The Seventh Ray House is thriving.

In this episode of Thanks for Visiting, Sarah and Annette sit down with Kristen and Michael to uncover how they built a brand that goes beyond just another rental listing.

Here are some highlights from their story:

  • Starting small, reinvesting big: From wedding registry plates to a $7,500 hot tub, every upgrade was carefully timed for maximum ROI.
  • Photography as a game changer: Hiring a professional photographer instantly elevated their listing and bookings.
  • Direct booking strategy: Using Lodgify, they built a site that looks professional, is easy to manage, and helps reduce OTA dependence.
  • Staying true to their vision: Instead of chasing every trend, they focused on creating a property and brand they’re genuinely proud of.
  • Facing industry shifts: With the “gold rush” era over, they see the future of STRs belonging to hosts who provide real value and thoughtful design.

Their biggest takeaway? Success in short-term rentals comes from combining passion with discipline—slowing down in the right moments so you can speed up long-term growth.


Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:


#STRShareSunday

@theseventhrayhouse

We’re absolutely smitten with The Seventh Ray House in Joshua Tree! This dreamy desert escape perfectly captures that bohemian sanctuary vibe we can’t get enough of. From the moment you step onto their 5 private acres, you’re transported—think Nordic hot tub under starlit skies, a dedicated circular stargazing platform, and that gorgeous vintage 1970s bar that’s basically begging for golden hour photos.

What really caught our attention? Their Instagram game is chef’s kiss levels of aesthetic—seriously, @theseventhrayhouse serves up the most cohesive, dreamy feed that perfectly captures the property’s magical energy. Plus, we love that they’ve invested in their own direct booking site alongside their Airbnb listing—it shows they’re thinking long-term about their guest experience.

But here’s our favorite touch: they don’t just stock their space with beautiful Cozy Earth bamboo sheets and premium amenities—they actually hook their guests up with a 40% discount code to snag the same products for home. It’s that perfect blend of “try before you buy” hospitality that makes you feel like you’re staying with friends who happen to have impeccable taste. The attention to detail, from Moroccan rugs to handcrafted lighting, creates an experience that’s Instagram-worthy and soul-nourishing.

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

Together, Annette & Sarah are the dynamic duo behind the wildly popular podcast Thanks For Visiting, co-creators of the Hosting Business Mastery Method, & seasoned short-term-rental hosts.

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