Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Chaparro and Philip Buchanan.
Ashley and Philip, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Working in corporate sales for several years, I began to grow tired of the “nine-to-five” lifestyle. As [I feel] many others agree, it seemed as though my efforts were not truly appreciated at the company I worked for. I wasn’t positive about what was in store next, but I knew it had to be something different.
One weekend, a family member invited me to his Airbnb for a get-together. To say the least, I was impressed and intrigued. You could tell that his property was not only a profitable investment, but it also brought genuine joy to his life serving his guests. I wondered, “could I one day have my own Airbnb?” So, I ask him. After months of conversation on the topic, I decided to take the dive.
It wasn’t easy at first, and I think I dodged some bullets. The first set of properties I saw in my price range needed A LOT of work, and when I begin to put the numbers on paper, it could get scary at times. But then, I found it: the Peach-State Pad. I knew almost instantly this was the place I would call home, and eventually, my Airbnb guests would call home for the night.
Once all the paperwork was signed and the keys were in my hand, I knew I would need help. Being a self-proclaimed “dummy” when it comes to interior design, social media, and the rest, there was only one person who could make my vision a reality; my girlfriend! I must say, without Ashley, none of this would have happened as it did (the design, the PLUS listing, the social media following, the professional photos, etc.). And in present state, she is the best host I could imagine. The effort she puts into the Airbnb is next level. Thanks to Ashley, you will see personalized notes and gifts, seasonal and holiday decorations, all the works.
So here we are as proud owners of the Peach-State Pad, but it isn’t done yet. In 2020, you can look forward to extreme renovations and TWO more Peach-State Pad properties joining Airbnb!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We know all about struggles!
To begin with, I lost my job THE WEEK AFTER closing on the house. Yes, that’s right. I just bought my first house, an investment property that I spent every dime on, and I now find that 1.) I have no job or income and 2.) I am essentially banned for 12 months from my industry due to a non-compete document I signed. But that’s a whole other story! I eventually got on my feet by starting a flooring and painting business, and that had its own set of challenges. When I finally got my income to a point of paying the bills, I had nothing left over for investing in renovations and/or furniture and amenities for the Airbnb. Because of this, it took over a year to get the place listed!
Next, “Hell Week.” It’s the week before the Super Bowl, and we are ready to go! We hear and read that Airbnb’s in our part of the city are charging over $1,000 a night, and we definitely wanted to be a part of that. Well, this was when Murphy decided to pay us a visit. Just the week before the Super Bowl (and the week we intended to begin hosting) the following occurred: 1.) a flood in the basement 2.) the furnace blows out 3.) the water heater breaks 4.) a gas leak is discovered. All of these problems had to be fixed immediately, and long story short, we missed the deadline.
Peach-State Pad – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We provide a cozy, quaint home near downtown Atlanta for guests all over the country and world to enjoy. We take pride in doing anything and everything within our abilities to ensure our guests have a perfect place to stay.
We set ourselves apart by first offering the special touches. This includes FOUR pillows per bed with different levels of squishiness, a fully-loaded coffee bar (Keurig), and personalized gifts and letters, but it also includes heartfelt favors like fresh flowers. For example, we offer all military personnel a discount, allow early check-in and late check-out free-of-charge whenever possible, and understand when certain accidents happen (such as a broken wine glass). We don’t just think of you as a customer; you are our guest!
Lastly, we are all about community here. When at the Peach-State Pad, you will KNOW you’re in Atlanta. Not only because of the unmistakeable Georgia heat but also, our home is covered in local-made art and decor. We ventured all throughout Atlanta, Kennesaw, and even up to Gwinnett to find the most unique local treasures. Ashley DIY’d a lot of the decor as well.
We actually have accomplished another goal of ours- being a Superhost on Airbnb! It definitely sets us apart with our listing also being an “Airbnb Plus” listing. Only 7% of all Airbnb hosts are superhosts and only 0.04% are Airbnb Plus verified. I (Ashley) also started my own company that helps other people start their own short term rental or spruce up their existing rental property. My Instagram: for that is @Chaparroconsulting.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Our happiest moments are when we see and reap the benefits of the hard work we did together. Something as simple as our bright yellow front door. When we hear, “we love that yellow door,” we think about the day we purchased the perfect color and each put a brush in our hands, a memory neither of us will ever forget. To us, success is not defined by money or fame, but by working hard to accomplish our mutual goals that in turn, put smiles on faces.
Pricing:
- Our property starts at $99 a night
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abnb.me/Jlm9QakA6Y
- Phone: 7709900653
- Email: philipibuchanan@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @PeachStatePad
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