Hello & Welcome!
Since we have a fresh new website & platform I figured I would do a little intro so you know how Wilde Folk got to this point in time!
Earlier this Summer, I decided to put a pause on perfumery production. In fact, some of y’all might not even know that I was a perfumer!
To keep a long story short, from 2018-2026 I made & sold a variety of plant based perfumes. I schlepped products to in-person markets, I fulfilled wholesale orders and I even had a licensing gig with Sarah J Maas. Yes THE Sarah J Maas and her team, as I designed a collection of character based perfumes from her best selling series, A Court of Thorns and Roses.
But like many companies over the years, our cost of goods kept increasing, and our sales kept decreasing. Which brought us to the bittersweet decision to pause the perfumery side of Wilde Folk, and invest in the part of the business that was actually making money- our Airbnb & design services.
And not to be dramatic…but I’ve never been happier! Yes it was an adjustment at first, but now that it’s been a few months…I’m REALLY enjoying not doing the product side of things and pouring my time into design instead.
Interior design has always been one of my favorite forms of art. And believe it or not, hosting an short term rental has been a dream of mine for years. Yes, years! And while I know that sounds like some people’s absolute worst nightmare, I truly cannot get enough of it.
Perhaps it’s the enneagram 2 in me, but creating a cozy yet soulful space that makes your guest feel seen, and special, gives me a high like none other. I love putting myself in the guests' shoes, and anticipating their needs. Not to mention the property management, and the continual “how can we make this space even cooler for guests?” gives me LIFE. Even typing this up does something to me, man!! It’s like a fun puzzle that my creative soul thrives in!
And while I desperately hoped that our Airbnb would do well in the first year, I didn’t expect what happened to actually happen.
We almost immediately started getting bookings, and glowing (if I do say so myself) 5 star reviews. Guests took notice upon all the little design details, such as our luxurious bamboo sheets, and designer hand soap. It eventually got to a point where we were no longer just hosting guests that were in town visiting family, but celebrities who wanted a quieter Austin experience away from the downtown chaos. Yes, CELEBRITIES! I’m still not over this fact.
Over the months, Austin-based business owners & homeowners started reaching out asking for design help in their own spaces. While we are slowly but surely building our design portfolio, I’m doing my best to consistently show up and crank out social media content, while also connecting with potential clients, and reaching out to publications to get our little boutique studio noticed.
Who knew pausing one dream would make room for so many other opportunities?! I’m grateful for this new chapter - full of cozy & soulful spaces, and lots of airbnb guests.
If you've been dreaming about refreshing your own home, business, or short term rental, I'd love to hear about it. You can reach out through our design inquiry form, or come stay at the Bungalow and see the Wilde Folk magic in person. Either way, thank you for being here. It means more than you know!!
Stay wilde folks!,