Amanda Jacobellis | CEO / Agent of Your Destination Homes
Amanda Jacobelli
CEO / Agent of Your Destination Homes
Q: Walk us through your story!
A: I found my passion for real estate after buying our first home. We renovated it to meet our families growing needs and was able to sell it 5 years later for double what we had invested. I love utilizing my design skills to add value to homes. More recently we decided to buy the Getaway after we helped grandma uplift her property up in Mammoth, CA. We wanted to have a family home in the mountains closer to us in Los Angeles. We purchased the Getaway a couple months and renovated it to have a cabin chic feel. Now we both host it as a short term rental and use it for our family trips!
Q: How has covid affected travel?
A: For us, Covid was a blessing as far as travel goes. Big Bear is a quick drive from Los Angeles, so being able to escape to the mountains and still be socially distance has been a blessing for our family as well as our guests. There aren't many places we can travel to so local destinations and stay-cations are hot right now.
Q: Who has been the most inspirational person in my life and at what stage?
A: Have to go with my mom on this one. My mom has been a constant inspiration and has definitely made me the woman I am. Her favorite quote was, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" and I still live by that today.
Q: What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a career similar to yours?
A: Do what you love. I run two other full-time successful businesses. There are always struggles when you are growing and learning but it makes life more exciting. If you love what you do, it will be work, but you will be able to persevere to hit your goals!
Q: What are the best resources that have helped you along the way?
A: I love podcasts and taking classes in everything I can. There are always people who have done what you want to do so find out what they already know. Even if you are trail blazing you can combine skills from different mentors to grow. I love the podcast Bigger Pockets, and youtube airbnb Automated.
Q: What's it like for a female in the hospitality industry?
A: I think the only challenge as a female in my work is dealing with contractors and vendors and being taken seriously. Many times these men do not think we know what we are doing. Of course, this can also be used to your advantage at times. I think being a female host is actually an advantage because I think people have a feeling that women care for their homes and families and therefore will be a good host. We will remember the details and the necessities, like shampoo and extra towels and have all the cooking supplies needed. This is one area that gender stereotypes may play in our favor.
Q: What are your top self care routines?
A: I have set a standard for myself that I must work out at least 3 times a week. This is non-negotiable anymore. Also, getting help, it takes a village. Now more than ever women are expected to be super mom, super wife, super CEO...get help, and delegate. you do not have to do everything yourself. I feel so blessed to be able to have a housekeeper because I am horrible and cleaning and just hate doing it!
Q: What is the most challenging part about what you do?
A: My biggest challenge is juggling my businesses and family time. I get into grooves and rhythms and then fall out and have to rebalance all of the time.
Q: What's the most difficult thing to overcome in the hospitality industry?
A: Fear! The biggest fear we always have is bad guests. In our case we are inviting strangers into our home and there is risk of damage or liability. A recent friend of ours had guests that just refused to leave. She had to get the sheriff involved etc. We risk our license if guests behave badly as well.
Q: What's next?
A: We hope to purchase two more rental properties in Big Bear this year and I am launching my real estate career to help others!
I'm not sure I have a good quote but one thing I have learned recently that I have taken to heart is, "Set standards for yourself, not goals"
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