Today we’d like to introduce you to Waldina Bigbee
Hi Waldina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our Airbnb journey is rooted in something deeply personal. This beautiful little gem in San Antonio was the first home my husband and I bought after getting married. From the moment we walked through the door, I had a feeling this house would one day be more than just our home—it would be a place where we could share our love for hosting with others. Hosting has always been my passion, and I knew that someday, I’d turn this space into a haven for guests. That dream came true in 2023 when we transformed it into a vacation rental.
But as with any dream, the road to success came with its fair share of challenges. San Antonio, with its vibrant tourism scene, is an exciting yet competitive market. With so many options for travelers, we had to think creatively about how to make our Airbnb stand out.
The real adventure began with breathing new life into our home, blending our love for design with a keen sense of hospitality. We poured our hearts into every inch of the property, ensuring it wasn’t just aesthetically beautiful but also a place where guests could feel at home and connected to the charm of San Antonio.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing our guests connect with the home we hold so dear. We’ve hosted travelers from all over the world, and hearing their feedback, knowing they’ve enjoyed their stay, fills us with pride. This home, which has been a part of our own journey, is now part of theirs, and that is incredibly fulfilling.
Looking back, turning our first home into a vacation rental in 2023 was more than just a business decision—it was a way to share a piece of our story with the world. Hosting has allowed us to contribute to San Antonio’s vibrant tourism industry in our own unique way, and we’re grateful for every guest who steps through our door and becomes part of the legacy of this special place.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
San Antonio is a major tourist destination, so there’s a lot of competition in the short-term rental market. We had to figure out how to make our listing stand out. This meant investing in unique décor, high-quality photos, and creating a memorable experience for guests to help us stand out from the crowd.
As we expanded from one property to several, managing cleaners, maintenance teams, and ensuring that every property was up to standard became a challenge. Coordinating everything remotely at times was difficult, especially when there were overlapping bookings or last-minute emergencies.
We’ve been impressed with Palms Oasis, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Likes:
– I absolutely love the creative process of transforming a space into something memorable for my guests. Every detail, from the décor to the local touches, is an opportunity to offer an experience that feels special and tailored.
– Meeting new people is one of the highlights of hosting. It’s fascinating to hear where guests come from and how they’ve chosen to explore the area. Being a small part of their vacation is incredibly rewarding.
– I thrive on finding solutions, whether it’s managing last-minute guest requests or handling unexpected maintenance issues. Problem-solving keeps things interesting and is part of the thrill of hosting.
– Hosting is more than just providing a place to stay—it’s about creating an inviting, warm environment that makes people feel at home. Hospitality is my passion, and I love that every guest interaction is a chance to make their trip better.
– Efficiency is key in this business, and I take pride in implementing systems that make things run smoothly. Whether it’s self-check-ins or coordinating with my cleaning team, I’m always looking for ways to optimize the process
Dislikes:
– While most guests are wonderful, every now and then you encounter those who don’t follow the house rules or have unrealistic expectations. Dealing with these situations can be frustrating, especially when it impacts the experience
– The ebb and flow of bookings is part of the business, but slow seasons can be stressful. You have to get creative with marketing and make sure your budget stretches during those quieter months.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thepalmsoasis.com
- Instagram: @palmsoasistx
