I received this response from Airbnb support. The first ques...
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I received this response from Airbnb support. The first question I asked was “ what advice are you giving hosts who have seen...
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The world of hospitality has long been shaped by the warmth, care, and resilience of women. For many, hosting is not just a business, it’s a passion, a lifestyle, and a deeply fulfilling journey. Feel blessed to bring in a prelude to how five incredible women of the Airbnb Host Club of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, have carved their own paths in the industry, each bringing a unique perspective to what it means to be hosting with Airbnb. Their stories are a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and a genuine love for welcoming guests into their spaces.
From Dream to Reality: Finding Purpose in Hosting
The journey into hosting can be instinctive, a natural extension of their way of life. Priya from Kavakadu farms, Erode, always believed hospitality was in her blood. Living amidst serene water bodies and untouched natural beauty, she knew that city dwellers would seek the peace her property offered. Hosting, for her, wasn’t just about offering a stay, it was about sharing an experience, a piece of heritage, and a connection to nature. Her property is a treasure of close to 100 unique plant/tree species collected and maintained. Priya and her husband (an Octogenarian) take you through stories of their travel and wisdom along with the numerous collectibles they hold.
With Priya @Kavakadu Farm Stay 
Experiencing Hospitality with Prasanna
Prasanna, with a master’s in hospitality and years of hotel experience, always dreamed of creating a space that felt like home. Airbnb gave her the platform to do just that: welcoming people from all walks of life, sharing conversations over coffee, and turning strangers into lifelong friends. More than just a business, hosting became her gateway to financial independence, creative freedom, and cultural exchange. Madhuvan’s Agam is tucked in the beautiful hills of Yercaud. Prasanna and her family take you through hospitality that creates everlasting memories.
For Nagashri, hosting was an experiment born from necessity. An engineer who left her corporate job to focus on family, she found herself searching for a meaningful and flexible way to generate income. When she looked at her fully furnished but unused apartment in Chennai, she saw an opportunity. What started as a simple decision to list it on Airbnb soon transformed into something far more significant. Her very first guests, a family traveling for a child’s sports event, showed her the power of creating a home away from home. Seeing a child recover and rejuvenate in her space gave her a sense of purpose she never expected.
Engineer- experimenting Hosting in style
Ayesha’s, co-hosting journey to support her husband was about recreating the magic of childhood travel. Growing up, she spent summers at her grandparents’ cocoa plantation, experiencing first hand the beauty of living like a local. When she and her husband started their farm stay (close to Chennai city and also to Pondicherry), they knew they wanted to offer guests something beyond a standard vacation. Today, their stay is not just a business but an extension of their lives, where they continuously rediscover their own farm through the eyes of their guests. Ayesha also brings in children through her Summer camps. Inculcating the idea of farming into the younger generation is noble and a need.
The smile- the warmth
Ranjani’s story is one of transformation. After 25 years in the IT industry, she and her husband relocated to Trichy in search of a farmland. Their original plan was simple—build a home, rent out the extra space. But life had other ideas. A spiritual soul at heart, she started hosting temple travellers, and one experience changed everything. An elderly guest, who had been battling depression following a long illness, left her homestay feeling rejuvenated and reborn. That moment cemented Ranjani’s belief in the impact of hosting—not just as an economic venture but as a way to touch lives in profound ways.
Contemporary careOvercoming Challenges with Grace
While their journeys were different, these women shared a common strength-the ability to navigate challenges with resilience. Priya credits her husband’s support and her Guruji’s grace for allowing her to host without fear. Even in moments of pressure: like the time she had to leave mid-preparation while cooking for 15 guests, she trusted that everything would work out. And it did.
Prasanna, with her background in hospitality, found that balancing guest expectations while maintaining a personal, heartfelt approach was crucial. Nagashri had to overcome her initial worries about security and whether guests would treat her space with respect. But with each successful stay, her confidence built in. For Ayesha, shifting from the structured corporate world to the fluidity of hosting was an adjustment. But, as an introvert, she found joy in hosting smaller, more personal groups—allowing her to connect deeply while staying true to herself. Meanwhile, Ranjani had to manage her homestay alone when her husband moved to Kodaikanal to develop their farm. She embraced the challenge until her son, freshly graduated in hotel management, returned to take over operations, ensuring their legacy continued.
Hosting as a Way of Life
What makes these women’s hosting journeys special is that none of them see it as just a business. Their homes are an extension of their personalities, their passions, and their way of life.
For Priya, hosting is effortless—it flows naturally, deeply rooted in her heritage. Prasanna has created a space where guests feel not just welcomed, but truly at home. Nagashri has embraced a balance between personal and professional life, ensuring hosting remains fulfilling. Ayesha finds joy in witnessing guests unwind and become part of the farm’s rhythm. And for Ranjani, hosting is about meaningful connections—about giving people a place where they feel safe, cared for, and understood.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Women Hosts
When asked for their biggest advice, each woman had something profound to share:
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Priya: “Give your 100% to what you do and leave the rest to God. Everything else will fall into place.”
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Prasanna: “Hosting is not just about renting a space; it’s about creating an experience. Put your heart into it, and you’ll see the difference in your guests’ smiles.”
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Nagashri: “Take the leap of faith! Start small, learn from your experiences, and trust that hospitality is about making people feel at home.”
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Ayesha: “Be authentic. Stay true to what makes your space unique, and you’ll naturally attract like-minded guests who appreciate what you offer.”
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Ranjani: “Women excel in hospitality due to their patience, multitasking, and attention to detail. If hosting excites you, embrace it—you’ll find immense joy and fulfilment.”
Women as the Heart of Hospitality
These remarkable women have transformed their spaces into havens of warmth, connection, and belonging. Their journeys show that hosting is not just about accommodations—it’s about storytelling, community, and the simple joy of making someone feel at home.
Personally as a host, community leader, and blogger, I find immense inspiration in these stories. Each experience shared is a testament to the strength, resilience, and passion that women bring to the world of hospitality. The readiness and enthusiasm with which my “sheroes” shared their experience and wisdom was truly overwhelming. I hold my gratitude and respect to each one them and to the many more whose remarkable stories are hidden yet. It's obvious that these successes are a joint effort by their entire family and the community. It is a privilege to witness and amplify these voices, ensuring that their journeys inspire countless others to take the leap into hosting, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women who create, nurture, and lead—not just in hospitality, but in every sphere of life. May their stories encourage more women to embrace their dreams, trust their instincts, and carve out spaces that reflect their spirit. Together, we shape a world where hospitality is not just a business, but a force for connection, empowerment, and change.
Curated on Inputs from Priya, Prasanna, Nagashri, Ayesha and Ranjani.
Dr Jayanthi Ilamurugu
Super Host
Community Leader - Host Club of TN & Pondy
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Which of these inspiring stories resonated with you the most? Do bring in your thoughts in the comments!
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Tag a woman host who inspires you!
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