As we begin the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflec...
As we begin the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what’s been working well and to set your sights on new goals...
Recently, I received a wedding invitation that touched me deeply — not from a relative or long-time friend, but from two past guests who were new migrants from China. They arrived in Australia in April 2023, full of hope and uncertainty, beginning a new chapter in their lives here in Adelaide. Just two years later, they chose to tie the knot and, to my surprise and joy, invited me to witness their special day.
As I sat at their wedding, surrounded by love, laughter, and new beginnings, I reflected on my own journey as a host. In that moment, I realized — once again — that the true value of hosting lies not in the linens, the welcome baskets, or the five-star reviews. It lies in the human connections we create. It’s not just about offering a place to stay; it’s about offering a sense of belonging, a safe haven, a place to feel seen and valued.
I still remember the first time I welcomed them into my home in 2023. They were shy but curious, adjusting to a new country, a new culture, a new life. After they checked out, we kept in touch — catching up from time to time, slowly building a friendship. But when I opened that wedding invitation, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It was more than an invite — it was a reminder of the impact we can have on others, and how that impact often flows both ways.
Hosting, for me, has never just been about providing a space. It’s about being part of someone’s journey — whether it’s their first trip, their big move, or even their wedding day. As a Superhost, Host Advisory Board member, and ambassador, these roles are more than titles. They are expressions of the values I live by. Hosting is a lifestyle, a meaningful business rooted in kindness, inclusion, and human connection.
Whether I’m hosting or co-hosting in our community, I remind myself: this isn’t just a transaction. This is a shared journey. And when we lead with empathy, when we open our doors with genuine care, we don’t just welcome guests — we welcome stories, growth, and sometimes, life-long friendships.
To my fellow hosts, I hope this story inspires you to embrace the emotional side of hosting. To be inclusive, to welcome diversity, and to recognize the quiet beauty in the connections we make. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impressions. Sometimes, the people we host become the reason we keep opening our doors.
Because hosting isn’t just about a place to stay — it’s about a space to heal, grow, and connect.
