What Airbnb has done for me

[Kelsie16]

I started my Airbnb in March of 2021. 

For the last couple years March has been such a significant month. Being that of the pandemic the year prior and also becoming a new mother. Not to make this too personal and dreary... I had purchased the building in 2018 (I lived in the apartment that is now the airbnb and had a building below to make into a salon) had a baby in 2019, Pandemic hit in 2020, and left my toxic marriage in 2021. Moving out with no car and no place for my son and I to live, I took a risk. My apartment was listed a week after I left an abusive husband and by November 2021 I had a car, rented a house for my 2 year old son and I, and finished renovating the salon and I have now been open for 8 months!  

I have also helped other small businesses in my area get started on Airbnb. I was the first one in my area and everyone thought it was the dumbest idea ever... who would want to stay here? I proved them wrong and continue to thrive. I am located on a historical Main Street in a small town in Kansas and there are apartments above every single building. The Airbnb above the business helps keep the business below to stay open. The city has tried to put an ordinance on  having Airbnb's and it is quite weird that our city wouldn't want our town to thrive. People are still moving forward with having one above their businesses and it is so exciting to see our town grow! Thank you Airbnb and thank you for letting me share... 

Also, do I get any benefits for helping my neighbors get their start on Airbnb? Just curious. I am now on my 3rd one in the neighboring area!

Kelsie Superhost 

Chanute, Kansas

[Sudsrung0]

@Kelsie16 

Well done always good to hear a nice story about airbnb, 

In you back office you have a referral link and you guys in America get a few hundred $$$$$$$ for referring other host to airbnb once they have had their first booking, so go for it,

I have not looked on the app right now Im using a desktop, click on your profile photo in top right in the drop down menu it's right there "Refer a Host" click on that then will get the link.

For me when I do a review it usually tells me then also, 

[Kelsie16]

I discovered the "refer a host" and Airbnb is not offering that program since the pandemic. That is all it states. Nothing more! Other business owners on Main are getting them going with my help and knowledge and I am happy to do so! But unfortunately the program doesn't exist any longer. 

[Sudsrung0]

@Kelsie16 

WOW it does here 

[Huma0]

@Sudsrung0 

I think @Kelsie16 might be right. I noticed several posts here recently from hosts saying they had been ripped off having referred someone and not receiving the fee. When they contacted Airbnb, they were told the referral program no longer existed.

I don't know if that only applies to certain locations. I used to see a similar message to the one in your screenshot every time I reviewed a guest. I haven't seen it in a long time now.

[Kelsie16]

That is... not fair haha