Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Renny Ratliff of Birmingham Tree House, located in Birmingham, AL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Birmingham Tree House is a unique concept that blends hospitality and health & wellness. Rather than your traditional bed and breakfast, I call my business a "bed and yoga." Our house is an 1898 historic mansion that has been renovated into a modern, colorful wonderland. Seven guest rooms are open for nightly rental, weekly yoga, and wellness offerings, along with mental health therapy on-site.
My customers are of all ages, genders, shapes, and sizes. People find my business on hospitality sites such as booking.com or Airbnb, or they discover it when searching for unique places in Birmingham. The ideal customer is one who enjoys art, creativity, and a communal feel.
Tell us about yourself
I am a yogi at heart. Creative, artistic, and passionate about traveling and exploring. I had a vision for Tree House years ago, and it never left my mind. While I was still in my twenties, I dreamed of my magical yoga hotel but wasn't ready to pursue it. I started the business in 2020 at 30 years old.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
- Going for it! 2. Sticking with it amidst burnout, rollercoasters, and uncertainty.
With little knowledge of running a business or historic mansion ownership, I dove in head first. Some say it's extremely brave what I did, but perhaps I was just naive about the intense workload and pressure that I signed up for.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Taking time away from the business to recognize the beauty in creating your dream. There have definitely been days where I feel trapped with the "beast" I created! Also, prioritizing time and money spent on the business. It truly is a 24/7 on-call job.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Look into the reality of what your daily routine will be for business operations. Does it suit your lifestyle? <I didn't ever consider that I would be cleaning multiple toilets and washing ten loads of laundry a day... Thank god I like to clean!>
- SELF CARE. There is no way you can manage the stressors of starting, running, and growing a business unless you can manage your own mental health. Take time away from the business and enjoy your favorite hobbies.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.birminghamtreehouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Birminghamtreehouse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birminghamtreehouse/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bhamtreehouse
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.