We recently connected with Christine Traylor and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Christine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was leaving behind my 15-year career in international development to pursue a longtime dream of running a bed and breakfast.

For years, I worked as a government contractor, starting and overseeing projects that supported USAID’s development programs. I loved the work, but was becoming increasingly disillusioned and the sector was more and more politicized. I realized I needed a change — something that felt more personal and fulfilling. And something that I could own and run myself.

Running a B&B had always been a dream of mine, but it never felt realistic. Still, in early 2024, I decided to “just see what was out there” and on a whim reached out to the owners of Swann House, a boutique inn in Washington, D.C. To my surprise, they were open to selling. That conversation set in motion a year-long process of negotiating finances, securing loans, and figuring out personal investments to make the purchase possible.

All told, my husband and I invested our savings, and uprooted our lives to move into the modest innkeeper’s apartment on the property. There were many moments when it looked like the deal might fall through, and I constantly weighed the risk of financial instability against the chance to finally pursue something I loved.

In early 2025, we officially took over. My income now depends entirely on how well the business performs — a sharp contrast to the steady salary I left behind. But even in just the first few weeks, I felt happier and more energized than I had in years. I wake up early, cook breakfast for guests, manage staff, and welcome people from around the world. It’s demanding, but it feels deeply personal and rewarding.

What I’ve learned is that with big risks come big rewards. There were countless setbacks along the way, but once it all came together, I realized how powerful it is to own and shape something yourself. Every day I’m reminded that taking the leap — no matter how uncertain — is worth it, at least so far!

Christine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Christine Traylor, and I run the Swann House, a historic 10-bedroom bed and breakfast in Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood. Hospitality has always been a part of who I am — friends used to joke that I was a “consummate host” because I loved cooking, baking, and welcoming people into my home. For years, though, my professional path looked very different: I spent 15 years working in international development, supporting U.S. foreign aid projects around the world.

After a period of soul-searching, I realized I wanted to build a life and career that brought me closer to people on a daily, personal level. I wanted to create the kind of place where travelers feel both cared for and inspired — a home base where they can start their mornings with a fresh, home-cooked breakfast and end their days in a warm, beautiful space.

At Swann House, we offer more than just rooms — we provide an experience. Our guests range from couples on romantic getaways, to families exploring D.C., to professionals in town for major events. What sets us apart is the combination of historic charm, personalized service, and genuine hospitality. We prepare breakfast daily, host everything from intimate stays to full-property buyouts for weddings and celebrations, and ensure that every guest feels seen and cared for.

The problems we solve are simple but deeply meaningful: we take the stress out of travel by providing comfort, reliability, and a touch of luxury in a home-like environment. Guests don’t just need a bed; they need a space that feels restorative, welcoming, and memorable.

I’m proud that in just a short time, we’ve already created a place where guests tell us they feel at home. What I most want people to know is that Swann House is more than a place to stay — it’s a place to connect. We want every guest to feel that their visit was uniquely theirs, full of thoughtful touches and genuine care.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One resource that has had a profound impact on how I think about hospitality and leadership is the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. Guidara was the co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, one of the world’s top restaurants, and the book is his manifesto on what it means to go above and beyond for guests. He argues that true excellence comes not from following a script, but from creating moments of deep connection — often through small, thoughtful gestures that make people feel genuinely cared for and seen.

What resonated with me most is the idea that hospitality isn’t just about service; it’s about generosity and creativity. Guidara describes instances where a team would go out of their way to personalize an experience for a guest — sometimes in ways that were wildly impractical on paper, but unforgettable in reality. Those stories challenged me to think not only about how to deliver the basics well, but also how to infuse warmth, surprise, and delight into the guest experience.

At Swann House, that philosophy has influenced everything from how we approach breakfast (not just serving a meal, but creating a morning ritual that makes people feel at home) to how we design our spaces and interact with guests.

One of my favorite recent examples: a pregnant guest absolutely loved the homemade applesauce I had served with breakfast. She said she would definitely be craving it again later, I sent her home with a whole container to enjoy. It was such a small gesture, but it made her feel cared for in a way that went beyond just “good service.”

Ultimately, Unreasonable Hospitality reminded me that while systems and efficiency are important, the real heart of hospitality — and of entrepreneurship more broadly — is building emotional connections. That perspective has become a cornerstone of how I approach running the inn and leading my team.

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

Yes — earlier this year I bought the Swann House, a 10-bedroom historic bed and breakfast in Washington, D.C. The acquisition was to purchase the house, but also the business of the already operating B&B. This was a longtime dream of mine, but the acquisition process was far from simple. I didn’t go to business school and had no prior experience with acquisitions, so I had to learn everything as I went.

In a typical business acquisition, you identify the right opportunity, conduct due diligence, line up financing, negotiate terms with the seller, and then work through the legal and financial closing process. On paper it sounds straightforward, but in reality, every stage comes with hurdles — especially when banks, lawyers, and sellers are all operating on competing timelines.

One of the hardest parts for me was navigating the SBA loan process. I absolutely needed the SBA’s support to make the purchase possible, but getting approval took far longer than I ever anticipated. The seller understandably grew frustrated with the delays, and there were several points when it felt like the deal might fall through entirely. Balancing the bank’s timelines with the seller’s expectations was incredibly stressful, and keeping the process moving forward required some considerable personal risk, persistence and constant negotiating.

In the end, it did come together — but only after months of uncertainty and near-misses. That experience taught me that buying a business is not just about having the vision and the numbers; it’s about stamina, resilience, and keeping everyone engaged even when the process drags on. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.swannhouse.com
• Instagram: swannhousebb
• Facebook: Swann House Bed and Breakfast
• Linkedin: Swann House Bed and Breakfast
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/swann-house-washington?osq=swann+house+bed+and+breakfast

Image Credits

Melody Yazdani Studios