We recently connected with Laura Herb and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

I appreciate my guests immensely.  Being both invisible, and available to them is part of my brand. I like to make stays easy, comfortable, and I like to save the day when the opportunity presents itself.  It’s my privilege to have become something of a hot spot for bridal parties each summer,  and when things go awry, I’m here to help. This summer, a bride had wild flowers in mind for her bouquet and regretted cutting costs when they wilted before the ceremony. I was able to quickly source enough quality blooms from our local farmer’s market to help quickly style the event back together.

Laura, 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 am an interior designer, an artist, and an introvert bent on self employment. I believe that beautiful spaces have the power to comfort, rejuvenate, and inspire. Hospitality was not something I ever meant to do, but hosting visitors has turned out to be an incredible gift. The house is my own fluid art project, which is its own reward, but it also pleases me immensely to hear that people have enjoyed their stay.

The Golden Guest House is a four bedroom, two bathroom, boutique tourist home in the center of downtown Golden, Colorado. It’s located on Clear Creek, with views of the Rocky Mountains in every direction. The house is adorably furnished, fun, and stocked with local goods, and lavish breakfast provisions. Each group has the property to themselves, along with a lusciously landscaped back yard – set up for large groups to dine al fresco.

Favor, flexibility, and special rates are given in winter months for those looking to use the Golden Guest House for retreats and coaching events.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Surprising guests with what they didn’t know they wanted.
I’ve hosted more brides each year than the year before. I decided to start surprising them with awesome complementary gear like the sunglasses pictured here on the Golden Guest House stairs from Lovesick Rebel.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After crafting the Golden Guest House property on my own the last seven years, and almost never leaving the house, I decided to branch out this Fall and team up with another downtown Golden business owner. Nadine Wilson, owner of Truly BoHotique on 14th and Washington, feels like my local retail philosophical doppelgänger—but she offers carefully curated women’s fashion. She loves, loves, loves clothes, and will probably never stop dialing in her collection each season to offer us the most beautiful clothing she can source, which is somehow both ageless and current.

I’ve found renewed creative energy in working with the Truly team. It’s been a great reminder about the value of collaboration. Keeping creative control to oneself can feel safe, but when artists stir up mutual enthusiasm together, our ability to elevate each other’s work is magnificent.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.thegoldenguesthouse.com
• Instagram: @thegoldenguesthouse
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldenguesthousecolorado?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Samantha Pendleton