Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lynette Guy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lynette, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

One of the best ways I show appreciation for my guests is through small, personal touches that make their stay feel special. Every guest receives a hand-written welcome note when they arrive and a hand-written thank-you card after their stay. It’s simple, but in a world where so much is automated, that little bit of personal connection really stands out.

When a guest mentions that they’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, I like to surprise them with a banner or a note recognizing the occasion. It’s not elaborate, but it always brings a smile and lets them know I’m genuinely celebrating with them.

I also leave a curated s’mores box at every cabin — it’s become a bit of a signature touch. Guests love gathering around the fire pit and making memories together, and I like to think those moments help them slow down and connect.

Along with that, I provide a digital guidebook filled with my personal recommendations for things to do in the Helen area — the best coffee spots, scenic drives, and hidden gems you’d only know if you were local. Guests often tell me that it feels like having a friend guide them through the mountains, and that’s exactly how I want them to feel.

For me, showing appreciation isn’t about one big gesture. It’s about layering small, genuine touches throughout their experience — before, during, and after their stay — so that when they leave, they know their time here truly mattered.

Lynette, 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 Lynette, the owner of Freedom Finder Vacation Rentals, a boutique short-term rental brand based in the North Georgia mountains near Helen. What started as a single cabin quickly grew into something much bigger — a way to help people slow down, reconnect, and create memories in one of the most beautiful corners of Georgia.

I fell in love with hosting because I’ve always believed that hospitality is about more than providing a place to stay. It’s about creating an experience that feels personal and cared for. Over time, I began managing additional cabins for other owners who wanted that same level of attention and guest satisfaction, and that’s how my co-hosting business was born.

Today, I manage a small collection of cabins — each one thoughtfully designed, personally maintained, and full of the details that make guests feel right at home. Every property includes a digital guidebook that I’ve built with local recommendations — favorite coffee shops, scenic drives, and hidden waterfalls — the kinds of places only locals know about.

What sets my brand apart is how hands-on and detail-driven I am. I personally oversee everything from décor and amenities to pricing strategy and guest communication. Many of my returning guests comment that it feels like staying at a friend’s cabin rather than a rental.

I’m especially proud that Freedom Finder Vacation Rentals has been named “Best of Georgia” for two years in a row, because it’s based on guest votes. That recognition means a lot to me — not because of the award itself, but because it reflects how many people have had a stay that truly meant something to them.

At the heart of it all, my mission is simple: to help guests find their own sense of freedom in the mountains — whether that’s peace, adventure, or just a moment to breathe.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The vacation rental industry changes constantly, and staying successful means learning to adapt just as quickly. Over the past few years, I’ve had to navigate everything from post-pandemic travel shifts to slow booking seasons and new Airbnb fee structures that can significantly impact hosts’ earnings.

Instead of letting those changes discourage me, I looked at them as an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of my business. I began focusing more on direct bookings, refining my pricing strategy, and building genuine relationships with guests so they would want to return year after year. I also invested time in educating myself — learning new tools, studying market trends, and understanding what truly drives occupancy in our North Georgia market.

Each challenge forced me to be more strategic and resilient. I’ve learned that success in this business doesn’t come from chasing trends — it comes from being flexible, staying authentic, and continuing to deliver a level of care that guests can feel. Those lessons have made Freedom Finder Vacation Rentals stronger and more stable than ever.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media has been a gradual process for me — one that I’m still actively learning and improving. I started my Instagram page to share photos of my cabins and updates about Freedom Finder Vacation Rentals, but over time I realized that what people connect with most isn’t just the cabins themselves — it’s the story behind them.

I’ve shared everything from behind-the-scenes projects and cabin updates to local events and giveaways, and I’ve found that those personal, authentic posts build the most trust. People love seeing the care that goes into each detail — whether it’s preparing a cabin for guests, decorating for the holidays, or highlighting special spots around Helen.

My best advice for anyone just starting out is to focus on connection over perfection. You don’t have to have everything figured out — just show up consistently, share what you love, and be genuine. Social media can feel overwhelming, but when you treat it as an extension of your hospitality rather than just marketing, that’s when people start to really engage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://freedomfindervacationrentals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfreedomfinder/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myfreedomfinder

Image Credits

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Andrew Keller

the.travel.ksu