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

Hi Monica , thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

In the world of Airbnb, customer expectations have risen significantly, partly due to the increasingly competitive nature of the industry. As more listings flood the market, especially in popular areas, hosts must go above and beyond to stand out and attract guests.

When we opened our first cabin in Blue Ridge, GA, I compared it to other similarly sized properties in the area and told my husband we could easily make ours more appealing. So, when we launched in 2022, we focused on a design that avoided the typical bear-and-woodland decor. We stocked the cabin with everything we would want as guests to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. As a result, we were fully booked right away and received glowing reviews. Hosting quickly became something we loved, especially knowing we were contributing to a positive travel experience.

As time went on and more (and more savvy) investors entered the market, the competition intensified. While we had a strong presence on Airbnb and VRBO, newer cabins began to feature more high-end, design-forward interiors. Still, we remained competitive by continuing to provide everything guests could need, right down to the small details like tissues, lighters, firewood, and coffee. Each year, we introduced upgrades: a new hot tub, updated appliances (we started with a white coil burner stove and no dishwasher while performing in the top 10% of the market), and refreshed decor. Our top priority has always been making sure guests feel taken care of and that we’re available and responsive as hosts.

In May 2024, with the support of my husband, I launched Firefly Boutique Co-hosting to help other cabin owners succeed in the short-term rental market. Our initial goal was to manage about 10 cabins over the course of two years. As of now, we host seven cabins in addition to our own. By focusing on well-stocked cabins, hospitality, and smart pricing strategies, we continue to create memorable experiences for guests and help fellow owners thrive in a competitive space.

Monica , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I love to travel, and owning a place where others could enjoy a memorable destination had always been a goal of mine. While my husband was more interested in long-term rentals, I was drawn to the idea of hosting short-term guests. I began researching extensively—reading industry resources, following experts like Luke and Avery Carl and Bill Faeth, listening to podcasts, and studying Facebook groups—before we finally decided to purchase a second home to use as a short-term rental.

From there, we started sharing what we’d learned by co-hosting for others. We’re not typical co-hosts—we’re extremely hands-on. When we onboard a new cabin, we spend several full days setting it up ourselves to ensure it’s guest-ready. I’m detail-oriented (to a fault), so I personally manage every aspect of setup. We often bring our kids (we have five) along and work 12-hour days to get the job done. I also stage every cabin carefully for photography, drawing on my background in marketing to ensure the listing photos stand out.

The name of our company, Firefly Boutique Co-hosting, reflects two things: First, the kind of magical, carefree experience I want guests to have, like the simple joy of catching fireflies on a summer evening. Second, “Boutique” signals our commitment to staying small and selective. I treat every cabin I manage as if it were my own.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My husband is my silent partner and my go-to expert, especially when it comes to pricing our nightly rates. We’ve heard that working with your spouse isn’t always ideal, but we genuinely enjoy it. While we don’t always agree and some days are challenging, it’s a shared passion that brings us together. We’ve been married for 25 years this November and have five children. It’s all about balance and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses—and for us, it works.

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

Before co-hosting, I worked part-time for a home staging company where I served as the lead occupied stager, social media manager, and sales lead. It was a small team, so we all wore many hats. I loved the creative side of the business, especially using my marketing background to help sellers make their homes more marketable with what they already had. It was incredibly satisfying work.

The company was great, and I got along well with the team, many of whom I still consider friends. However, real estate doesn’t follow regular hours. Even in a part-time role, my schedule was unpredictable and often followed me home. As a mom, not having control over my time was challenging.

So, I took a leap of faith. I left my job and pursued the idea of co-hosting. Being able to own my schedule—and even take my business with me on vacation—has been ideal for maintaining the balance between work and family life. Shifting to a model where I control both my time and income has made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fireflycabinstays.com/
• Instagram: @firefly_cabin_stays
• Facebook: Firefly Cabin Stays

Image Credits

The Taylors Interiors (Carly and Ethan Taylor)