Sisters Kat and Kai Buelva were both working professionals in their late 20s when they decided to generate a passive income in addition to their paychecks.
Eldest sister Kat, 30, who is a marketing, branding, and operations expert and now co-owns an upcoming local milk tea bar, set to transform a studio unit in Quezon City, and market it as a city oasis for a quick or long escape. Kai, 26, is a medical representative and also makes homemade pastillas as a side business.
When Kat resigned from her previous company, she partnered with Kai and their churchmate to open their own milk tea shop while also managing the property herself.
HOW TO MAKE A STAY MEMORABLE FOR YOUR GUESTS
Located on the 18th floor of a high-rise condominium development along Congressional Avenue, Quezon City, Create Memories PH—which is listed under Airbnb—aims to give its clients a quiet respite from the hustling and bustling city.
They transformed the studio unit into a quaint but cozy cocoon that allows guests to rest, relax, and even get some work done minus the stressful confines of the office.
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It feels like home.
Upon check in, guests are greeted warmly with a small note and a sweet treat or two.
Guests can even cook their own meals as there is an induction oven in the kitchen, as well as cooking utensils and cutlery available during the stay.
Smoking is not allowed even in the bathroom and especially on the balcony, which offers a sweeping vista of the metropolis in both the morning and the evening.
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It has hotel amenities.
Sturdy furniture, beautiful interiors, and clean facilities are what make this listing stand out. The bathroom is also equipped with a rainfall shower head, and shampoo and conditioner are always refilled for the guests.
Guests can also use the swimming pool for their pleasure.
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It offers convenience.
The sisters live in the same building, so one call to their unit and a guest’s needs will immediately be met.
Friends and family also help out in acting as personal concierge and valets to ensure guests don’t just have fun, but have a memorable stay and will come back for another visit.
Within the condominium complex is a convenience store, a Korean buffet restaurant for when you want a guilty gastronomical pleasure, a spa, a milk tea shop, banks, courier service, and other commercial establishments.
A few steps away from the building is another building housing a large bookstore, an SSS branch, restaurants, tiangge, Kumon, sports and leisure schools , and more.
The sisters regularly check the toiletry and culinary supplies.
Kat is also very hands on and meticulous in cleaning and sanitizing the unit so guests will have the most satisfying and rejuvenating stay.
Guests will come away refreshed and rejuvenated after a fun staycation at Create Memories PH.
Kat and Kai are also understanding hosts, taking note of early or late check-in and check-out requests. They are flexible in terms of time extension and other needs, provided the guests take care of their second home.
"We’ve had students, professionals, and families as our guests, and we are happy to say they all enjoyed their stay," Kat tells PEP.ph.
Anticipating costs is also Kat’s expertise so she looks to her family, friends, and own network of professionals to spread the perks of booking their Airbnb listing by word of mouth. This cuts down on advertising expenses.
"It is also better when our clients hear it straight from people they know, that way they are sure that we offer not just business, but an experience of home away from home," Kat explains.
The business partners are also set on releasing promo codes and digital vouchers in anticipation of the non-peak season, as school is now starting and rainy season is upon us. These tried and tested marketing strategies are what the young hosts think sets them apart from the other listings. Knowing how to time and prime their clients and customers is their niche in the market.
Like sisters Kat and Kai, along with your professional background, knowing where to shop and how to add your personal touch are some of the best ways to make your guests feel right at home, and keep them coming back.
You don’t need to worry about expenses when you know where to shop, what you can offer, and how to spread the word!
So get to dusting and shopping, because your new income-generating property just needs your own magic touch.