The Independent Host Summit: Speaker Spotlight

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There’s just two weeks to go until The Independent Host Summit—the biggest online gathering for hosts—and the excitement is building! This free event will bring together industry leaders, independent hosts, and innovative thinkers to share the tools, tactics, and inspiration needed to grow a thriving short-term rental business.

To give you a sneak peek of what’s in store, we recently caught up with three of the event’s featured speakers:

• Kerri Gibson, founder of Chalets Hygge
• Brianna Amigo, founder and principal designer of Brianna Michele Interiors
• Mercedes Sánchez, founder of MBX Homes

They shared how they got started, what drives their businesses, and what they’ll be bringing to the stage at this year’s Summit—from the lessons they’ve learned to what they hope every attendee walks away inspired to do next.

Our questions for the speakers

Tell us a little bit about your business.

Kerri Gibson (Chalets Hygge)

My partner and I are the owner-operators of a boutique hospitality business in Quebec, Canada called Chalets Hygge. After leaving our corporate jobs, we began acquiring and renovating properties that needed a new life—transforming them into cozy short-term rentals. To date, we’ve completed seven chalet renovations and recently acquired a 17-room motel that’s currently undergoing a full transformation.

Brianna Amigo (Brianna Michele Interiors)

I’m the founder of Brianna Michele Interiors, an interior design studio specializing in short-term rental design. We focus on creating spaces that stop the scroll, boost revenue potential, and deliver an unforgettable guest experience. Our team has designed over 300 short-term rentals across the U.S., from boutique hotels to residential projects, all with the goal of helping hosts stand out in a crowded market.

Mercedes Sánchez (MBX Homes)

We’re a co-hosting company that partners with property owners and solo operators who need help managing their short-term rentals. Whether they’re looking for more visibility, support with day-to-day operations, or guidance in setting up systems, we help them establish strong foundations so they can eventually manage their business independently.

How did you get started?

Kerri Gibson (Chalets Hygge)

I spent 22 years in the corporate world—from startups to multinational SaaS companies. It was exciting, but over time it became clear that the work no longer aligned with my core values. I was burned out and looking for something more people-focused.

My first short-term rental started as a renovation project to keep me busy while figuring out what was next. I fell in love with the process—and with hospitality itself. My love language is acts of service, and this industry allows me to live that daily, whether through hosting guests or creating beautiful, welcoming spaces.

Brianna Amigo (Brianna Michele Interiors)

Brianna Michele Interiors began in 2019 as a residential design studio while I was still working in corporate marketing. Things shifted in 2020 when we started collaborating with investors entering the short-term rental space. We quickly realized there weren’t many designers specializing in this niche, so we decided to fill that gap.

We even purchased our own property to better understand the experience firsthand. That decision completely changed the direction of our business—we went all in on short-term rental design, and we’ve been focused on it ever since.

Mercedes Sánchez (MBX Homes)

My path was a complete accident! I worked for Four Seasons for eight years and was laid off during COVID. I decided to turn an apartment I owned into an Airbnb using furniture I had in storage—and I loved the process.

That’s when I realized there was a real need for people who could help others set up and manage their short-term rentals professionally. What started as a one-off project quickly grew into a full business helping hosts turn their properties into successful investments.

What will you be presenting at The Independent Host Summit?

Kerri Gibson (Chalets Hygge)

I’ll be talking about finding the courage to leave a corporate career and align your work with your core values. Hospitality offers endless opportunities to do just that—whether through creating meaningful guest experiences or building a business that supports the lifestyle you want.

I’ll share how to move from not knowing where to start to developing a business that’s uniquely yours, built around your passions, people, and purpose.

Brianna Amigo (Brianna Michele Interiors)

My session is called Designing for the Future: Wellness, Comfort, and Longevity. I’ll be exploring how short-term rental design has evolved and why wellness and comfort have become essential trends.

We’ll talk about designing spaces that not only look great but also stand the test of time—avoiding short-lived trends and focusing on timeless appeal. I’ll also touch on how data-driven insights can enhance guest experience and boost performance across your portfolio.

Mercedes Sánchez (MBX Homes)

At the Independent Host Summit, I will be presenting on how you can properly scale a co-hosting business, taking it from a side hustle to a full-blown business where you could be the top co-host of your market.

What do you hope attendees will walk away with?

Kerri Gibson (Chalets Hygge)

I hope people leave knowing it’s possible to build a business that’s both profitable and deeply fulfilling. Work doesn’t have to feel like a grind—it can bring genuine joy, even on the hard days.

There will always be challenges, but when your business aligns with your values and passions, the tough decisions become easier to make. You can end each day knowing you’re building something that truly matters to you.

Brianna Amigo (Brianna Michele Interiors)

I always aim to share something new—insights or tips that attendees haven’t heard before. My goal is for everyone to leave with at least one practical takeaway they can implement right away, even if they’re not ready to hire a designer.

Whether it’s integrating wellness elements, improving guest comfort, or elevating the look and feel of a property, I want to give attendees actionable tools to enhance their listings and create memorable guest experiences.

Mercedes Sánchez (MBX Homes)

I hope that attendees of the Independent Host Summit walk away with new strategies to run their short-term rentals. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be overwhelming—especially with so many opinions on how rentals should or shouldn’t be managed.

At the summit, however, they’ll hear from professionals and learn strategies that actually work. I hope they leave with key takeaways that not only help increase bookings but also improve the way they manage their short-term rental business.

What are you most excited about for the event?

Kerri Gibson (Chalets Hygge)

I’m most excited to give back to the community that helped me get started. So many people shared their experiences and knowledge when I was new to this industry, and that generosity shaped my journey.

If sharing my story helps even one person find the confidence to take their next step, it’s an honor to be part of that.

Brianna Amigo (Brianna Michele Interiors)

This will be my first virtual summit, so I’m excited to experience the format and connect with people from all over. I love that online events make it easier for more hosts—and even my own team—to participate and learn.

I’m also looking forward to hearing the other speakers and seeing how attendees engage with the content. I really encourage people to reach out after the event if something resonates with them!

Mercedes Sánchez (MBX Homes)

I’m most excited to connect with attendees who haven’t had the chance to attend an in-person summit, or who might feel they can’t because they only have one or two properties. The truth is, they belong in these rooms—they should be learning and asking questions. This summit provides a great open space to do just that. It’s virtual, so you can learn at your own pace and really engage with the speakers to understand our mission and goals.

We want everyone to succeed in this industry. There are so many great rentals out there with untapped potential, and we hope attendees leave with valuable insights. I’m especially excited for hosts experiencing a summit for the first time—they’ll get a real taste of how much knowledge and opportunity these events can offer.

Hear more at The Independent Host Summit!

Don’t miss your chance to hear from these inspiring speakers—and many more—at The Independent Host Summit. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your short-term rental business, this free online event is packed with actionable insights, real stories, and expert strategies to help you grow with confidence.

Secure your spot today and get ready to take your hosting journey to the next level!

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