From Side Hustle to Successful Business: The Story of Be Still Getaways

In 2019, Jamie Stark Inlow made a life-changing decision. She left her nine-to-five job in higher education to spend more time with her family on a mini farm in Scottsville, Virginia. To make ends meet, she took up higher education consulting work and a part-time job at the University of Virginia. However, she still felt like something was missing.

A Barn-Based Opportunity

One day, Inlow saw potential in her neighbor’s spare apartment above a barn. She saw an opportunity and turned it into an Airbnb listing in June of that year. The success of that listing led to more listings and eventually the creation of Be Still Getaways, a property management business, in 2020. Today, Be Still Getaways oversees over 120 rentals and inns throughout Virginia and brought in nearly $2 million in 2022, with projected revenue of $3 million this year.

The Journey to Success

However, Inlow’s path to success was not easy. For the first two and a half years, she had to work all three of her jobs to support the growth of Be Still Getaways. All the revenue generated had to be reinvested back into the company. In 2021, she decided to hire staff to help scale the business, even though she only paid herself $10,000 that year. The investment paid off, and the company finally brought in six figures in revenue that year, allowing Inlow to quit her other jobs and pay herself a regular salary.

Expanding and Upscaling

To continue growing her business, Inlow sought partnerships and acquisitions. She partnered with a realtor to expand Be Still Getaways’ reach and acquired another company to further expand their portfolio. These partnerships brought more luxury properties into Be Still Getaways’ portfolio, resulting in a significant increase in revenue. In 2022, Inlow was able to quit her consulting and higher education jobs and start paying herself $72,000 per year.

The Costs of Doing Business

While Be Still Getaways brings in millions, a significant portion of its revenue goes towards company expenses. Staffing is the largest expense, with competitive wages being a priority for Inlow to maintain a happy and dedicated team. In addition to wages, the company also incurs costs for supplies, software, a company car, and warehouse rent.

Looking Ahead

Be Still Getaways is experiencing rapid growth and is projected to bring in nearly $2 million this year. Inlow has ambitious plans for the future, including owning and operating commercial properties and writing a book on short-term rentals. However, she also recognizes the need for work-life balance and hopes to scale the business to a point where she can spend more time with her family. For now, she finds solace in travel and sets aside time to disconnect from work and refresh.