Cochrane's Jackie Skrypnek is being recognized for her incredible hospitality this International Women's Day.
The Hereabouts B&B owner and operator* landed herself on the vacation rental platform's Meet Our Host blog on March 7 that recognized 20 of the highest-rated hosts from around the world.
"As we mark International Women's Day this week, it has never been more important to recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe," the post reads.
Skrypnek, the only Canadian listed, is No. 2 on the international list** with her urban tiny house that she built with her husband, Bryan.
"The fact that I can provide a special space for others and a creative outlet for myself — creating thoughtful, seasonal breakfasts — while earning income means I've got a pretty good work-life balance," she said. "And I feel really lucky."
Skrypnek said the income from her B&B is a large part of her livelihood and she doesn't treat it as a 'side hustle.'
"This space and experience was custom-created to be a meaningful part of my work."
Her advice for other women considering hosting: "really invest yourself in this.
"If it’s an afterthought just for the extra cash, it’s likely to be more stressful and less rewarding. Make the experience you give guests something you’d be jazzed about if you were travelling or looking for a getaway, and align it with what you’d like to be putting out into the world in general," she said. "Keep it authentic."
Airbnb said the women were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and may had to find new economic opportunities.
"That entrepreneurial spirit is on display every day in our community of women hosts, who now make up 56 per cent of our global host community," the blog post reads.
Women are also hosting at a higher rate than men, Airbnb reported. In 2021, 21 per cent more women joined the platform than men earning more than $1.1 billion in income.
Visit hereaboutsbnb.com for more information about Skrypnek's urban tiny house.
*Editor's note: The article previously described Skrypnek as a co-owner. This has been amended to read she is the sole owner and operator of the B&B.
** Editor's note: This sentence has been altered to underscore that Skrypnek was listed second on the posting by Airbnb.
