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In honor of Women’s Month, let’s highlight the remarkable journey of Kimi, a visual designer, and her mother Bhavani Pal, a retired gynecologist, a host couple on Airbnb. The mother-daughter duo, who are originally from the Indo-Tibetan border region of Niti-Mana Valley in Uttarakhand, now host travelers at their Dehradun homestay ‘Kim Ori Kim’.
Kimi started ‘Kim Oori Kim’ in June, 2022 at the suggestion of her mother, who thought it would be a good way to keep herself busy during the pandemic. Taking inspiration from their own travel experiences and using Airbnb extensively, Kimi and her mother set out on a mission to create a space that matched their mountain heritage. Driven by determination and a desire to share their culture with the world, the mother-daughter duo set out on their hosting journey. However, fate had its own agenda. The pandemic brought unexpected trials, including personal loss and grief with the passing of Kimi’s father. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Kimi’s mother emerged as a beacon of strength, recognizing the healing power of hospitality and together they transformed their homestay into a haven of solace and connection. Since then, he has hosted over 300 travelers at his Airbnb.
Talking about her hosting journey, Kimi says, “I get to do what I love, with minimal investment, and without disturbing my work-life balance. Hosting on Airbnb with my mom gives me the freedom to work as it suits us and doesn’t impinge on our personal space. We decide how we will spend our time – whether it is taking care of home/family, traveling with friends, or pursuing a career in teaching. Hosting has given us the opportunity to meet new people from different parts of India and the world and hear so many rich life stories – of love and loss, of hope and struggle, of joy and wonder.”
Hosting has not only empowered them but also inspired others in their community to explore the world of hospitality. Their homestays are more than just a place to stay for travelers, but also a means of cultural exchange and engagement.
A heartfelt message from Kimmy to aspiring female hosts, “As women, we have this innate nature of hosting people at home, understanding the needs of others before they are expressed, and welcoming strangers with small gestures. I find hosting with Airbnb to be an extension of something I love to do and I’m naturally good at. So, I would say, start hosting by opening your heart and then the door of your home. If you’re skeptical about a platform to start with, I recommend choosing Airbnb. The team is warm and very supportive. Their online/offline meetings and approach to everything makes it an extremely easy, safe and exciting journey for any host.”
‘Kim Ori Kim’ means ‘Home Sweet Home’ in the local hill dialect Rongpa. Through small gestures and thoughtful touches, the pair have created a warm atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on passengers. Every detail of the homestay has been specially designed to evoke this feeling. Its charm lies in its simplicity, authenticity and the personalized space they create for every type of traveller. Be it the way they welcome travelers, having colorful umbrellas for guests during monsoons, handwritten projector manuals, or cutlery for the tiny humans staying with them – these small thoughtful details make Kimi and Bhavani’s homestay special. Are.
Let’s be inspired by Kimi and her mother’s journey – a journey driven by passion, perseverance and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and empowerment.
about airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests into their San Francisco home and has since grown to more than 5 million hosts who have welcomed more than 1.5 billion guests in almost every country around the world. . Every day, Hosts deliver unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.
Disclaimer: This article has been produced by HT Brand Studio on behalf of the brand.
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