We love festival season because nothing gets us more excited than music, friends, and a magical trip. From luxury estates to mid-century modern hotels across Coachella Valley, AvantStay offers accommodations for any group size and vibe you’re going for. A few of our own team members attended the 2022 festivals. Here’s what they had to …

Continue reading “The Best of the Fest: An Insider’s Guide to the Coachella and Stagecoach Festivals”

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no—it’s an AvantStay!  If you’re tired of the same old travel experience and crave something exceptional, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of unique vacation rentals that go above and beyond, offering a myriad of unique amenities that will leave …

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Choosing a location is the first step in planning the perfect vacation, and there are a few hoops you have to jump through and boxes that must be ticked to ensure that every member of your crew, no matter their age, has something to enjoy. We’ve got ten expert tips to help you find the …

Continue reading “10 Tips on Finding the Best Kid-Friendly Vacation Home”

If you’re looking to take a trip to the Conch Republic, you may be overwhelmed with options or just not know what to expect. Lucky for you, we’ve created a guide to help you make the right decisions throughout the entirety of your trip to Key West, FL. Booking with a Hotel or Small Rental …

Continue reading “15 Mistakes Not to Make in Key West”

Escape the Ordinary, Elevate Your Retreat Game Tired of the same old routine for your corporate retreats? Ready to shake things up and take your team to new levels of productivity and relaxation? Look no further than AvantStay’s Polo Villas. Nestled in a serene neighborhood, our villas offer the perfect blend of luxury and functionality, …

Continue reading “Unlock Success: Your Ultimate Guide to Corporate Retreats at AvantStay’s Polo Villas”

Is it really a vacation if your favorites aren’t with you? Of course not, which is why we’re making it easier than ever to bring your pets along on your next trip. Only the best for your fur baby, so let us give you the rundown on how to find an AvantStay home that’s the …

Continue reading “What Makes AvantStay Homes Pet Friendly? Let’s explain.”

Key West has a population under 30,000 and is only 4.2 square miles. But restaurant owners have managed to pack the island with restaurants ranging from casual backyard patios to upscale dining experiences. Fresh seafood and delectable key lime pie are some of the iconic staples of many Key West restaurants. But you’ll get to enjoy many …

Continue reading “The 18 Best Key West Restaurants To Eat Your Way Through the Conch Republic”

The AvantStay Awards: Celebrating Our First-Ever Winners For the first time ever, we asked our travel community to vote for their favorite AvantStay homes across 20 unique categories. After thousands of votes and weeks of anticipation, the results are in!  With over 50,000 votes counted across all categories, these homes emerged as the ultimate fan …

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Few things get us more excited than a celebration, so we’ve designed our homes to accommodate yours. Group-friendly, fully-equipped, and downright fun, Avantstay properties are the perfect place to host your next occasion. Here’s why. 1. We have room for everyone, even the dog.  From charming cabins in the mountains to equestrian estates in wine …

Continue reading “4 Reasons to Host Your Event With AvantStay”

You’re planning your next vacation to a destination you’ve been dreaming about all year, and you’re trying to decide whether you should stay in a hotel or in a vacation home with your group. It’s a classic dilemma, especially since short-term rental company Airbnb came onto the scene in 2008. The hotel-dominated industry was quickly …

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No matter what you’re looking for in South Carolina’s low country, it’s a guarantee you can find it in North Charleston. North Charleston, SC, is not only the host of Charleston International Airport: this city offers a deep dive into American history for its visitors and much more.  You can relish in the lush blue …

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When it comes to beach getaways, there are few places more sought-after and picturesque than the beaches of the Hawaiian Islands. Imagine relaxing on soft white sand surrounded by lush vegetation as you sip a tropical drink and enjoy the ocean breeze. With over 125 beaches on Oahu, there is a beach for every style, …

Continue reading “Swimming, Snorkeling, & Sun Tanning: Top 5 Best Beaches in Oahu”

Charleston, South Carolina is a hidden gem among the growing cities of the United States. The Lowcountry is a top pick for a summer or weekend getaway for many people From the history, the food, and not to mention, the beaches! If you’re hoping to explore the Charleston, SC beaches, then this guide has you …

Continue reading “Lowcountry Shores: Best Guide to Charleston SC Beaches”

If you’re traveling to the Oregon Coast to take advantage of the abundant and delicious clams, you’re in luck! The Northwest Zone of Oregon, which is where all of Starfish Vacation Rentals beautiful homes are, features some of the best opportunities for clamming in the state. Peak Oregon clam season in this region tends to …

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Your bridal journey is not a piece of cake, it isn’t just saying “I Do” but it will need lots of lots planning. And we mean LOTS. We can help you plan the ultimate bachelorette party too! Read why hosting your event with AvantStay is worth the penny!  Bachelorette Party vs. Bridal Shower Alright party …

Continue reading “The 5 Best Bachelorette Party Destinations Plus 10 Themes to Match!”

Corporate retreats and company “offsites” have never been as important as they are today in the post-COVID era of remote teams who frequently work from home. In-person corporate retreats promote better collaboration among team members, clearer communication, sharper brainstorming, and faster problem-solving, while also reinforcing company culture and positive morale. They also allow co-workers and …

Continue reading “The 12 Best Corporate Retreat Ideas”

Forget boring get-togethers, we’re taking you to a full-blown memory-making extravaganza! Family reunions that’ll go down in history, 50th birthday bashes that’ll make you feel like you’re 21 again, and bachelorette parties that’ll have everyone saying ‘YAS!’ And guess what? We’ve got the secret sauce: Our huge 8-bedroom vacation rentals that can fit your whole …

Continue reading “8 Bedroom Vacation Rentals: The Ultimate Guide”

You love to travel but you also finally got your routine down at home to stay active (we love a daily hot girl walk, too). We all want to keep our health in tip-top condition while we’re out adventuring, so here are a few tips we’ve pulled together from our experts to be active on …

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Why did the golfer wear two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one! Okay, we promise to not be that cheesy, but with a topic like golf, it’s kind of hard to steer clear of the dad jokes. Whether you’re living your cart girl fantasy (no judgment), or genuinely like to …

Continue reading “The Best Vacation Rentals on Golf Courses – Luxury Rentals for Your Next Getaway”

We all need a vacation, but sometimes it’s just not possible to fit one in your work schedule, which is why I’m a huge fan of working vacations, or, portmanteau-ed, “workcations.”  Big amongst the remote work set, workcations are a way to stay in a new location, spend your work hours doing your job, and …

Continue reading “How To Master a Workcation: 4 Steps to Working Remotely in a Vacation Rental”

Looking for an adventurous way to get out on the water? Our top five favorite jet ski rental Key West providers offer exclusive access to explore the turquoise waters that surround the island. Thrill-seekers visiting Key West will want to check a jet ski tour off their travel checklist. Key West Water Tours Key West …

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Breathe in, breathe out… Ski-in, ski-out! Nothing’s better than waking up, putting your gear on and heading directly outside to hit the slopes. After you spend the day getting your (ski) on,  kick back at a vacation home where you can have apres ski moments you’ll never forget. All vacation homes included here are within …

Continue reading “Best Ski-in / Ski-out Vacation Homes: Luxury Rentals for Your Ski-Town Stay”

Grab your boots, besties, we’re going hiking. If you’ve been meaning to cross some of our nation’s great parks off your bucket list, let this be your sign to do it. From Joshua Tree National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains, we’ve got vacation homes next to all things outdoors. Ready to explore? Let’s go! …

Continue reading “The Best 11 Vacation Rentals Near National Parks”

When it comes to the story of alcohol in America, you couldn’t write it without the help of Key West, which has been an enclave for good times, food, and drinks for around 200 years. The city has a rich history of rum running, and during prohibition, Key West residents took the law as more …

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Seasonal depression back and worse than ever? We feel that. But this winter doesn’t have to be all bad. We’ve compiled our favorite destinations for you to escape the cold and spend your days soaking up the sun – because you deserve it! 1. Coachella Valley, CA Come to Casa Palmera in Coachella Valley for …

Continue reading “6 Best Vacation Spots to Beat the Winter Blues”

We’ve made our list—and checked it twice—of the best 2025 Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals for the traveler in your life. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift or looking to score an awesome deal for yourself (no judgment), we’ve compiled the top deals out there for any type of traveler. 1. Apple Airtags …

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Looking for a vacation rental with a private indoor swimming pool? Look no further!  This year, skip the crowded public pools and high-priced hotel passes and opt for a secluded approach to swimming on vacation. We’ve rounded up 15 stunning vacation homes with private indoor pools that promise fun, relaxation, and plenty of room for …

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If there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s going bigger and better than the rest. Now we want to share our tips for traveling smarter and saving money in the process. Our vacation rental homes may be located in top destinations, designed by an award-winning team, and offer upgrades and experiences via the …

Continue reading “AvantStay’s 6 Budget-Friendly Travel Tips”

Whether you’ve lived in Fort Myers all of your life or you’re just visiting and looking for a new piece of paradise in the sun, Fort Myers is home to some of the Sunshine State’s best and most iconic beaches.Bright white sand, seashell heaven, and all the vitamin D that you can ask for are …

Continue reading “White Sand and Sun: The 15 Best Fort Myers Beaches”

Planning a family reunion can be exciting… and overwhelming! Finding the perfect place to accommodate everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can feel like a logistical nightmare. But don’t worry, we’ve done the work for you! This updated list features 8 of the best AvantStay vacation rentals specifically designed for unforgettable family reunions.  Bring the whole …

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Get acquainted with Hilton Head Golf, a haven endowed with numerous champion courses. Once voted as the world’s number 10 golf destination, you will relish a unique experience. Hilton Head Island is a popular vacation destination and has been so for decades. The island is located in South Carolina and is part of the maritime …

Continue reading “The Ultimate Hole-in-One Guide to Hilton Head Golf”

Are you ready to up your vacation game with a dose of sun, sand, and sports? AvantStay’s group-friendly vacation rentals offer top-notch amenities for your crew—like your very own beach volleyball court! Whether you’re a volleyball pro or just looking for some fun in the sun, these handpicked properties are the perfect way to serve …

Continue reading “Epic Vacation Rentals with Beach Volleyball Courts”

It’s time to cross that fall foliage trip off your bucket list! Grab your whole crew and head to one of the best leaf-peeping locations in the US. Each destination offers a unique experience, with a range of activities to make your autumn adventure truly unforgettable. From picturesque mountains to serene lakeshores, we’ve compiled a …

Continue reading “The 10 Best Fall Foliage Destinations in the USA”

California is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and what better way to experience them than by staying in one of the best lakeside cabins the state has to offer? Whether you’re looking for a group getaway with friends or a fun-filled family vacation, AvantStay’s California lakeside vacation homes provide a perfect escape from the …

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Here at AvantStay, we don’t think the good views should stop after your hike. We’re firm believers in staying at a vacation home that makes you feel on top of the world, day and night. In this roundup, you’ll get to see 10 of our favorite vacation homes with mountain views. Whether you’re looking for …

Continue reading “10 Best Vacation Homes with Stunning Mountain Views [Updated June 2025]”

We’re getting oh-so-close to the Big Game! Whether you’re just interested in The Puppy Bowl or actually can’t wait to see your team win, we’ve created a roundup with the best Airbnbs with private movie theaters for you to watch this year’s Super Bowl. Bring your best guac, and we’ll bring the stays – these …

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If you’re ISO of the ultimate decompression session, there’s nothing quite like a vacation rental complete with your very own infinity pool. Whether you’re looking to escape your everyday life or just want to spruce up your IG feed, we rounded up our favorite homes with private infinity pools that do the most. So grab …

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You deserve so much more than an ordinary short-term vacation rental experience whether you’re on vacation or hosting a team offsite or event.

When traveling to the beautiful Hilton Head Island, relaxation and fun are on the menu. This lovely seaside town has something for everyone, including restaurants for every palate. While seafood is prevalent here since you’re right by the ocean, they have plenty of other options too.  We love planning ahead and researching the best restaurants …

Continue reading “The Best Restaurants in Hilton Head for the Hungry Traveler”

At AvantStay, we believe that every property has a story—whether those are stories already written or yet to be told. Sometimes, we even find stories in progress, like that of one of our hotels, The Monkey Tree.

Join locals and tourists for a family-friendly arts festival called the Sunset Celebration held nightly at Mallory Square Dock. Gather at the water’s edge to experience a multicultural event and watch the sun sink behind the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to arrive at least two hours before sunset so you have time to enjoy …

Continue reading “6 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Key West”

Located in Broward County in South Florida, Fort Lauderdale is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, arts and culture scene, and an array of activities. The city is situated on the Atlantic coast and has many canals and waterways, giving it the nickname “Venice of America.”  Fort Lauderdale is also home to Port …

Continue reading “Clear Water and White Sand: The Guide to the Best Fort Lauderdale Beaches”

Located in California’s northern Riverside county, Coachella Valley has some of the best eating establishments in California. With growing popularity due to music festivals, film festivals, and sporting events, resort cities like Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, and Palm Springs are home to some of the best food California has to offer.   Our list of the …

Continue reading “18 Best Restaurants in Coachella Valley”

Vacationers to Isle of Palms (IOP) are sure to work up quite an appetite after a day of sun and sand at the beach. The area has plenty of delightful bistros, cafes, and restaurants specializing in sustainable seafood and fresh fare guaranteed to satisfy the cravings of your entire party. Even your foodie friend is …

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Austin, Texas is known for its bustling nightlife, tasty tacos, and yes, South by Southwest (SXSW for those looking to add another acronym in their life). We’ve come up with the best AvantStay Airbnbs close to South Congress and its parties – all with unique vacation rental experiences you can’t get anywhere else, guaranteeing a …

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Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast! After all, it’s the most important meal of the day. Whether you enjoy a hearty meal that gives you tons of energy or you’re just looking for a great cup of coffee and pastry, you’ll be able to find it in Cannon Beach. Discover where to …

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Lake Tahoe is a dream for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Out of the entire Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe has always been a spectacularly heavenly region. Lake Tahoe is home to some of the US’s best skiing, water sports, and hiking. North America’s largest mountain lake is home to hundreds of miles of hiking …

Continue reading “Top 10 Best Lake Tahoe Hiking Trails”

Austin is a great example of a city that balances urban life with natural landscapes, offering beautiful hiking opportunities to city dwellers. Locals have access to great running trails and visitors can see some of Texas Hill Country’s natural beauty from the comfort of Austin! The Colorado river feeds Austin and has been dammed in …

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If you’re looking for the best tequila cocktails, you’ve come to the right place. With travel in our blood (plus, a hint of lime and salt), we’ve rounded up our top tequila drinks inspired by our favorite destinations. Try making some of these easy tequila cocktails that you could whip up right at home—or your …

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It’s Pride time! Let’s get to it with a super special list of all the best places to stay. Whether you’re attending your hometown’s pride parade, or are making a journey to a special city to see one, this round-up has all the stays to guarantee a rowdy and rockin’ Pride 2025, all the way …

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Whether you’re looking for a getaway place to sunbathe, surf, or simply take in incredible views of the seaside, San Diego has a perfect beach for you. With more than 70 miles of coastline, the city offers a wide variety of beaches, each with its own unique character. From bustling Mission Beach to the secluded …

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Telluride’s peak season may be winter thanks to its incredible skiing, but there are plenty of reasons to visit during the warmer months.

How do we turn a vacation rental from average to an AvantStay? In our Ask the Expert series, we sit down with different members of the AvantStay team to learn just that. For our first installment of the series, we take a look into how AvantStay transforms vacation rentals with award-winning design services. We asked …

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No city in the world offers a music scene quite like Nashville. Music has been the common thread throughout the city’s history, from the early days of fiddle playing to the inception of the Grand Ole Opry and the honky tonks today. This Tennessee city certainly lives up to the moniker “Music City,” with hundreds …

Continue reading “The Best Music Museums in Nashville, TN”

Urban “Angelenos” know that for every urban adventure you can find in Los Angeles, California, there is a trail that can get you away from the city. From Pasadena to Hollywood Hills to Malibu, there are plenty of great hikes to choose from whether you’re just visiting or already live in Southern California. With AvantStay, …

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In today’s world of remote and distributed work, corporate retreats have been redefined as a powerful way to support employees and company culture. Retreats can be a fantastic opportunity for your employees to escape work for a bit while strengthening relationships, boosting productivity, and refreshing workplace morale. These excursions can break up the monotony of …

Continue reading “How To Plan a Corporate Retreat In 8 Steps”

Consider yourself a heavy dink-er? 2025 proved that you either like pickleball or you’re wrong. With the addition of pickleball courts in our homes, we figured it was time we give these courts their shining moment… since we already gave our homes with private tennis courts theirs.  Pickleball has taken the world by storm, and …

Continue reading “15 Best Vacation Rentals with Pickleball Courts”

Hurricanes are a part of life for those who live near the water, and if you’re planning a vacation in one of the many areas that are prone to hurricane weather, it is important to be prepared. Here are some helpful tips to know before you travel to Key West or any other major hurricane …

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The beautiful beach town of Manzanita offers a variety of fantastic restaurants to satisfy any palate. Enjoy dinner for two at a romantic bistro, pop into a coffee shop for a morning latte and scone on the way to the beach, or relax in the evening with a glass of pinot noir at a local …

Continue reading “What Are the Best Manzanita Restaurants?”

If you can believe it, these items truly were left at our homes. We’re happy to report that most of them were claimed and returned to their owners – even the family dog that we absolutely got emotionally attached to.  Here’s all the tea on these (un)forgettable items, straight from the source (our area managers). …

Continue reading “AvantAuction: All the Best of What’s Left Behind”

Step into the world of snowbird rentals for a cozy winter escape. Our guide reveals the best seasonal vacation homes and offers handy snowbird travel tips. Get ready for affordable snowbird getaways and a stress-free winter retreat. Key West, FL Key West’s unique charm and mild winter climate make it an ideal destination for snowbird …

Continue reading “Snowbird Monthly Vacation Rentals: Top Destinations for Your Winter Escape”

The winter months have officially arrived, and quickly transitioning your home from trick-or-treat friendly to family feast ready can be stressful. Given that this is the time of year when you should be winding down, opening up your doors to host an event can be overwhelming. So why not open up ours?  Elevate your holidays …

Continue reading “14 Tips to Become the Hostess with the Mostest”

Are you looking to plan the perfect family vacation with a toddler? With AvantStay, you can enjoy a stress-free vacation with your little one in some of the most beautiful destinations across the United States. Our kid-friendly vacation homes have high chairs and a pack & play available, so you don’t need to worry about …

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More than ever, teams need intentional spaces to reconnect, re-strategize, and recharge. Whether you’re fully remote or hybrid, corporate retreats are more than just a getaway—they’re a strategic investment in team connection, innovation, and growth. The right setting can spark bold ideas, deepen relationships, and bring your company’s vision into sharper focus.  AvantStay has a …

Continue reading “7 Best Corporate Retreat Venues in The United States”

Get ready for next year’s most spectacular event—even more awe-inspiring than Taylor and Travis as a couple—the 2024 Solar Eclipse! In just a few short months (April 8th to be exact), the skies will host a VIP cosmic show, and we’re here to guide you to the top North American spots for witnessing this amazing …

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She felt lucky to travel with AvantStay but we’re the lucky ones for hosting the beautiful and well-traveled Helen Owen over the Thanksgiving holiday! There’s a reason she has over 1M Instagram followers, and we think it’s because she doesn’t just stay at nice places, she PLAYS at nice places. Here’s what she had to …

Continue reading “Words from the Wise: An Interview with Pro Traveler, Helen Owen”

You went places and did things—and we’re here to celebrate it. Grab your favorite bevvie and join us as we explore the best parts of our year spent together. New Additions It’s never been easier to find your dream stay. This year, we added multiple new destinations, including Port Aransas, Whidbey Island, and Chesapeake Bay! …

Continue reading “2023: That’s a Wrap!”

Name Nina Groebe Where are you based? Vail, Colorado Job Title Area Manager- Breckenridge & Vail How long have you worked at AvantStay? I have been with AvantStay for a little over a year now! How would you describe your job & responsibilities to someone who doesn’t work in your field? I am responsible for …

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Coachella & Stagecoach – you were on fire this year. A handful of our favorite brands set up activations at our vacation homes and invited some of the hottest celebs and influencers currently gracing our FYPs. Take a look inside our star-studded homes and you’ll see proof of why your fave brands know to have …

Continue reading “Best of the Fest – Our Fave Guests from Coachella & Stagecoach 2023”

Where are you based? Boston, MA Job Title: Senior CRM Manager Ok now… what does that stand for? CRM stands for “Customer Relationship Management,” but not in the way you may think. I don’t actually have any direct conversations with our customers. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes relationship builder. Some may also refer to my …

Continue reading “AvantStay Spotlight: Jesse Miano, Senior CRM Manager”

Here at AvantStay, we believe our employees deserve more recognition than just your traditional Employee of the Year – instead, we recognize our HERO’s. An AvantStay “HERO” is someone who is Hungry, Excellent, Resilient, and Open.  Earlier this month, we awarded five talented individuals from our team whose star-power really shined through last year. Please …

Continue reading “AvantStay’s 2022 HERO’s of the Year”

We know you’re a trendsetter but figured you’d like to see your year in travel anyway. Below we’ve gathered facts you’ll love about our guests, where you traveled with us and some of our fave moments from you in your vacation era.  Total Number of Guests  You have a lot of friends. 300,000 of you …

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Model, business-owner, and former Victoria’s Secret Angel, Jasmine Tookes, took her friends on a weekend getaway to our vacation home Canopy in Park City, Utah. We sat down with Jasmine to hear her more about her stay and her new business, JOJA. Tell us some of your favorite things about the home you chose for …

Continue reading “Words from the Wise: An Interview with JOJA founder, Jasmine Tookes”