In Episode 2 of Pretty Smart — “Let’s Name Names” — the founders dive into the people, partnerships, and pivotal moments that have shaped this growing design movement. From the trailblazers who stepped up to speak, to the unexpected friendships and collaborations formed at the Summit, this episode celebrates the individuals who make the Pretty Smart community what it is. It’s a conversation about showing up, finding your people, and building something bigger than yourself — one connection at a time.

Ericka, Jane, and Jessica reflect on the stories of designers, hosts, and brands who have become central to the movement — from Paula’s mastery in branded destination design, to the “Design Besties” who met at the Summit and went on to launch a nonprofit, to Lorraine’s mission to make accessible vacation rentals the norm. This episode highlights exactly why this community works: people are eager to share, collaborate, mentor, and grow together.

Whether you're a designer, host, brand, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is a reminder that stepping into the room can change your entire path. This is what happens when people with purpose and passion decide to build something bigger than themselves.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 — Finding community & the origin of the Collective

How the summit sparked unexpected friendships, connections, and collaborations.

02:00 — What Pretty Smart is all about

A movement built from courage, creativity, and taking action before you know how.

03:00 — Before the Summit vs. after

The shift from individual careers to a tight-knit design family.

05:00 — The diversity of the community

Designers at all levels, from vacation rental specialists to lifelong interior designers.

06:00 — Spotlight: Paula Oblen

Her expertise in branded destination design, celebrity collaborations, and opportunities created through Summit appearances.

09:00 — Collaborations born from showing up

Why increasing your circle leads to unexpected partnerships.

10:00 — The Design Besties

How four designers met at the Summit, formed a nonprofit, and now redesign teachers’ lounges nationwide.

12:00 — Featuring Lorraine Woodward and Inclusivity

Her work on accessibility, neurodiversity, vacation rental standards, and why design must consider all needs.

15:00 — Safety, cleanability & design intersections

How experts like Justin Ford and Durk Johnston connect safety, housekeeping and design.

17:00 — Community champions: Jonathan & Birgit

From front-row supporters to Collective members helping the movement grow.

19:00 — Pillow Talk memories

A behind-the-scenes story from Summit two — pajamas, heels, and a stage walk.

21:00 — Brand partnerships & influence

How designers' insights are shaping product development and collaborations.

23:00 — Industry leaders taking notice

Speakers, innovators, and couples like Harshad & Ishita sharing hard-earned business lessons.

26:00 — Tyann Marcink Hammond

A pillar in the STR world and advocate for preparing hosts for the FIFA World Cup demand.

27:00 — The volunteer team that makes it happen

Recognizing the people on the ground who help bring the Summit to life.

30:00 — Spotlight: Janice & her biophilic luxury retreat

Designing with intention, beauty, and deep connection to the natural world.

31:00 — Why the magic works

People are willing to share — and that generosity fuels the movement.

33:00 — Your invitation to join

Show up, connect, and access a community that wants to grow with you.

💬 Key Quotes

• “When you show up and increase your circle, opportunities appear that you never planned for.”
  
  
  
  


• “Design isn’t just about the space — it’s about who feels welcome in it.”
  
  
  
  


• “They didn’t wait until they knew how. They cared so much, they figured it out.”
  
  
  
  


• “We created what we couldn’t find: a community willing to share openly.”
  
  
  
  


• “You’re not alone. This is what happens when people decide to build something bigger than themselves.”
  
  
  
  

🔗 Relevant Links
🎟 Register for the Vacation Rental Design Summit

https://tinyurl.com/2rd8w6sr

🎧 Learn More About the Pretty Smart Podcast

https://theprettysmartpodcast.com/

📱 Instagram Links

Vacation Rental Designers — https://www.instagram.com/vacationrentaldesigners/?hl=en

High Point x Design — https://www.instagram.com/highpointxdesign/?hl=en

Saurit Creative — https://www.instagram.com/sauritcreative/?hl=en

J Duce Design — https://www.instagram.com/jducedesign/?hl=en