Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica James.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story of business ownership all started with a feeling of wanting something different.
After college I took the traditional path and worked in corporate jobs because that’s what I thought I was supposed to do. Everything looked good on paper, but I never felt completely fulfilled. I wanted more freedom, more creativity, and more ownership over my life.
Around that time, I started traveling around the world and stayed in Airbnbs in 33 countries. I noticed the best properties weren’t just places to sleep, they became an essential part of my trip. The ones that felt welcoming, thoughtful, and unique made the experience so much more memorable
When I came back to Kansas City, I couldn’t stop thinking about that. I realized I wanted to create those same experiences for other people. That’s really how Next Guest KC came to life. My world travels were the entire inspiration for my business but they also gave me the confidence to take a chance on myself and build something I was truly excited about.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not.
There have been so many moments where I question whether I’m making the right decisions. I started and grew the business during COVID, managed periods of rapid growth, navigated staffing changes, and figured out how to lead a team while still learning myself.
Some seasons have been exciting, while others have felt extremely overwhelming. There have been hard conversations, unexpected setbacks, and plenty of days where I want to give up.
Looking back, though, those experiences have shaped me in the best ways. They’ve helped me become more confident in my decisions, set better boundaries, and trust my instincts. I’ve learned that protecting your values is the most important thing you can do while building a brand. The kind of business I’ve worked so hard to build requires making hard decisions and those decisions have ultimately made both me and the business stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Next Guest KC?
Next Guest KC is a full-service short-term rental management company.
We handle everything from pricing strategy, marketing, guest communication, revenue management to coordinating maintenance, cleaning. trash, lawn care, overseeing vendors, and making sure every property runs smoothly.
One of my favorite parts of what we do is helping homeowners transform their spaces. We offer design consultation, furnishing, and complete property setup so homes aren’t just functional, they truly stand out. Our goal is to create beautiful, well-managed homes that maximize revenue for owners while giving every guest an experience they’ll remember.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Fearlessness, without a doubt. Entrepreneurship is often about stepping into the unknown without any guarantees. I’ve had to make many decisions along the way without knowing what was on the other side. Leaving partnerships, rebuilding from scratch, expanding before it felt safe. It’s like jumping off a cliff headfirst and trusting you’ll figure out how to land, or building the plane while you’re already flying it. Taking calculated risks, trusting myself, and moving forward despite uncertainty has allowed me to create opportunities where none existed. Growth rarely happens inside comfort zones and I’ve never been afraid to step outside of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nextguestkc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextguestkc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Next-Guest-KC-61576310141011/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextguest-kc/
