How to host an Experience with AirBnb

Have you ever thought about hosting an experience, workshop or activity? I began hosting experiences through Airbnb this year as a way to spread the word about my Natural Dye Workshops and also connect to a wider audience. To get started hosting through Airbnb, you need to apply. Here, I will break down the steps that I took to apply, so that you can bring your unique experience to the community. One thing that I liked about being an experience host was that many locals and travelers attended my event, which gave my teachings a global reach!

Before offering my workshop through Airbnb I was inspired to create a series of workshops called Creative Sundays to offer an array of professionals, creatives and parents an opportunity to connect while exploring a craft or a skill with their hands. As a parent, I longed for an outlet to connect with new people, energy and creativity beyond my day job. My Creative Sundays, series of workshops has helped me to grow professionally, explore new dye techniques, and hone my skills in natural dyeing so I feel comfortable with teaching! Which brings us to our first consideration, what area of expertise are you ready to share with a group? 

Read on down to find out more, and use this link to get started hosting your own event with Airbnb. 

areas of Expertise

photo via Unsplash

In what area or subject do you currently have a wealth of experience or knowledge? This could relate to a sport or a hobby. All sorts of things come to mind: are you an avid hiker, photographer or maker of some sort? Do you know a lot about the architecture or history of your particular city? My background is in fine art, textiles, and interiors, so a natural dye class was right up my alley! 

Join our Indigo Natural Dye + Aromatherapy Workshop!

In order to become an experience host, you will need to get approved by Airbnb.
You will want to consider what makes you an expert in your field before applying to host. For me, I own my handmade textile business, and I have taught fine-art for over 15 years. I felt comfortable teaching a group of artists. 

CHoose the Perfect location 

Before I began hosting through Airbnb, I ran my first Creative Sundays workshops at my apartment. The apartment was a good place to start, I organized my art studio and I had professional photos taken and invited all of my closest creatives and friends to partake while I tweaked the first workshop! Another time, I rented out a light and bright room at a Beverly Hills community center- which had long rows of tables, a sink, and an outdoor space. You will want to consider your needs before you determine the place, do you need access to outdoors, water or electricity? Perhaps location is decided by the activity. For example, a site-seeing activity would need a specific meeting place. 

To further grow and collaborate I partnered with a business and a vineyard to offer private indigo workshops! In this way, I was able to connect with a new people and groups! 

This year, we purchased a home with the perfect outdoor space and garden- then I new the garden would be the perfect place to host my Airbnb events. One thing to know is that when you apply, you need to put down an exact address where your experience will be held. 

photo via Saddlerock Gardens

Gather the Perfect event photos 

Also, I recently read that a good photo will sell a workshop, whereas a bad image may actually deter participants from sign-ing up. When I started hosting these specific workshops about a year and a half ago, each time I made sure to take some pics. Especially if I offered a new location in the class. Often, my participants click and share an amazing photo or two and I use their photos (with permission) So be sure to pick out some of your best photos! 

get it your date on the Calendar

For me, it's all about getting those dates on the calendar. I often do planning sessions 2-3 months in advance. I recommend that you publish your event at least one month beforehand. This allows allows people to browse, plan, and reach out with any questions in advance. Plus, if they are traveling to your city, then they can plan out a few fun activities such as your experience. Additionally, I got many last minute sign-ups prior to the day of the event. 

Indigo Private Shibori WOrkshop

be authentic to set yourself apart

My last tidbit of advice, is to be YOU! Think about what makes your experience unique and why people might enjoy it? I think that by being authentic, we naturally attract in the right participants and people to our experience. If you would like to see a bit more about what I mean, please feel free to visit my upcoming Indigo Horizons and Aromatherapy workshop that I co-host with Certified Aromatherapist Flin K. Grant. On Airbnb, there is a wealth of info and you can read through our experience description to get a feel for how we approach it. I hope to meet you at one of my workshops! 

Lastly, please share your experiences and experience ideas with me. I would love to hear them! 
One way, that I awoke my inspiration, when I started this blog was through attending a woodworking workshop in Downtown L.A. That class really ignited my creativity and passion for design and craftsmanship all over again. You may be interested in reading about some of the other workshops that I offer along with one that I attended too: 

• Shibori Textile Basics 
• Indigo Shibori Small Group Workshop 
• Woodworking Workshop