Welcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Each episode we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get just a little bit better at this thing called life.

Building Your Dream:  Exploring the Entrepreneurial Journey

What kind of magic is required to transform a 120-year-old building into a contemporary haven filled with original local art? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Amy McLaughlin and her husband/co-founder, who turned their vision into Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals in Fayetteville, West Virginia.

Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Lafayette Flats, Amy takes us through the meticulous planning, visionary design, and the challenges they overcame to create a unique lodging destination amidst the natural beauty of New River Gorge National Park.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and lovers of West Virginia's charm will find a wealth of insights and inspiration in this episode.

We discuss the decision-making principles that guided her, focusing on goals over circumstances, particularly in the face of the area's National Park designation.

This conversation is a rich source of wisdom on sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, and celebrating local culture, making it a must-listen for anyone with a passion for hospitality and West Virginia's scenic splendor.

More About Our Wise Guest - Entrepreneur Amy McLaughlin

Amy McLaughlin is an entrepreneur, master naturalist and art collector. She finds great beauty in her West Virginia home, which she curates for the rest of the world to appreciate.

Amy and her husband own and operate Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals in Fayetteville, WV on the rim of New River Gorge National Park.

In April 2024, they celebrated the 10th anniversary of their small business, which is housed in a 120-year-old building they lovingly renovated.

Lafayette Flats was recently named one of the best places to stay in West Virginia by National Geographic, and as you will learn, it is much more than just a lodging property.

Now, settle in, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air … and get ready, over the next several minutes you will learn why Amy McLaughlin is one of the wisest people I know.

 

Resources

Check out the Lafayette Flats website

Follow Lafayette Flats on Instagram

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn

 

Credits

Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss

Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski

PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell

Graphic Design + Social Media Chloe Lineberg

 

Stay Connected with Us on Social

YouTube @themainthingpod

Twitter @themainthingpod

Instagram @themainthingpod

Facebook  @TheMainThingPod

LinkedIn

 

How Can You Help Support the Growth of this Podcast?

1. Become a subscriber.
2. Share the podcast with one or two friends.
3. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
4. Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
5. Become a patron of the show and support us on Patreon with funding.
6. Purchase a book from our curated collection on Bookshop.

 

Episode Chapters

[0:02:47] - Celebrating Lafayette Flats

[0:07:16] - Creating Lafayette Flats

[0:11:17] - Making Decisions Based on Goals

 

Keywords

Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, West Virginia, Lafayette Flats, Vacation Rentals, National Park, Sustainable Tourism, Interior Design, Construction, Budget, Vision, Planning, Challenges, Local Art, New River Gorge, Celebrating, Charm, Scenic Splendor, Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Shared Experiences, Unique Appeal, Backgrounds, Decision-Making, Goals, Circumstances, Professional, Personal Life, Socially, Environmentally, Economically Sustainable