What product or service does HotelsHeroes offer?
HotelsHeroes is a one-of-a-kind online booking platform that enhances monetary rewards for housekeepers. As a groundbreaking initiative in the hospitality industry, HotelsHeroes is dedicated towards uplifting housekeepers for the essential role they play in creating memorable guest experiences.
How did you come up with the idea for this business?
The idea for this business began when I worked as a housekeeper at my family’s small motel with my coworker, “Linda,” during a staffing crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Experiencing firsthand the physically demanding work, low pay, and the rare appreciation housekeepers receive opened my eyes to the lack of recognition they often endure. One day, while we were cleaning rooms, I saw Linda’s face light up when she found a small tip left by a guest. Curious, I asked her what she did with these tips. She shared that, although the tips were meager, she saved every dollar to help fund her grandkids' future schooling. In that moment, I realized how even small gestures of appreciation could make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Inspired, I envisioned a platform that would recognize and reward the hard work of housekeepers. That vision became “HotelsHeroes”—a platform that directly supports housekeepers, turning small acts of gratitude into a movement for worker appreciation and meaningful impact on their lives.
Why did you decide to participate in the HI Hub Incubator program?
From the moment I was accepted into NYU, I was eager to join the incubator program to accelerate my platform's growth and broaden our impact for housekeepers as swiftly as possible. With NYU’s vast network of alumni and experienced professionals in hospitality, I’m confident that the mentorship and guidance I’ll gain will be invaluable, equipping me with the insights and strategies needed to expand the platform efficiently and effectively at a global level.
What do you enjoy most about creating your own startup business?
What I enjoy most about creating my own startup is the chance to channel my entrepreneurial spirit into making a meaningful impact. Starting a business to support housekeepers is incredibly fulfilling because I can directly empower an essential workforce and make a positive difference in their lives. It’s rewarding to see my vision come to life through a platform that genuinely meets their needs. The journey brings constant growth and learning as I overcome challenges and refine my approach. Building relationships with users and hearing their feedback makes every step forward even more meaningful.
What advice would you give to someone contemplating founding a startup?
If you’re thinking about starting a startup, focus first on a real problem you’re passionate about solving—this will keep you going when things get tough. Do some serious research on your market and who you’re aiming to help, so you’re solving real needs. Bring together a team of people who are not only talented but also believe in your vision, and aim to create a product that makes human life easier in a simple, practical way. Finally, stay flexible and open to change based on feedback—being willing to learn and adapt is key to making it in the startup world.
What is something you learned through this process that you wish you’d known before you created your startup?
I wish I’d known just how complex travel technology is, especially in areas like online travel agencies (OTAs) and the systems that support them. Figuring out APIs, booking integrations, and industry standards has been a big learning curve. If I’d understood more of the technical side from the beginning, we could have saved time and made smarter choices along the way. Ensuring a user-friendly experience while integrating scheduling, payments, and communication features took more time and effort than anticipated. Additionally, reaching out to industry leaders to present our concept was very challenging and I am glad to have the opportunity in the incubator program to collaborate with these leaders.
What does the future of your startup look like in an ideal world?
In an ideal world, this unique and empowering platform will boost guest satisfaction by ensuring clean, comfortable rooms while also giving guests the gratification of directly rewarding the hardworking housekeepers who made their stay exceptional.
Have you worked with any alumni or mentors on this project?
If so, who and what was that experience like? - We haven’t had the opportunity to work with alumni or mentors on this project yet, but we're genuinely excited to do so through the incubator hub program. We're passionate about learning, growing, and refining our vision, and we look forward to collaborating with experienced mentors to take our project to the next level.