MySuites was my first venture in the NYC real estate industry, and it was truly a creation from scratch. Unlike the tech world where a brilliant idea can sometimes lead to success without immediate funding, real estate requires substantial financial backing even for exceptional concepts. Since I lacked the necessary funds, I decided to take a grassroots approach and build the business from the ground up.
In 2007, MySuites came into existence on West 28th Street in NYC, nestled within the charming flower district. It was like a precursor to Airbnb but with a twist. We offered a carefully curated selection of stylish and comfortable apartments, functioning as boutique hotel suites. Back then, we began with just one suite, which I personally cleaned and prepared with the help of Julio, a part-time flower bouquet maker in the same building.
Though we didn’t become a massive corporation, achieve great wealth, or attain widespread fame, what mattered most was our happiness and the strong community of guests we fostered. Our clientele included a diverse group of creative individuals, events, and people who were contributing to the flourishing atmosphere of what would eventually become the NoMad district.
Over the years, we steadily grew and evolved, eventually reaching a peak with 16 boutique suites in downtown Manhattan. However, our journey took an unexpected turn in 2020 with the outbreak of the pandemic. The challenges posed by the global crisis forced us to reevaluate our business model, and sadly, we had to make the difficult decision to close MySuites.
Despite the closure, the memories of our journey, the relationships we built, and the experiences we shared remain precious. MySuites will forever be a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the joy of creating something meaningful in the world of real estate.