We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sami Jo Lien a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sami Jo, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I think my work ethic really comes from my family. I grew up in a family business that my grandpa, his father, and his brother started back in 1953. My mom began working there when I was very young, and I got to watch firsthand how hard she worked, earning her master’s degree while working full-time and raising both me and my special-needs brother.
So, part of it is probably in my genes, but the other part came from seeing those examples of dedication and perseverance every day. I also had plenty of opportunities to work within the business myself, and I was taught early on what it meant to truly earn my way. At the same time, I was always encouraged to chase my dreams and give things a try. I think that combination – discipline, opportunity, and encouragement – is what shaped how I approach my work today. And I feel really lucky to have grown up surrounded by that kind of example.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Earlier in 2025, I opened Margo, a 1978 Airstream Argosy Minuet that I’ve lovingly restored and turned into a cozy little short-term rental here in Denver. She’s part vintage camper, part self-care retreat, and part nostalgic escape for anyone who needs a reset. It was my fun creative project the year after I made it through breast cancer treatment (5 months of chemo and a double mastectomy), and I love sharing such a fun space with adventurous travelers!
What makes Margo special is her personality. She’s not just a place to stay, she’s an experience. From the warm wood tones and record player to the hand-picked details like vintage books and local coffee, everything inside her tells a story. I wanted it to feel like a darling little shephard’s hut in the UK crossed with your favorite Wes Anderson film: a little quirky, a little thoughtful, and totally restorative.
It’s been incredible watching people connect with her energy. Guests use Margo for everything from solo getaways and creative retreats to mini honeymoons and girls’ weekends. I see a lot of guests come in as a fun night away to accompany a concert at Red Rocks Mile High Stadium and Levitt Pavilion. I also get a lot of golfers, since we’re just three houses from the Overland Golf Course.
At her core, Margo’s brand is about doing what you love, finding your people, and carving out space to feel like yourself again.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey with Margo are design, creativity, and flexibility.
First, I’ve always loved design. There is such great storytelling that happens through color, texture, and atmosphere. That passion really shaped Margo’s personality and made her feel like more than just a rental. Every choice, from the wallpaper to the lighting, was about creating a mood that helps people slow down and reconnect.
Second, creativity and flexibility go hand in hand for me. Building and running a small business means constantly adapting, figuring out how to make something beautiful and functional within your means. I actually love that part. It’s the challenge of making it work, even when the path isn’t linear, that keeps me inspired.
And finally, my background in PR through my company, Roger Charlie (https://www.rogercharlie.com), has been huge. It’s given me the mindset to think not just about what Margo is, but how to share her story in ways that attract the right guests. I’m always looking for creative ways to connect with those travelers, whether that’s through local collaborations, themed stays, or social storytelling. We partner a lot with fun businesses in our neighborhood, and it brings me great joy to let people in on what a gem our little area of Denver is!
For anyone just starting out, my best advice would be: don’t wait for things to be perfect before you begin. Lead with your curiosity, use what you already know, and stay open to learning the rest as you go. The mix of vision and flexibility is where the magic happens.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Honestly, I’ve been very overwhelmed lately. My brother passed away a month ago and trying to process that while keeping everything else moving has been incredibly hard. There are days when I just want to lie down and sleep, and I think that’s important to admit out loud.
When I feel that way, I try to remind myself to slow down, take things one bite at a time, and focus on gratitude. Even small moments like getting outside for a walk, sharing a meal with people I love, or taking a quiet hour just for myself, help me reset. I’ve learned how important it is to surround yourself with the right people, the ones who remind you of who you are when you start to lose sight of it.
There’s no magic fix for overwhelm, but I try to remember there’s time. You don’t have to do it all today. Keep going, keep breathing, and trust that moving slowly is still moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://margotheoc.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/margotheoc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margotheoc
Image Credits
Jake Pedroza (Photo with Bear creek and Flowers)
All except Exterior Photos are by Loredana Gaudioso
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
