We recently connected with Sarah Medley and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As the proud member of a blended family with six wonderful children, each with their own unique needs, life has certainly thrown its share of challenges my way. In the past, I’ve been guilty of dismissing my struggles. While I felt like no one understood my situation, I was at the same time thinking that others have it much worse. But my experiences—like going through a challenging divorce and managing the complexities of our family life—are significant in their own right. Accepting that these experiences are part of me was the first step toward using them as a source of strength.
A turning point came for me when a therapist encouraged me to acknowledge my experiences as trauma. This realization—that my past, though not headline-making, still impacted my life profoundly—was liberating. It helped me understand that my struggles with anxiety months, even years, after the fact were valid. Accepting that these experiences are part of me was the key to unlocking a more intentional way of living.
This acceptance allowed me to shift my perspective and become more intentional in every aspect of my life. Be it parenting, marriage, or my businesses, I’ve learned to create environments that cater to my needs and help minimize anxiety. It’s what makes my approach to business distinct and personal.
Remember, your experiences are powerful—embrace them and watch how they can fuel your success.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As entrepreneurs and parents of a blended family with six children, my husband, Lee, and I envisioned a place where our entire family could gather, even years from now when our children have families of their own. This dream fueled our passion and set the wheels in motion to build a treehouse resort that would offer an unparalleled getaway experience.
We are the developers of In the Trees, a luxury treehouse resort in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. At the heart of In the Trees lies intentionality—a concept that permeates every aspect of our lives and business. With multiple businesses to manage and a large family to raise, intentional living became our guiding principle. It allows us to balance work and family, ensuring that every moment is purposeful and meaningful.
In developing the resort, we applied this intentionality to every detail, from the architecture and decor to the experiences we offer our guests. Our aim is to create an environment where guests can disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.
Lee and I spend countless hours brainstorming and dreaming—sometimes the ideas don’t come to fruition, but we understand that this process is vital to our success. The synergy of our partnership allows us to approach challenges with creativity and resilience, transforming potential roadblocks into opportunities for growth. Working alongside Lee has been both a privilege and an adventure. Our shared passion and complementary skills have been instrumental in realizing our dream of In the Trees.
We invite our guests to challenge their routines and explore new perspectives during their stay at In the Trees. By stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, they have the opportunity to see the world through a different lens and discover new possibilities. Through intentional design, curated experiences, and the healing power of nature, we aim to create an environment that supports personal growth and renewal. Whether it’s a brief escape or a longer retreat, we hope that every guest leaves feeling more grounded, inspired, and connected.
Building In the Trees has been a labor of love, a testament to the power of dreams and the joy of creation. Lee and I are grateful for the opportunity to share our vision with others, creating a space where people can connect, reflect, and grow.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Whether you’re launching a startup or steering an established company, certain qualities and skills can significantly impact your success. At In the Trees, we’ve discovered three essential traits that have propelled us forward.
One quality that has been instrumental at In the Trees is our willingness to try something unique. This willingness to think outside the box and explore unconventional ideas has allowed us to create a resort experience that is truly one-of-a-kind. Some ideas seemed strange initially, but as we molded them, they became intriguing elements that now define the vibe of our resort.
Fear of the unknown often holds businesses back. However, at In the Trees, we have embraced the philosophy of moving forward even when we lack knowledge in certain areas. This approach has empowered us to achieve remarkable results, even if we didn’t initially know how to get there. We recognize that knowledge is readily available, and countless resources exist to guide us. We start by defining the outcome we desire, then seek expertise, gather information and leverage technology to bridge the gap between vision and execution.
And finally, for some, working with their spouse may seem like a bad combination, but for Lee and I, it creates a culture of honestly and open communication. We believe these are vital ingredients for moving forward with a concept or plan. We are consistently blunt and honest with our brainstorming, creating conversations that are always moving forward and evolving. Working with the person I trust the most has been essential to creating an environment where ideas flow freely.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
From a young age, my parents involved me in their businesses, sharing nuggets of wisdom that have shaped my approach to life and work. One of the most impactful lessons came from my dad’s approach to risk-taking. He believed in smart risks—calculated and well-thought-out. He showed me how to weigh potential outcomes and prepare for different scenarios. This mindset has become integral to my decision-making process. It’s a strategy I’ve carried into every venture, including our ambitious projects at In the Trees.
While my dad was a natural businessman, he didn’t come by organization naturally (like my mom does!). This is where his “tricks” came into play. He devised systems and routines that minimized mistakes and streamlined processes. From strategically placing important items to setting up future tasks in advance, these tricks have become second nature to me. This may seem small, but as a businesswoman with 6 kids, these little devises are vital to my daily life and sanity.
From both parents, I learned the relentless pursuit of goals. They taught me to discern when to accept roadblocks and when to push through them. This determination has become a hallmark of my business strategy. In the face of obstacles, I learned to view challenges from every angle and often find unconventional solutions. This relentless pursuit permeates my business practices and even influences my parenting style.
They showed me that when something is important, you commit wholeheartedly. This level of commitment and tenacity is rare and invaluable. It means putting in the hours, energy, and passion needed to achieve your goals. It means not giving up when things get tough. This lesson has been a driving force behind my success in managing the resort, where dedication to creating a unique experience sets us apart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://inthetrees.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthetreesresort/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inthetreesHS
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inthetrees7987
Image Credits
Eric Frazier Photography
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