Story & Lesson Highlights with Jami Jenkins of Appalachian Foothills

Jami Jenkins shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Jami, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Many of our guests are unaware that our cabins, the Carpenter’s Cabin, Twelve34 House, and GloCabin, were designed and built as personal vacation homes for our family. The three cabins sit on our 32 acres of forest as a sort of family commune for our time together, but allow our daughter and her family to have their own cabin, our son and his family to have their own, and my husband and me to have our own cabin. Every detail was designed around our needs and wishes, along with a dash of creative fantasy.

We also personally manage our vacation rentals. From hiring and scheduling the cleaning team and the handyman, to guest communication, and marketing, I am the wizard pulling the levers behind the curtain, while my husband, Scott, manages the business finances. Our daughter, Meg, is second in command, offering me the occasional day off.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Eco-Luxe Vacations has carved a niche for ourselves in the cabin rental business, which has gained us publicity around the globe. Our goal was to create well-considered, elevated, creative vacation rentals that also have stewardship-centered pillars. Those five pillars include Materials, Health, Time, Talent, and Finances. Every decision that was made in the design, build, furnishing, and ongoing care of the property has been put through each of these filters so that we might be Godly stewards of what God has and continues to provide for us, while inspiring others to do the same. We are the only vacation rental business in the Hocking Hills Region, and beyond, to take such extensive measures. More information about our committment can be found on our website.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I have always been a multi-disciplinary creative. After visiting Disney World for the first time, I wanted to be an Imagineer, not just design the visuals for rides such as It’s a Small World, but actually design their movements…the full design package. I quickly learned that I have zero mechanical inclination and that being a multi-disciplinary creative doesn’t mean I have to be ALL things.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Initially, I had a lot of self-doubt. I wasn’t sure I would be “good enough”; people might not like what I do, the designs and experiences I create. Then people started complimenting on a small scale – friends, family, etc. As my design business took off, the pressure increased because they were hiring me specifically for my unique style, and with each new client, the stakes seemed higher.

In 2021, I completed the design/build of our first cabin, the Carpenter’s Cabin, which became an instant success, being published in magazines around the world, featured on top Instagram design accounts, and even featured on Discovery+ and Magnolia Network. Pressure to equal or exceed the design for the next two cabins, Twelve34 House and GloCabin, was intense. The designs of the three cabins are purposefully unique from each other, which allowed me to “play” with new design ideas.

Twelve34 House, in particular, was a risk – it is the most modern and amenity-rich “cabin” in the Hocking Hills Region – an area that is home to thousands of traditional log cabin rentals. Twelve34 House is a luxury penthouse in the treetops and is our most booked and highest-rated cabin – proving the design risk paid off. GloCabin, less risky, thrives because of its unique, charming design and creative use of a small footprint.

I’m still learning to trust my design instincts….even if someone else doubts them.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Many around me believe that I’m a perfectionist, and I think there are aspects of my personality and how I do things that make me appear so, but I’m not. There is a foundation truth in my life that I live by, and tell my grandchildren – always do your best. This is much different from doing something perfectly. While you may achieve perfection in some area, over time, there is a 99.9% chance you will not, and you will make yourself and everyone else miserable in the attempt. I do believe that it is important to always do your best. It’s what we’re called to do, and it is where satisfaction lies. Gandhi is quoted as stating, “Satisfaction lies in the effort, not the attainment: full effort is full victory.” This needs to be plastered on every child’s forehead so he carries it with him forever.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
My most important roles are the ones that the world at large does not see or make a priority. Being a wife, mother, and grandmother consumes my heart and soul, bringing me the most joy. Those are also the reasons I love to create beautiful, inspired spaces. There is a peace and joy that comes when you move about a beautiful and clean home because it removes the chaos through function, and inspires through its design. I love crafting inspired spaces for my grandchildren, inspiring their imaginations and expanding their capacity to dream big. It must be working; two of them want to be architects, and a third wants to be a personal stylist.

Indeed, we purchased our 32 acres with the plan to build three cabins for our family to spend time together, and together at the cabins is the most peaceful spot to be. The recognition they’ve received is very appreciated, but it was not the goal.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Shelby Wilray
Catie Viox
Scarlett Walker

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