Deidre Mathis, the founder of Wanderstay, is celebrating the first anniversary of her groundbreaking hostel brand in grand style. As the first Black-owned hostel in the United States, Mathis is commemorating the milestone by offering Wanderstay’s biggest deal yet for first-time customers.
Travelers visiting Houston can now enjoy a 2-night stay in one of Wanderstay’s uniquely themed rooms, inspired by everything from music to sports to safari adventures. Located in the vibrant East End neighborhood, Mathis designed the boutique hostel to bring a sense of fun and excitement to the adult hospitality experience.
Breaking Barriers as the First Black-Owned Hostel Brand
When Mathis opened Wanderstay in 2018, she made history as the first Black woman to own and operate a hostel in the United States. Recognizing the often negative connotations associated with hostels, Mathis has worked tirelessly to dismantle these stereotypes and introduce the Wanderstay experience to a wider audience, particularly within the Black and brown communities.
“When we first opened, people asked, ‘Why a hostel, and why Houston?’ And I said, ‘Why not?’ Frankly, there were no hostel options. I’m looking at the statistics; Houston has a ton of visitors and events but no options for this type of accommodation,” Mathis explains.
Pivoting During the Pandemic to Maintain Brand Standards
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges for Wanderstay, but Mathis and her team were quick to adapt. Leveraging the hostel’s proximity to the Houston medical center, they were able to accommodate nurses and those visiting family during the unprecedented time.
Despite the difficulties, Mathis remained focused on upholding Wanderstay’s brand standards, including cleanliness and community. “We just had to really pivot, and we did so very quickly. We always tell people that when it gets tough, think of how you can pivot to save your company. We maintain our brand standards, such as cleanliness and community, and people continue to utilize us,” she says.
Securing Funding as a Black Woman Entrepreneur
Obtaining capital as a Black woman entrepreneur can be a significant obstacle, but Mathis has found success in securing SBA loans to fund her ventures. She credits her ability to network, enter pitch competitions, and build relationships with local banks as key factors in her funding success.
“I put myself in the right place at the right time. When I moved to Houston, I started networking, and I met as many people as I could. In 2016, I entered as many pitch competitions as I could. I did about 18—and I won them all. People started to take notice then. So, when I started looking for money for my business, I had local banks that wanted to support me,” Mathis explains.
Creating a Community-Driven Hospitality Experience
At the heart of Wanderstay’s mission is Mathis’ desire to provide a community-driven hospitality experience. Rather than the impersonal atmosphere of a traditional hotel, she wants guests to feel a sense of belonging and connection during their stay.
“We’re a hotel, but what we’re genuinely offering is a place for community. I want people to leave Wanderstay feeling like they just left a family or a friend and can’t wait to see them again,” Mathis shares.
