We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christie Verran. Check out our conversation below.
Christie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity would be the trait of highest importance to me. It’s about being honest, consistent, and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult. Energy is valuable especially when starting a new business; however it can fade with time. Human intelligence is already being replaced by
AI. Integrity is the one quality that can’t be outsourced, never goes out of style and is a timeless cornerstone of character.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Over the past eight years, I’ve been building Happy Cactus Vacation Rentals while simultaneously working as a hospital pharmacist. These two careers couldn’t be more different. In the hospital, I spend my days in a sterile IV room, surrounded by white walls, HEPA filters, and strict protocols. It’s precise, controlled, and essential work.
In contrast, my short-term rental business is a creative outlet, a place where I can create “happy spaces” that are warm, inviting, and full of life. Each rental is designed for comfort and connection. A space where individuals and families can relax, recharge, and make lasting memories together.
My journey began in Tucson, Arizona, with my first property, Happy Cactus. From there, I expanded to my home state of Michigan with Happy Cabin, bringing the concept of “Happy Spaces” closer to home. Next came Happy Bungalow, conveniently located just a short drive from the hospital where I work, allowing me to stay connected to both worlds. Most recently, in the spring of 2025, I opened Happy Little House, my value-focused property that proves good things can come in small packages. This new property offers a cozy and welcoming space without compromising on comfort or charm.
Early life / early influences. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I was 17 years old, driving a 10-passenger van full of high school students. I had created a business working in the cornfields of Leamington, Ontario, Canada, a farming community I grew up in . That summer marked the first of at least four seasons I signed a corn detassling contract with Pioneer Seed Corn, a job I took on to help pay my way through college. At the time, I didn’t fully realize it, but I was learning the fundamentals of running a business and leading a team.
My dad, a school teacher and bus driver, had the summers off and drove the bus each day alongside my van. Together, over multiple summers, we employed about 40 kids each year. Looking back, those long days in the fields taught me responsibility, leadership, and a persistent work ethic, not to mention an appreciation for SPF 50 sunscreen & hydration!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that all struggles are temporary. When I applied for U.S. citizenship, I thought I had it all under control.After all, how hard could it be since I had three college degrees? I decided to apply without a lawyer, filled out the forms, and sent everything in. A few weeks later, my entire application came back in the mail torn apart, unbound, stamped with a giant REJECTED notice. I was mortified. I sat there crying, wondering how something so important could go so wrong.
As it turned out, the issue wasn’t my qualifications but rather the printed PDF forms I used were outdated, and I was short $10 on my application fee. Such a small oversight created stress beyond imagination. In the end it all worked out, and I’ve now proudly been a U.S. citizen for over ten years. Looking back, I realize that even the biggest setbacks often turn out to be temporary and survivable.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in my industry is that owning and managing an airbnb or short-term rental is passive income. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s anything but passive. It requires time, attention, and a real commitment to hospitality. Success comes from fixing problems, constant maintenance, caring for people, creating experiences, and interacting with guests.
The commercials make it look so simple: “Got an empty room or vacation home? Airbnb it.” But in reality, it’s not that easy. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme either. Building a sustainable short-term rental business takes time, consistency, and a willingness to learn (often the hard way). Behind the scenes, it’s a demanding business that blends property management, customer service, and entrepreneurship and only works if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and stay engaged.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you ever been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, tell us about it.
I would love to say the career of pharmacy which I spent seven years of college preparing for gave me that feeling, however it was through creating happy spaces that I found it. While I do find joy in teaching and mentoring students and residents, the kind of “tap dancing to work” excitement came from something else entirely.
It happened when I personally renovated my two local and newest rental properties in Auburn Hills (Happy Bungalow and Happy Little House). They were true diamonds in the rough type projects that needed a lot of TLC. I poured myself into them, spending hours imagining how to make the spaces amazing, then waking up every day eager to paint, fix, and furnish with the end goal in mind. What fueled me wasn’t just the act of creating, but knowing I was building spaces that others could walk into, feel at home in, and enjoy with their families. That process brought me an incredible amount of joy and is at the heart of what my brand is all about. #happycactusvacationrentals
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/happytravels.girl
- Instagram: @happytravels.girl
