Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Eickhoff.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been in the service industry in one way or another—from growing up in my family’s restaurants to running my own baby equipment rental business. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats, but creativity has always been at the heart of everything I do. Whether it was refinishing old furniture, painting, or helping friends design their homes, I found joy in creating beautiful, functional spaces.
As a work-from-home mom of three, I juggled family life while constantly dreaming of doing something bigger. My husband and I had talked about getting into real estate investment since we first started dating, and when the timing and market aligned, I jumped in with both feet.
After a lot of research, I knew I didn’t want to create just another short-term rental—I wanted to build one-of-a-kind spaces that gave guests a memorable experience, filled with fun, personality, and thoughtful design. Now, I’m proud to say I own my second vacation rental property, and in just over a year, it’s grown into a successful and fulfilling business that combines my passion for service, design, and entrepreneurship.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say I’ve faced major external struggles, but the biggest challenge has definitely been timing and balance. As a stay-at-home mom working from home with three kids, there’s a constant juggling act between family life and personal ambition. Navigating those daily responsibilities—especially during the uncertainty of COVID—was no small feat.
But more than anything, the biggest journey has been internal. Like so many moms, I’ve wrestled with the question of identity—trying to rediscover who I am outside of motherhood. I’ve always known I had a creative spark, but it took time to figure out how to turn that into something fulfilling both personally and financially. Finding that sense of purpose beyond being a mom (while still keeping motherhood at the center) has been one of the most rewarding parts of my path.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Epic Texas Stays – vacation rental homes?
My business is called Epic Texas Stays, and I specialize in vacation rental homes that are anything but ordinary. These aren’t just places to sleep—they’re fun, bold, experience-packed stays designed to be part of the vacation itself. Every home I create is thoughtfully curated with standout design, immersive themes, and attention to detail that makes guests feel both at home and on an adventure.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just offer a place to stay—I offer an experience. While many rentals feel like a typical house, mine are designed to feel like a getaway the moment you walk through the door. From bold decor and photo-worthy touches to well-stocked amenities like coffee bars, full-length mirrors, and little luxuries you didn’t even know you needed, I design with the guest in mind.
I’m especially proud of the way my properties shine in a crowded market like Airbnb or VRBO. The bold visuals stand out in a sea of beige and basic, and I always aim for high-quality photos that capture the personality and fun of each space. I also love offering curated extras—like pool float rentals for bachelorette parties—because I believe even the smallest details can help guests create unforgettable memories.
At the heart of it all, I want people to walk away from their stay feeling like they experienced something truly special—and that they can’t wait to come back.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice? Do your research. Before anything else, take the time to really understand the location you’re investing in. Look into the local short-term rental regulations, tax requirements, and zoning laws. You want to be in an area that’s friendly to STRs—not one where the rules could change overnight and put your business at risk. Also, check to see if the market is already saturated. A unique home in the right location can thrive, but not if you’re lost in a sea of competition.
Financially, be smart and realistic. You don’t need a million-dollar property to get started—especially in a market with high interest rates and inflated home prices. What you do need is a home that makes sense for your budget and can still generate profit.
For me personally, I wanted something I could self-manage, so being close to home was key. I also knew I wanted to be between two major cities to keep bookings steady, and that a pool was non-negotiable for success in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. So I waited for the right opportunity that checked all those boxes—and that patience paid off.
Design and creativity can work wonders once you have the right foundation, but none of it matters without careful planning on the front end. So take your time, dig deep into your research, and let your vision grow from there.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start—just take the first step, trust your gut, and believe that you’re capable of building something amazing, even in the middle of mom life chaos. You’ve got this!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://epictexasstays.hospitable.rentals/
- Instagram: @cowboycabana.dfw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16tVVeE5rK/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiazSttNoVc&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD
