Start Small, Dream Big: The Journey from Side Project to CEO

Join us for a special edition of our Ladies Lifestyle Network event where we’re diving deep into what it really takes to turn a simple idea into a full-blown empire. Our featured guest, Alyssa Foushee, founder of The Southern Host, will share her incredible journey from passion project to building a multi 7-figure short-term rental brand that's been featured in Forbes, Travel + Leisure, and Conde Nast Traveler.

From designing the viral Carolina Treehouse to managing a growing portfolio of dreamy properties across the Carolinas, Florida, and the Caribbean—Alyssa brings both heart and hustle to everything she touches. And now she’s showing other women how to build beautiful, profitable businesses without burning out.

Whether you’re dreaming up your next move, in the early stages of a side hustle, or looking to scale with more intention, this is your night. Real talk, real strategy, real inspiration—straight from a woman who’s done it all (and is still doing it with southern grace and style).

1. How to Start Smart (Even If You’re Starting Small):Learn how Alyssa went from a single rental to a seven-figure brand—and how you can build your own version of success by starting with what you have.
2. The Power of Storytelling + Design in Business:Discover the secret sauce that helped Alyssa go viral and get featured in major publications—and how to bring more “you” into your brand to attract dream clients.
3. Avoiding Burnout While Building Big Dreams:Get behind-the-scenes insight on how Alyssa balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a fast-growing empire without losing herself (or her sanity).

We are featuring the local nonprofit : The Hunter Dalton Foundation in honor of Alyssa's dear friend. The Hunter Dalton #HDLife Foundation is committed to providing education and resources to help prevent the use of potentially lethal recreational drugs in a sustained effort to stem the tide of the epidemic tragic loss of life.

As always, we'll be showcasing local owned businesses that benefit and cater to women, have swag bags for the first 25 attendees and incredible giveaways for our guests to enter into! Contact Kacey at bGFkaWVzbGlmZXN0eWxlbmV0d29yayB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t for more info on being a featured business!

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