Isaac French and Lakeside South, one of the seven tiny cabins. Right: Corey O’Connell
- Isaac French built his “tiny hotel” — a short-term-rental listing of seven tiny houses — in 2021.
- The business has brought in $860,000 in bookings since opening in January 2022.
- French shares how he grew direct bookings and the property’s social media to find early success.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Isaac French, the 25-year-old owner of Live Oak Lake in Waco, Texas. Insider has verified Live Oak Lake’s income, costs, and valuation with documentation. The following has been edited for length and clarity.
At 25 years old, I’ve already worn several entrepreneurial hats.
I’ve been an accountant, a bookkeeper, and an artist, and I’ve worked in my family’s construction business since I was young.
Last year, I built and opened a “tiny hotel” — a short-term-rental property made up of seven tiny houses — that made $860,000 in bookings.