Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hinds.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Story Behind Creating Rest
Just a girl who grew up in chaos, trying to create order.
From an early age, I found comfort in organizing. I would spend hours in my room decluttering, rearranging furniture, and organizing things over and over again. What may have looked like a simple childhood habit was really my way of creating a little peace in my world.
Fast forward to October 2018. I decided to take a leap of faith and turn something I had always loved into a business. I launched my organizing business, **Creating Rest**. For several years, I helped people create more organized spaces, knowing that when we clear the clutter around us, we can often make room for a little more peace within us, too.
But eventually, I felt a shift. I began wondering if my season with organizing was coming to an end. I was even considering closing that chapter altogether.
Then came August 2023.
My husband and I took a trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Somewhere along the way, he mentioned that he believed Creating Rest was going to become something different. Not necessarily the end, but a rebranding. A new direction.
And the funny thing? At almost the exact same time, we looked at each other and said, “Airbnb!”
What if Creating Rest could become a place where people could get away from the busyness of everyday life? A place to slow down, rest, reconnect, and retreat. A place where people could breathe a little deeper and leave feeling refreshed.
Suddenly, what felt like an ending began to look like a new beginning.
In 2024, we started looking for land. We eventually stumbled upon 30 acres in Madill, Oklahoma, near the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge. It felt like the perfect place to begin bringing this new vision to life. In June 2025, we officially closed on the property!
Since then, we’ve been cleaning up and clearing the land and preparing for the next chapter: working on bringing tiny homes to the property where guests can come to unplug, reconnect with what matters most, and find a little rest.
Looking back, I can see how the pieces have come together in ways I couldn’t have planned. What began as a little girl trying to create order has grown into a dream of creating a place of rest for others.
And maybe that’s what Creating Rest was always meant to be.
Not just organizing spaces, but creating space for people to rest, reconnect, and make room for what matters most.
**Welcome to Creating Rest. We’re just getting started.**
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The Obstacles and Lessons Along the Way
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but we’re thankful for everything we’ve learned along the way.
One of our biggest challenges was simply getting the land. We found our 30 acres in October 2024, but it wasn’t until June 2025 that we finally closed. There were plenty of ups and downs throughout the process, and at one point, the other party even signed a termination contract. There were moments when we weren’t sure how things would turn out, but we kept moving forward.
Once we finally had the land, the hard work really began! We spent long days cleaning up the property, hauling off massive amounts of trash and scrap, and working in temperatures well over 100 degrees. It wasn’t glamorous, but we knew we were making progress toward something we believed in.
Now, we’re facing another challenge: the financing needed to bring the tiny homes to the property. We’re still working through that process and trusting that the right doors will open at the right time.
If there’s one thing this journey has taught us, it’s that a dream doesn’t always come together as quickly or easily as you hope. Sometimes it requires patience, hard work, flexibility, and a whole lot of faith. We’re learning to appreciate each step, even the difficult ones, and we’re grateful for how far we’ve come. We’re excited to see what comes next for Creating Rest!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I Do, What I’m Proud Of, and What Sets Me Apart
I wear a few different hats! I work for a school district, stepped into real estate in May 2026, and my husband and I are building our dream of turning Creating Rest into a peaceful retreat where people can slow down, reconnect, and recharge.
What am I most proud of? Without a doubt, my 27-year marriage. We were just kids ourselves when we got married, and by the Lord’s grace, we’ve made it to today still standing beside each other, cheering each other on, and dreaming together. Marriage takes work, grace, commitment, and choosing each other through every season. Our journey has shaped so much of who I am and is a big part of why Creating Rest means so much to me.
My hope is that couples who visit Creating Rest will leave feeling closer than when they arrived. I want it to be a place where they can step away from the distractions of everyday life, spend intentional time together, and strengthen their relationship. If they leave with a renewed connection and memories they’ve made together, then we’ve accomplished something special.
As for what sets me apart, I’d say it’s my resourcefulness. I’m someone who can look at a situation and see possibilities others might not see. I can work with what I have, think outside the box, and find a way to make things happen. I may not always have all the answers or all the resources, but I’m willing to figure it out and keep going.
Whether it’s creating an organized space, helping someone navigate a real estate journey, or building a retreat from the ground up, I love finding ways to make things better for others. I believe that with faith, creativity, and a willingness to do the work, you can create something meaningful from what you have.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would say, don’t limit your circle! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, meet new people, and build relationships with people from different backgrounds and walks of life. Always look for opportunities to learn from people who know more than you or are better at something than you are. There is so much value in being willing to listen, ask questions, and learn from someone else’s experience.
I’ve learned that you don’t have to know everything or have it all figured out. Sometimes, simply being willing to show up, make connections, and stay open to learning can lead to opportunities you never expected. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You never know who you might meet or what you might learn!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creating_rest/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreatingRest/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephanieHinds-CreatingRest
