Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Garcia.
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 come from a working-class Mexican American household with three sisters. Even as a little girl, I was drawn to all things girly, had a huge love for animals, and was always creating whether through art or decorating my room. In my family, I was known for my over-the-top ideas and my deep love for animals. We lived in a low-income neighborhood near downtown Houston, and I attended an underfunded school. My dad worked in construction, and my mom was a refund analyst for radiologist. We didn’t come from generational wealth, far from it.
My amazing parents, who both came from difficult upbringings, intentionally kept our world close. They moved away from their families so that one day, their daughters could have a chance to flourish. In our home, the only thing we knew for certain was that you worked hard. You worked from sunup to sundown, even when it was exhausting because a stable, secure paycheck was the goal. At one point my dad rode his bicycle for over an hour each way just to get to work. My mom worked 12-hour days, doing the job of four or five people.
Because my parents were stretched so thinly, my older sisters often took care of me. But as they grew up and started living their own lives, as they should have, that left me with a lot of freedom. As a teenager, I was troubled. I skipped school, started partying way too young, and carried a lot of anger and frustration. There were times I genuinely didn’t care whether I graduated or what my next steps were. I knew my parents couldn’t help financially. At that time, my teenage mind didn’t see a path forward.
But even in that fog, I had this fire in me to be better. Not to dismiss my parents’ sacrifices, but I wanted to reach a level they had no blueprint for. How do you build a future you’ve never seen? I didn’t have all the tools, but I knew my current environment wouldn’t push me to grow. So, I got strategic: find an affordable college, as far from home as possible. I knew if I stayed close, I’d fall right back into my comfort zone. Failure wouldn’t be an option.
At 17, everything changed. I got serious about school & fully immersed myself. I became a class officer, the president of my FFA chapter, volunteered inside and outside of school and even raised a steer for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Agriculture felt like a safe path, one that combined my love for animals with the promise of a stable income. I’d always had a creative side, but I didn’t know how to turn that into a career. So, I chose what felt functional.
That summer, I met Jeremy, my future husband. We had gone to the same school for years (even shared a class once) but never spoke until fate finally aligned. Turns out he lived just 15 minutes away and we often crossed paths. Talk about the butterfly effect, we’d been orbiting each other for so long without ever connecting, until it mattered.
From the moment we met, it was an instant connection. Jeremy was kind, grounded, and already on the path I was trying to get to; away at college, growing on his own. He shared his own hardships, his difficult family dynamics, and his desire to build something away from home to be better for himself. I admired that. It gave me hope that someone near me had the same thoughts and I saw potential of what could be.
Unfortunately, because my turnaround came late in high school, my college options were limited. I hadn’t taken the SAT or ACT, and the cost of university tuition was out of reach. So, I got resourceful. I searched for affordable colleges far away from Houston that didn’t require test scores.
I found a junior college over 9 hours away in Levelland, Texas. At the time, the cost of room, board, and tuition was so affordable, I could almost taste the possibility of a new beginning. I expected to leave Houston, but I was scared at how far it was. But then again, I knew that if I stayed close, I’d never fully break away. At that time, neither of my sisters had left home for college. But moving away for a better life wasn’t foreign to my family as my own father left his family in Mexico chasing the American dream. The fear was real, but so was the determination to change the course of my life.
Jeremy later transferred to a university just an hour from me. Eventually, we both earned our agriculture degrees from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. We were Red Raiders striving for honor.
By the time we graduated, we both had full-time jobs. I became a high school Agricultural Science teacher under Career and Technical Education. This was a role that blended everything I loved: animals, agriculture, creativity, and a reliable income. Now, new opportunities may be on the horizon. For the first time, I fully understand that my creativity isn’t just a passion, it’s a strength that can take me farther than I ever imagined. Jeremy became a pork procurement specialist and is now a Sales Manager for a food distribution company in Houston, leading a sales team and working with major clients.
We got married, had a big wedding, and bought a house. After getting married, people often expect you to settle down, start a family, and slow things down. We traveled the world, something our parents only dreamed of. But even after all of that, we still wanted more. We wanted to create something meaningful. Something that could shift the financial trajectory of our future family. We weren’t interested in just “settling.” We were driven by the idea of building a legacy.
We’re not working hard just for today. We’re working hard so that one day, our future selves and our future children will have more choices, more freedom, and a stronger foundation. Building generational wealth isn’t just about money. It’s about breaking cycles, rewriting narratives, and creating a life where dreams aren’t limited by circumstances. So yes, it’s exhausting at times but the idea that our work now can shape a better tomorrow is what keeps us going.
Interior design has always come naturally to me. I decorated every classroom I taught in, every family event, and every wall in our home. One day, I came across a girly painting I loved but I hesitated. I thought, “This is too much.” I’ve been told that all my life: “You’re too much.”
But in that moment, something sparked me. “What if I created a space where “too much” was just enough? What if I stopped seeking approval and built something boldly, unapologetically me?”
I shared the idea with Jeremy, and he didn’t hesitate. He saw the passion in my eyes and said, “Okay, let’s bring your vision to life.” The fear crept in, just like it had at 17. We had worked so hard to build this life. Disrupting it with real money, real risk felt terrifying. But I couldn’t ignore the idea.
As we looked for the right property, I began collecting pieces that sparked joy. Furniture and décor from antique shops, local boutiques, garage sales, even Facebook Marketplace. I stopped caring if things were “too girly.” Jeremy kept reminding me, “Buy what you like, don’t worry about anyone else.”
Eventually, we found a house in Galveston, a place we already loved. It’s a hidden gem we think more people should experience. We renovated the entire home from top to bottom. I took the lead on design and creative direction, from the paintings to every detail of the interior aesthetic.
Jeremy brought his carpentry skills, many of which my dad helped teach him. My dad pitched in whenever he could while my mom was our biggest cheerleader. Through it all, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my parents, who have always rooted for us, and my incredibly loving husband, who continues to push me forward. It was all connected; a supportive partner, devoted parents who believed not only in our business, but in the life and marriage we were building together. Their constant encouragement, emotional support, and belief in our vision gave me the courage to take risks, dream bigger, and keep moving forward. With love, sweat, tears and creativity, we built Girlie Grounds. A glamorous vacation rental made for joy, celebration, and connection. I didn’t want it to be just another Airbnb. I wanted it to be an experience. A place where women could laugh, create, celebrate, and feel completely at home in a space that reflects them. A home where the girls who get it, get it.
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?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges is that there’s no team, a lot is just me. While having a supportive family helps me emotionally. I personally handle every aspect of the guest experience. From the first inquiry to the final follow-up, I communicate directly with each guest. I coordinate every detail of their stay, manage our social media accounts, handle marketing efforts, and even collaborate with influencers to promote the property.
On top of that, I prepare the home before every booking. I try to write each guest a personalized thank-you note, decorate a small wine bottle in mirrored disco style as a gift, and make sure there are thoughtful touches like water bottles and small gifts waiting for them. If guests request special add-ons; like balloon arrangements, a charcuterie board, or even a permanent jewelry session, those are all done by me as well. Every detail, from aesthetics to logistics, takes up time and energy that I already stretch thin with a full-time job.
The house itself has been a challenge, too. Galveston homes are among the oldest in the country. Unlike working with a new build, renovations and maintenance require a lot of creativity and patience. We bought what we could afford and have been transforming it step by step. All repairs and upgrades are identified and executed by me and my husband; he handles the construction side, and I focus on the design. There has been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears throughout maintaining this home.
Balancing our careers with our business and personal life requires constant effort and intentionality. My career comes with long hours, after-school commitments, and weekend events. One day, I’ll be transitioning out of education and that will bring its own set of challenges and added stress. My husband also works in a demanding field, and his schedule is just as intense, if not more. Between the two of us, we’re constantly juggling demanding jobs, our rental business, and trying to carve out time for family and ourselves.
On most weekends, I’m essentially on call. I have to stay in town to ensure I’m available in case any guest needs something. It’s a nonstop commitment, and while I love it, it can be overwhelming. We’re still learning to find balance but the passion for success keeps me going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Every corner of Girlie Grounds is curated with intention. From the moment you walk in, you step into a world where fun meets femininity, and no detail is overlooked. I poured my heart into every design choice. Personally painting walls, selecting décor, and handcrafting the aesthetic to reflect a bold, playful, and unforgettable experience.
Girlie Grounds stands out from typical rentals. Rather than following the neutral, minimal trends, it leans fully into personality and vibrancy. It’s designed for the girls who get a space to make memories, take stunning photos, and feel unapologetically joyful.
In addition to the uniquely decorated space, Girlie Grounds also offers personalized glamour add-ons to elevate each stay. Whether it’s custom balloon setups, charcuterie boards, pink golf cart or even permanent jewelry, every stay is tailored to feel special. This isn’t just another Airbnb, it’s an experience built from passion, purpose, and a deep desire to give guests something extraordinary with lasting memories and a touch of disco sparkle.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is realizing that all the hard work, risk, and uncertainty were worth it. There was a time when I put everything on the line, wondering if people would even like what I created. And now, seeing others genuinely enjoy the space I poured my heart into, it means everything.
It brings me joy to know that something born from my struggles, my tears, and my dreams can bring happiness to others. Some may think it’s “too much,” but the fact that people still choose to book, to celebrate their moments here, shows me that they see the beauty in what I built.
The support from my followers, parents, my sisters, and especially my husband has been immeasurable. Their love, encouragement, and belief in me helped make this dream real. When someone books a stay at Girlie Grounds, they’re not just booking an Airbnb. They’re stepping into a space that represents my journey, my resilience, and my creativity. It’s a piece of me and being part of someone else’s special memories makes me feel truly fulfilled.
Pricing:
- Booking directly is an option via email or contacting through social media
Contact Info:
- Website: https://airbnb.com/h/girliegrounds
- Instagram: @girliegrounds
- Facebook: Girlie Grounds
- Other: TikTok @girliegrounds or our email girliegrounds@gmail.com
Image Credits
Brianna Knowlton with Brianna Katherine Photography took 2 photos (the solo picture of Laura Garcia and the photo owners-Laura & Jeremy Garcia)
