Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenyatta And Nicole Hill.
Hi Kenyatta and Nicole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Story of The Hills: From Corporate Hustle to Hospitality Freedom
For Nicole and Ken Hill, success has always been rooted in perseverance, innovation, and the courage to create their own path.
Nicole began her professional journey in 2008 after graduating from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. She joined Core Laboratories, where she worked in the formation evaluation lab helping operators determine their return on investment. Her drive and precision quickly set her apart, earning her a promotion to Lab Supervisor within five years.
In 2013, Nicole joined Weatherford Laboratories as a Special Core Analysis Technical Advisor, where she combined her technical expertise with a natural ability to connect with clients. Over the next eight years, she advanced from Project Manager to Business Development and Technical Sales for North America, excelling at addressing customer challenges and building long-term relationships.
Ken’s journey has been equally driven by purpose and growth. After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1994 to 1999, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and later a Master’s in Technical Business Management from DeVry University. His career began at AT&T, followed by leadership roles in the healthcare industry as a Project Manager at Global Healthcare Alliance, where he expanded the company’s global presence.
In 2018, Ken returned to AT&T to lead RPA (Robotic Process Automation) projects, which required frequent travel and a move to Dallas. The demanding schedule tested his work-life balance and ultimately fueled a shared desire between him and Nicole to gain more control over their time and future.
When the two married in 2018, that milestone became the foundation for a new chapter. In 2019, they launched The Hill’s Posh Lifestyle Experience (HPLE) — a hospitality brand designed to bridge the gap between luxury and affordability. What started as a single venture quickly transformed into a flourishing operation.
In just six years, the Hills have amassed over 30 properties across Houston, created more than 30 jobs, and built a dedicated housekeeping company that keeps their operations running seamlessly. They also manage eight property management clients, continually opening doors to new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and empowerment.
Today, HPLE is 90% automated, leveraging cutting-edge systems to streamline guest experiences while focusing on what matters most — comfort, quality, and connection.
Looking ahead, the Hills are setting their sights on owning a boutique hotel in Houston’s West Loop — a property that blends the warmth and individuality of a home with the sophistication of a hotel. Their concept stands apart by offering curated, design-forward interiors paired with smart technology, ensuring each guest enjoys a personalized, culturally rich, and memorable stay — not a standardized one.
At the heart of their mission is a passion for interior design, property management, and helping others find their sense of community and freedom. They’re deeply committed to mentoring the next generation — teaching aspiring entrepreneurs that true financial freedom isn’t about how much you make, but how well you manage what you have so you can reclaim your time and design your life with purpose.
Ken and Nicole’s story is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of partnership — proving that when vision meets determination, freedom isn’t found, it’s built.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Challenges Behind the Growth
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Ken and Nicole’s path to success came with its fair share of challenges, lessons, and pivots.
When they purchased their first condo in 2019, it was both a thrilling milestone and a humbling experience. The property performed well as a short-term rental, but getting it off the ground required a significant personal financial investment — money they poured in with faith, determination, and belief in the long-term vision. Despite its success, the condo was located in a Homeowners Association (HOA)-governed community, which soon placed restrictions on short-term rentals. After about a year of operating the unit, they made a strategic decision to convert it into a long-term rental, and eventually sell it altogether.
That experience became a turning point — teaching them that the true power lies in strategic ownership and adaptability. They realized that renting properties for hosting could provide more scalability, requiring less cash up front, less debt, and smarter financial leverage, while still allowing them to deliver the same high-end guest experience.
But the challenges didn’t stop there. As their portfolio expanded, they encountered unexpected community issues — from infestations in some neighborhoods that required immediate and costly treatments, to guests breaking furniture or damaging property that had to be repaired or replaced the same day to avoid disrupting future bookings. Every obstacle became a test of their problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and commitment to maintaining quality and professionalism no matter what.
Then came COVID-19, a period that disrupted the entire hospitality industry. Bookings dropped overnight, travel halted, and uncertainty loomed. But instead of retreating, the Hills used that time to restructure, automate, and innovate — building new systems, strengthening relationships with their team, and focusing on long-term sustainability rather than short-term gain.
Through every challenge — whether financial, operational, or global — Ken and Nicole learned to adapt quickly and lead with resilience. Each lesson reinforced their belief that obstacles aren’t roadblocks but refinements of vision.
These early tests shaped them into the entrepreneurs they are today — agile, forward-thinking, and deeply passionate about creating opportunity not just for themselves, but for their team and community
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At The Hill’s Posh Lifestyle Experience (HPLE), we specialize in creating luxury short-term rental experiences that feel like home — but better. Our mission is to bridge the gap between comfort, design, and affordability, offering guests high-end stays with thoughtful touches, intentional design, and exceptional hospitality.
Over the past six years, we’ve grown to manage over 30 properties across Houston, established a dedicated housekeeping company that keeps operations seamless, and partnered with eight property management clients who trust us to elevate their listings and maximize returns. Our spaces range from boutique-style homes and family getaways to sleek urban condos — each one uniquely curated to tell a story through design and atmosphere.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to detail, technology, and community. We’ve automated nearly 90% of our operations, allowing us to focus on what matters most: the guest experience. From the scent when guests walk in, to personalized recommendations during their stay, our goal is to make every moment memorable.
We’re most proud of how far we’ve come as a small, minority-owned business that started with one property and a dream. Today, we’ve not only built a thriving company, but also created over 30 jobs and countless opportunities for others along the way. We take pride in mentoring new hosts, partnering with local vendors, and helping other entrepreneurs find their own version of financial and time freedom.
Beyond the numbers, what defines HPLE is our passion for people, design, and freedom. We believe in creating experiences — not just stays — and in building a lifestyle brand that empowers others to live beautifully, freely, and with purpose.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If there’s one thing we’ve learned on this journey, it’s that entrepreneurship is less about what you build and more about who you become while building it.
There will be moments when the numbers don’t make sense, when doors close, and when the dream feels too heavy to carry — but those moments are where your true strength is shaped. Every setback has a lesson hidden inside it, and every challenge prepares you for the level you’ve been praying to reach.
We’ve learned that freedom doesn’t come from chasing money — it comes from mastering discipline, faith, and financial awareness. True financial freedom isn’t about how much you earn, but about how wisely you manage what you have and how intentionally you use your time.
Our advice to anyone starting out is simple: bet on yourself. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start where you are, use what you have, and build from the ground up. Keep learning, stay humble, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to think bigger.
Most of all, remember that your journey is yours — and when you operate from purpose and persistence, success isn’t a matter of if, but when.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hplellc.us
- Instagram: @nicrenoon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HillsPoshLifestyleExperienceHP
Image Credits
Jerren Willis wedding Photo
Kenyatta and Nicole Hill all other photos
