Today we’d like to introduce you to Occasionally Luxe | Lisa Morris
Hi Occasionally Luxe |, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always had a love for fashion and real estate. Case in point; I majored in Fashion Merchandising, but fell into residential property management right out of college and stayed on the path for most of my working career. While I indulge my creative and fashion side through my blog and Instagram (@occasionallyluxe), I support my passion for real estate with investment properties.
My first investment property was made when I was 27. It was a little beach bungalow in Dewey Beach, DE. My husband and I completely transformed it from a single story, one bedroom cottage to a two-level, three bedroom single family home. We had sketched out the floor plan on a cocktail napkin while eating dinner out one night, and low and behold it actually came to life! Being young, we didn’t have much extra cash to deck the place out, but I’m proud to say that I made that house shine on an actual IKEA budget. Fast forward a few years and we sold that house to an older couple who wanted to be closer to their children. We passed by a few years later and peeked in the window and noticed that they had kept my furniture and interior decorating exactly the same! That was our first real estate endeavor and we haven’t looked back since!
A few years ago, we were visiting 30A for my birthday, and I knew I wanted a beach house there. Our real estate agent found us an amazing deal with a new home builder who had a fabulous lot that was available for short term rentals. We made our decision to go for it pretty quickly, but I couldn’t be happier with my piece of heaven (@30a.occasionallyluxe) on the Emerald Coast. I’ve hosted my fellow blogger friends for some fun times at that home and it’s always a blast.
Last year, we were toying with the idea of another investment property. My husband asked me to think of places that would be a good option, and both Nashville and Charleston were my top contenders. We took the weekend after Thanksgiving 2023 to travel to both cities and tour available homes. We liked Nashville, but ultimately felt that Charleston would have an advantage because it would potentially appeal to more types of travelers. Both cities have restrictions on short term rental properties making the availability very limited. We were fortunate to find the home we have now (@chs.occasionallyluxe) on our short one day visit to CHS, and we ended up closing on it right before the end of 2023. I’ve brought my DC Blogger friends to town and hosted them twice now and we still end up not having enough time to do all the things we want to while here! This last trip I partnered with On Call Concierge Charleston who knocked it out of the park with our itinerary and luxury service! I love visiting and supporting local Charleston based businesses and some of our favorites are Charleston Candle Company, The Tiny Tassel, Charleston Harbor Sailing, Wild Dunes Beach Resort, Rodney Scott BBQ, Babas on Cannon, Queen Anne Liquor, Republic Garden & Lounge, and Marsh & Magnolia.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The investment property road has had some bumps, but luckily nothing major. I would consider any of the hiccups just learning lessons that everyone has to go through. Some lessons I definitely had to pay the price for, but you don’t know what you don’t know until you find out what you don’t know lol. Overall, I think each property I’ve built or invested in has taught me something new, and as a result I’m able to handle difficult situations better. I’m more prepared to anticipate potential issues, and have the knowledge and experience to navigate my business deals confidently, firmly and clearly.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My brand Occasionally Luxe encompasses all of my life’s passions including fashion, real estate, travel, dining, beauty and more. I love being able to share my interests and lifestyle with my online audience in hopes that I can connect with others as well as inspire people to actively celebrate all the luxe in life! I’m proud of my networking nature and my collaborative spirit. I’ve been told many times that I have a knack for bringing people together and creating strong and supportive communities. I think what sets me apart from others is that I am comfortable in my own lane; I’m not trying to compete with anyone or take over the world. I’m happy enjoying my own life and doing the things that bring me joy. I don’t always conform to the “rules” or the abide by the norm, and while that might mean I take a longer, more scenic road, ultimately I’m OK with that. I’m here to enjoy the journey – explore the luxe in life, and share memorable experiences with those I hold dear.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Wow, great question; I would say my fondest childhood memory is spending summers in Philly with my extended family. I lived for those summers being surrounded by so many cousins, my grandparents, and aunts and uncles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.occasionallyluxe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/occasionallyluxe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/occasionally.luxe1
- Twitter: https://x.com/OccasionallyLux
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evx-D2T74Qg
- Other: https://staycvp.guestybookings.com/properties/652f29c1faa019003dee07a3
