Today we’d like to introduce you to Mila Arzu
Hi Mila, 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 grew up feeling invisible, never fully connecting with those around me. My parents, Garifuna immigrants from Honduras, instilled resilience in me from a young age. My mother’s entrepreneurial spirit influenced me deeply, as she balanced raising three children under five while pursuing her university education and creating small businesses on the side. Despite my family’s achievements, my childhood was marked by isolation and a lack of community, and I struggled academically and socially, feeling alone and unsure of my own potential.
After college, I entered a corporate career but quickly found myself unfulfilled, facing burnout and job insecurity. This was my catalyst to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. I launched my first business, a wedding dress resale shop, but the strain led to financial and personal setbacks, ultimately culminating in a divorce. Determined to rebuild, I traveled and worked abroad, embracing new cultures and languages and learning essential skills like SEO. Returning to the U.S. with no safety net, I relied on my grit to establish a life and focus on manifesting a positive future. When a mentor helped me recognize the potential in vacation rental cleaning, I pivoted, building my Airbnb cleaning business, Hostkeyper, from the ground up.
Today, I use my journey to inspire others to realize their potential. Through Hostkeyper and my personal development coaching, I aim to empower individuals to break free from limiting beliefs and systems, using self-awareness and business as tools for transformation. My purpose is to help others see that they can achieve the life they want, often faster and with more ease than they imagine possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of my biggest struggles have been overcoming self-doubt and the fear of stepping out on my own. Growing up, I didn’t believe I was capable of achieving much; I felt invisible and underestimated, which led to years of internalized limitations. In college, I struggled academically and financially, working multiple jobs to pay for school, only to face uncertainty after graduating. When I eventually left a secure corporate job to start my first business, I faced significant personal and financial setbacks, including a divorce and the closure of my first venture. This experience left me questioning my abilities and struggling with the loneliness of rebuilding.
Financial instability has also been a recurring challenge. As I navigated my early business ventures, I often had no family or financial safety net to fall back on. There were times when I didn’t have a steady place to live, forcing me to rely on pure resourcefulness and resilience. When I finally started my Airbnb cleaning business, I was initially afraid to charge what my services were worth and hesitant to take on the responsibility of hiring staff. Overcoming the mindset of scarcity and realizing I deserved success and stability was an intense process that required constant self-reflection and learning.
Another challenge has been maintaining my motivation and mental health amid setbacks. I had to unlearn a lifetime of self-doubt and negative thinking patterns, which often crept in during lonely moments when things felt overwhelming. Learning to keep a positive mindset, focus on my goals, and cultivate resilience has been a journey in itself. Through mentorship, self-development, and persistence, I’ve come to see my struggles as building blocks, each one shaping me into a stronger and more capable entrepreneur.
We’ve been impressed with Hostkeyper.com, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hostkeyper is a specialized cleaning and management company focused exclusively on Airbnb and vacation rental properties. Unlike other cleaning companies that may juggle residential or commercial services, we dedicate 100% of our expertise to short-term rentals, bringing hosts a level of quality and reliability that truly sets us apart.
What makes Hostkeyper unique is our in-depth understanding of the vacation rental market and the specific demands it requires. We know turnarounds often need to happen swiftly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and that guests expect a hotel-like experience where every detail is perfected, from under the beds to the sparkle in the bathroom. Our team is trained specifically for these cleans, ensuring each property feels like a luxurious, pristine space for every guest.
One of our signature touches—and a point of pride—is our **detailed cleaning reports** after each clean, giving Airbnb hosts complete transparency and peace of mind about the state of their property. We also pride ourselves on never missing or declining a clean, which our clients trust deeply, knowing their properties are always ready for the next check-in.
For us, cleanliness goes beyond appearances; it’s about creating a warm, inviting space that reflects positively on the hosts who trust us with their properties. Our clients can expect consistent, on-time service with a touch of luxury, all backed by a team that truly understands what it takes to make an Airbnb shine.
If you’re a host looking to elevate your listing’s cleanliness and guest experience, we’d love to help. Discover more or get an instant quote at [www.Hostkeyper.com](http://www.hostkeyper.com), or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook at @Hostkeyper.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality that has driven my success is resilience. My journey has been filled with setbacks, from financial instability to self-doubt, isolation, and the failure of my first business. Yet, in each challenge, I learned to adapt and push forward, often with no safety net or certainty of what lay ahead. Resilience allowed me to reinvent myself after every setback—whether it was closing a business, navigating a divorce, or starting over in a new country. Each time, I found the strength to keep going, learn new skills, and grow, even when the path felt uncertain. Resilience has given me the courage to embrace risk, start fresh, and continue building my dreams, no matter how many times I’ve been knocked down.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hostkeyper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milatheehostkeyper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milaarzu
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@milatheehostkeyper/videos
