Today we’d like to introduce you to Davonne Reaves.
Davonne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I didn’t grow up knowing hotel ownership was even possible. Like many people, I believed hotels were for staying in — not owning. But after working at the front desk of a Hyatt during college, I got curious. One question changed my life: “Who owns this hotel?” Once I found out individuals — not just big corporations — could own hotels, it sparked a fire in me.
I began studying the business behind hospitality and made it my mission to change the face of hotel ownership. Eventually, I went from hotel employee to hotel investor and then to hotel owner. Today, I’m the founder of The Vonne Group, Vesterr, and Stay Black Experience, all focused on helping people — especially Black professionals — invest in hotels, commercial real estate, and themselves.
Now, I teach others how to buy hotels using education, coaching, and crowdfunding. What was once just a dream at the front desk is now a legacy in motion.
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?
It has not been a smooth road, at all — but every bump taught me something.
The hospitality industry is traditionally exclusive. As a young Black woman without a trust fund or a corporate title, I faced a lot of skepticism. I had to prove myself ten times over. Funding deals was a challenge, navigating industry politics was harder, and building trust in rooms I was often the only one in took resilience.
But every “no” refined my pitch, every delay taught me patience, and every failure deepened my faith. What kept me going? Knowing that if I figured this out, I could show hundreds of others how to do it, too.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear a few hats:
Hotel Investor & Owner
Founder of Vesterr, a real estate crowdfunding platform that helps people invest in commercial real estate without being millionaires
Hotel Ownership Coach through The Vonne Group
Speaker & Advocate for Black and minority ownership in hospitality
I’ve helped clients buy branded hotels, raise millions in capital, and start their hotel ownership journeys through courses, masterminds, and consulting. My approach blends strategy with legacy-building — because it’s not just about owning property; it’s about owning your future.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Big shifts are coming:
Crowdfunding will disrupt commercial real estate. Platforms like Vesterr will make it easier for everyday people to co-own real estate that was once reserved for the elite.
AI and automation will transform hotel operations, guest personalization, and revenue management.
Diverse ownership is rising. We’re going to see more Black, brown, and women investors entering the space — not just as consumers, but as owners.
Experiential hospitality is booming. Travelers want culturally relevant, story-driven spaces — which is why initiatives like Stay Black Experience are the future.
Pricing:
- How to Buy a Hotel Book – $24 A step-by-step guide for aspiring hotel owners looking to understand the basics.
- Next Real Estate Tour – Starting at $97 In-person sessions that walk you through hotel ownership, funding strategies, and live deal analysis. https://www.davonnereaves.com/connectwithme
- Invest via Vesterr – Minimums typically start at $5,000 A crowdfunding platform allowing everyday investors to invest in real commercial real estate deals. www.vesterr.com
- Join my Free Newsletter for weekly insights, deals, and ownership tips: https://www.davonnereaves.com/connectwithme
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thevonnegroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davonnereaves/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVonneGroup/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vonne-group?originalSubdomain=bo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_QAAJaGapx0tImAM5IdISA
- Other: https://vesterr.com/
