Podcast Summary: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin – Episode Featuring Callie Stanton

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of "Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production," host Ariel Okin delves into the intriguing world of luxury hospitality with Callie Stanton, Vice President of Brand and Communications for the Auberge Resorts Collection. Released on December 18, 2024, this episode offers listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Auberge's unique approach to luxury, design, and brand storytelling.

Callie Stanton’s Role and Career Journey

Ariel Okin introduces Callie Stanton, highlighting her extensive experience in marketing and communications within the luxury sector. Callie recently transitioned from an 11-year tenure at Nike Communications to join Auberge Resorts, where she oversees PR, communications, social media, influencer marketing, and strategic partnerships.

Notable Quote:

• Callie Stanton [02:38]: "My style has always been timeless. I focus on quality over quantity, ensuring pieces that stand the test of time."

Auberge Resorts' Unique Design Philosophy

A central theme of the conversation revolves around Auberge’s dedication to design-led experiences. Callie emphasizes that each Auberge property is a bespoke creation, tailored to reflect its unique location and cultural heritage.

Key Points:

• Hyper-Local Design: Every hotel is designed as an individual brand, ensuring no two properties are alike.
• Residential Influence: Auberge often collaborates with residential interior designers to create spaces that feel like private homes rather than traditional hotels.
• Core Elements Consistency: Despite unique designs, certain elements like sheets, pillows, towels, and mattresses remain consistent across properties to maintain a cohesive brand experience.

Notable Quote:

• Callie Stanton [14:52]: "We look at our hotels like private homes, which helps our guests feel like they are at their own private home or a friend's weekend retreat."

Navigating Growth During COVID-19

Callie shares insights on how Auberge Resorts navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company leveraged its private ownership structure to adapt swiftly, focusing on local markets and intimate properties that catered to travelers seeking safe and unique experiences.

Key Points:

• Strategic Partnerships: Partnering with brands like Mercedes to offer seamless travel experiences.
• Reopening Strategy: Aligning hotel reopenings with renovations to enhance appeal.
• Expansion Focus: Post-pandemic growth directed towards European and urban markets.

Notable Quote:

• Callie Stanton [10:14]: "The first thing I thought was, 'You know what, people aren't gonna be flying. They're gonna be driving.' So we did a car partnership with Mercedes."

Upcoming Projects and Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, Callie discusses Auberge’s strategic expansion into Europe and urban markets, with upcoming properties in Florence and London. She emphasizes the importance of thoughtful growth, ensuring each new property aligns with Auberge’s design-led and hyper-local philosophy.

Key Points:

• Florence Opening: Collegio Alaquerche, a 16th-century property integrating Tuscany’s cultural essence.
• London Project: Cambridge House, a historic building with authentic British design elements.
• Future Ventures: Shore Club in Miami and continued expansion in Europe.

Notable Quote:

• Callie Stanton [20:16]: "We're growing thoughtfully, ensuring each project feels right for our brand and continues our one-of-a-kind, design-led model."

Personal Insights and Inspirations

Callie shares how Auberge properties themselves inspire her personal living spaces. She credits social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest as vital tools for defining her interior style, drawing inspiration from the meticulously designed hotels she oversees.

Key Points:

• Hotel-Inspired Home: Incorporating elements from Auberge properties into her own home decor.
• Social Media as a Tool: Utilizing Pinterest boards and Instagram to curate and refine her design preferences.
• Evolving Spaces: Emphasizing that homes should be dynamic, allowing for continuous evolution and personalization.

Notable Quote:

• Callie Stanton [31:59]: "Our Cottage on Nantucket took a lot of inspiration from Mayflower and White Barn Inn."

Rapid Fire: Personal Preferences and Favorites

In a light-hearted segment, Callie responds to rapid-fire questions about her personal tastes:

• Favorite Food: New York strip steak with crispy french fries.
• Favorite Drink: Skinny spicy Margarita or Blanc de Blanc Champagne.
• Favorite Film: Any Nancy Meyers film, particularly "Something’s Gotta Give".
• Favorite Hotel: Hotel Jerome in Aspen, describing it as Aspen’s living room.
• Favorite Design Book: Beautiful by Mark Sykes.

Notable Quote:

• Callie Stanton [31:34]: "There is nothing better than a hotel bar. It's the absolute best."

Advice for Aspiring Interior Enthusiasts

Callie offers valuable advice for listeners looking to define their own interior style. She advocates for leveraging social media and personal experiences to discover and cultivate a unique aesthetic.

Key Points:

• Start Small: Begin with a single room or space, sourcing inspiration from hotels and online platforms.
• Create Mood Boards: Use Pinterest and Instagram to compile and visualize design preferences.
• Embrace Evolution: Allow living spaces to grow and change over time, reflecting personal growth and evolving tastes.

Notable Quote:

• Callie Stanton [43:14]: "Social media has helped me define my own interior style. Start with a boarding a bathroom or one small space and then move out from there."

Closing Thoughts

Ariel expresses her admiration for Callie’s passion and achievements, while Callie highlights the importance of passion in one's career and the fulfillment that comes from her role at Auberge Resorts.

Notable Quote:

• Callie Stanton [30:26]: "If you can find something that you're passionate about, then working that yard feels exciting and not like a chore."

Connect with Callie Stanton and Auberge Resorts

• Callie Stanton on Instagram: @callieestanton
• Auberge Resorts Website: aubergresorts.com
• Social Media Channels: Follow Auberge and their individual properties for real-time updates and design showcases.

Conclusion

This episode of "Talk Shop" provides an insightful exploration into the world of luxury hospitality design through Callie Stanton's expertise. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how Auberge Resorts maintains its unique brand identity, the strategic growth during challenging times, and the personal passions that drive Callie's professional journey. Whether you're a design enthusiast or aspiring to carve a niche in the luxury hospitality sector, Callie’s experiences and advice offer valuable takeaways.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube to immerse yourself in the fascinating conversations between Ariel Okin and Callie Stanton.