Deidre Mathis: From Travel Enthusiast to Entrepreneurial Trailblazer in Hospitality

Deidre Mathis’s journey began with a single spark: the travel bug. Captivated by the world and its myriad cultures, she embarked on adventures that would ultimately transform her career. A graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Mathis initially pursued a bachelor’s degree in graphic communication and broadcast journalism. However, it was her experience studying abroad in the Dominican Republic during her sophomore year that truly changed her trajectory.

The Catalyst for Change

After completing her degree, Mathis found herself unsatisfied with traditional career paths, prompting her to return to academia for a master’s in corporate communications. The turning point came during her time in Australia, where she stayed in various hostels and boutique hotels. “I was living there, traveling solo, and staying in cozy hostels where meeting new people was easy,” she recounts. It was during one of these stays in a charming boutique hotel with just 12 rooms that an “Oprah aha moment” struck her: she wanted to create a space where people could connect and forge friendships from all over the globe.

A Vision Unfolds

Driven by her vision of a community-oriented hospitality experience, Mathis set her sights on Houston as her entrepreneurial base. Moving to the city in November 2014, she worked as a recruiter helping college students find study-abroad opportunities. However, she quickly recognized Houston’s role in her mission to shape the hospitality industry. Over the course of two and a half years, she participated in various pitch competitions, securing nearly $180,000 in funding. This crucial financial backing, along with a substantial loan nearing $1 million in 2018, paved the way for the launch of Wanderstay Hospitality Group.

Breaking New Ground

In September 2018, Mathis opened Wanderstay Houston Hostel, making history as the first Black-owned hostel in the U.S. The hostel has since attracted nearly 32,000 visitors, a testament to her keen entrepreneurial instincts and the warm, inviting atmosphere she curated. Mathis’s success didn’t just stop at the hostel; under the Wanderstay Hospitality Group umbrella, she launched the Wanderstay Boutique Hotel in 2023.

The Boutique Experience

Wanderstay Boutique Hotel is designed to cater to a diverse clientele—from getaway seekers to event planners. Featuring a full-size community kitchen, a conference room, and 10 uniquely themed rooms, the hotel offers amenities such as keyless entry and free parking. Situated in Houston’s vibrant East End, the venue is surrounded by public transportation options, delicious dining spots, and boutique shops, making it an ideal destination for various gatherings, including weddings, corporate retreats, and more.

Mathis attributes much of her success to the support she received from local leaders and communities, highlighting memorable moments like former Mayor Sylvester Turner gracing her ribbon-cutting ceremonies despite his health challenges. “I hold that with such honor,” she shares, reflecting on the importance of community in her journey.

More Than Hospitality: A Mission to Empower

With over eight years in the hospitality industry under her belt, Mathis acknowledges that entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous. As she looks forward to the third anniversary of Wanderstay Boutique Hotel, she feels a renewed sense of purpose. In the hotel industry, reaching the three-year mark signifies stability and success; many establishments falter within their first two years. “Once you’ve made it to the third year, you’re doing something right,” she says, optimistic about evolving her ventures further.

Beyond her own business successes, Mathis is passionate about empowering aspiring entrepreneurs, especially in underrepresented communities. In 2026, she plans to launch an intimate training program focused on the intricacies of launching and managing a hospitality business. This unique opportunity includes weekend workshops, resources, and networking events designed to provide hands-on guidance.

Advocating for Representation

Mathis is keenly aware of the stark underrepresentation of Black women in the hospitality sector, noting that only 1-2% own hotel businesses in the United States. Her initiative aims to inspire a new wave of diversity and inclusion in the industry. “If I had access to this kind of mentorship when I started, I would have jumped at the chance,” she expresses. She hopes to serve as a beacon for others seeking to enter and thrive in the hospitality field, ensuring that more faces like hers are seen and celebrated within the sector.

In a world where connections are often built through shared experiences, Mathis embodies the spirit of hospitality, transforming her love for travel into a thriving business model that fosters community. Her journey is not just about entrepreneurship; it’s an inspiration for aspiring business owners everywhere.