Sisters Transform Bed and Breakfast, Inspired by Gilmore Girls
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Two sisters from Welland, Ontario, have embarked on a unique venture by purchasing a bed and breakfast despite having no prior experience in the hospitality industry. Kristen and Kathryn Groom decided to take a leap of faith and transform The Rose Manor into a charming getaway, reminiscent of the beloved show “Gilmore Girls.”
Kristen, 35, and Kathryn, 27, shared their journey in a viral TikTok video, drawing parallels between themselves and the dynamic duo Lorelai and Sookie from the TV series. With a population of just over 55,000 in Welland, the sisters took on the challenge of furnishing the inn’s eight bedrooms and six bathrooms by scouring thrift stores and online marketplaces for unique pieces.
Their creative vision led them to choose a rose as their logo, symbolizing beauty and warmth, which soon became a signature element of their establishment. Friends and family rallied behind them, contributing items and support to bring their dream to life. The sisters’ dedication to DIY projects, interior design, and even creating a line of Welland merchandise showcased their commitment to making The Rose Manor a success.
In addition to accommodating travellers, The Rose Manor began hosting weddings, echoing the events at the Dragonfly Inn on “Gilmore Girls.” The sisters found themselves unwittingly recreating scenes from the show, such as having a neighbouring coffee shop run by a man named Luke, adding to the charm and nostalgia of their establishment.
The Groom sisters’ ties to Welland run deep, with their father’s roots in the town adding a sense of sentimentality to their business endeavours. Their Tudor-style property, built in 1906, offers stunning views of the Welland Canal and is conveniently located just 20 minutes away from the iconic Niagara Falls, making it an idyllic destination for visitors.
Embracing modern marketing strategies, the sisters turned to TikTok to connect with a younger audience and promote their bed and breakfast. What started as a tentative social media presence quickly evolved into a platform for showcasing their unique offerings, attracting not only travellers but also couples seeking intimate wedding venues.
Transitioning from their previous careers, Kristen, a former HR director, and Kathryn, a recent graduate, now devote their full attention to managing The Rose Manor. Their seamless partnership, complemented by their father’s handyman skills and their mother’s love for gardening, has turned the once-distant dream into a thriving family business.
Reflecting on their journey, Kathryn emphasizes the significance of The Rose Manor becoming a collective effort among their loved ones. The sisters’ story is not just about entrepreneurship but also about building connections within their community and creating a welcoming space for guests to experience the magic of Welland.
In a world where nostalgia meets innovation, the Groom sisters have carved out a niche for themselves, inspired by the spirit of camaraderie and creativity exemplified by the iconic Gilmore Girls. As they continue to write their own success story, Kristen and Kathryn are proof that with passion and perseverance, even the most unconventional dreams can flourish into reality.