Saying No to Say Yes: Brittany Blackman’s Path from Burnout to Self-Discovery

In the fast-paced world of vacation rentals, it’s easy to believe that hustle is the only path to success. But what happens when that hustle starts costing more than it gives? In our latest episode of Alex & Annie: The Real Women of Vacation Rentals, we sit down with Brittany Blackman, founder of Discover Freedom, to explore what it really takes to lead a fulfilling life, and why walking away from “success” might be the bravest move of all.

From Building a Business to Breaking the Cycle

Brittany’s journey started like many in hospitality, with a passion for service and a relentless drive to build something meaningful. After nearly a decade in the vacation rental industry, she launched her own company, Breathe Easy Vacation Rentals, right in the middle of the pandemic. Against all odds, she grew it into a thriving business.

But behind the scenes, the pressure was mounting.

By 2023, Brittany began to feel the weight of doing it all. Despite checking every box of what “success” is supposed to look like, she felt disconnected, depleted, and unsure of where she was really headed.

That’s when she decided to ask a question most leaders avoid: Is this the life I actually want?

The Wake-Up Call: Burnout and Boundaries

What followed was a deep period of self-reflection — one guided by a life coach, personal development work, and eventually, the realization that she couldn’t keep sacrificing herself in the name of growth. Brittany described feeling trapped in a cycle of perfectionism and people-pleasing, with little room for joy, rest, or personal connection.

She also shared a moment that hit hard: the fear that she might follow in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, both of whom died young from heart attacks.

Something had to change.

And it did.

Brittany sold her company in 2024 and officially launched Discover Freedom, a coaching business designed to help other leaders in hospitality reclaim their lives before burnout takes its toll.

What Leadership Really Looks Like

Throughout the episode, we dig into themes that every hospitality leader needs to hear. From the hidden emotional cost of always being “on,” to the deeply rooted belief that stepping away equals weakness.

Alex shared her own reflections on leadership, particularly the pressure many general managers and business owners feel to be the only ones capable of handling big decisions. The fear of letting go often stops leaders from empowering their teams even when doing so could lead to healthier, stronger organizations.

“Leadership is about letting go enough for others to rise,”.

That means teaching your values, setting clear expectations, and creating a culture where your team is trusted to make decisions even if they don’t always get it right.

Why This Conversation Matters

One of the most powerful moments in the episode came when Brittany said, “I realized I couldn’t define my values, and I couldn’t describe my dream life.” That level of honesty is rare in our industry but desperately needed.

Because it’s not just about managing properties or pleasing guests. It’s about living a life that reflects who you are and what you truly value. And for too long, many leaders in hospitality have sacrificed themselves at the altar of productivity and performance.

This episode is a call to step back, check in with yourself, and ask: What am I building — and is it really working for me?

A New Definition of Freedom

Brittany’s story is one of bravery. The courage to question the status quo. To set boundaries. To say no so you can say yes to the life you deserve.

Now through Discover Freedom, she’s helping others do the same, especially leaders in vacation rentals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure how to make a change.

Watch the full episode here: