“...when it's 80% women doing all of the cleaning, it's really important to me on that side, not just the guest side, but the people behind taking care of these places.”
What if the place you’re staying on vacation could actually support your health—not compromise it? In this episode of Startups in Stilettos, host Carlyn Bushman sits down with Annie Graybill, founder of Havenwith, a wellness-forward vacation rental platform designed to make low-toxin stays simple and accessible.
After building her career with mission-driven brands like Avocado Green Mattress, Annie developed a deep understanding of healthier materials and the impact our environments can have on our well-being. But it wasn’t until her own experience as an IVF mom and frequent traveler that she discovered a major gap in the hospitality industry: finding vacation rentals free from synthetic fragrances, harsh cleaning chemicals, and other hidden toxins.
In this conversation, Annie shares how that personal frustration led to the creation of Havenwith—a platform connecting wellness-conscious travelers with hosts who prioritize safer, more natural environments. She also explains why certifications matter when choosing home products, the hidden risks of common cleaning supplies (especially for the women who use them professionally), and how environmental factors may play a role in long-term health and fertility.
What We Talked About:
What is in a Mattress? [3:15]
What to Look for in a Mattress [7:10]
Environments Leading to IVF [11:49]
Making the Small Changes [14:02]
All About Havenwith [20:53]
Connect with Annie:
@havenwithstay on Instagram
Annie Fedrigo Graybill on LinkedIn
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
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Guests
Annie Graybill
Hosts
Carlyn Bushman
Carlyn Bushman is a seasoned business consultant, entrepreneur, and advocate for female founders. She founded POP Business Academy to empower women entrepreneurs with tools for building sustainable, profitable businesses. As CEO of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, she specializes in helping product- and service-based business owners navigate financials, marketing, and growth strategies. With extensive corporate experience, Carlyn, a mom in a blended family and lifelong learner, has been featured on Good Morning America and in Times Square. She's here to help you make money and stay in business.
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