A marketing supervisor, a CMO, and an insurance adjuster enter a greenhouse. This sounds like the classic setup for an old-timey joke, but this is exactly what happened a couple weeks ago, when a girl’s trip at an AirBnB became a much more enlightening experience for me and my friends. 

Remnants of wisteria pushed through open window panes, a rustic phonograph sat in the corner, dried flowers hung from the ceiling, and string lights draped to provide a whimsical lighting experience. We had befriended our host, Christine, in our planning conversations, and she offered to add personal touches to make the trip more special. That turned into us all spending time together in the greenhouse talking about Wisteria Farms, Christine’s background in advertising, the unfortunate end to her company, and the leap down the rabbit hole that landed in her new role as AirBnB host. 

Four women sat in a circle, enjoying each other’s company, craft cocktails, and snacks, while we talked about the future of this space, all feeling empowered by Christine's passion for her dream, and wanting so badly for a happy ending for her. 

Around the property were nods to her favorite story, Alice in Wonderland. A humorous mannequin dressed as Alice, positioned as if falling down her well, out front and a “We’re All Mad Here” sign, complete with a chalk-drawn Cheshire Cat, in her farm’s shed. I thought to myself, are we all mad for thinking that our dreams can become the things that sustain our careers and support our families? 

We continued to offer our expertise in our own chosen fields, spitballing ideas to make events happen in the greenhouse that would elevate the experience, cautioning about the insurance implications of short-term private rentals and suggesting plan adjustments, offering up our other friends and their talents.

As the night went on, laughter spilled into the soft glow of the string lights, and I realized that this wasn’t just a girl’s trip anymore — it was a reminder of how possibility takes root when you least expect it. Christine’s story wasn’t just about a career change; it was about reclaiming purpose, following curiosity, and daring to believe that passion can, in fact, become livelihood.

Maybe that’s what connects women like us — a Marketing Supervisor, a CMO, an Insurance Adjuster, and one brave former ad executive turned host — all a little “mad” for believing that fulfillment doesn’t have to be separate from the work that sustains us.