About
Us
shelby & Javier
With a foundation in art and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, my journey began after graduating from art school in 2018. I quickly realized my talent extended to "installation art," which naturally aligned with my love for hosting and design. Whether planning events, decorating for holiday parties, or even organizing my sister's wedding, I’ve always found joy in crafting spaces that bring people together.
During the pandemic in 2020, I embarked on a transformative project: renovating my first tiny home. Approaching it as one massive art installation, I launched it as my first Airbnb. The incredible feedback I received from guests who connected with my creative vision sparked a newfound appreciation for my work and its impact. This inspired me to explore how unique and memorable an Airbnb property could become.
Now, with over seven years of experience managing multiple Airbnb properties, I’ve watched the platform evolve and have helped others successfully launch their own listings. Always embracing innovation, I’ve expanded into the world of home staging for realtors. Designing spaces with purpose and aesthetic appeal is my passion, as I know firsthand the emotions a well-curated space can evoke.
My mission is to help property owners see the untapped potential in their spaces—whether it’s transforming a home into a top-performing Airbnb or staging a property to attract buyers. Every project is an opportunity to push boundaries, spark creativity, and deliver spaces that leave lasting impressions.
Shelby L. Clark
Interior Designer & Airbnb Expert
With a strong foundation in marketing and business management, I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2015. Entrepreneurship has always been my calling, driving me to build ventures that create meaningful impacts. My professional journey began with a background in digital marketing, video creation, photography, and social media management. As the founder of xpLouisville, I created viral videos showcasing Louisville's restaurants and their owners, helping drive sales and foot traffic while garnering millions of views on Facebook.
Real estate has been part of my life since I became a licensed agent at 18. It’s a family legacy, with my mother having over 20 years of experience in the field. After meeting my wife Shelby, I began helping her convert long-term rentals into short-term Airbnb properties, merging our talents in logistics and design.
At Faithful Escape, I focus on logistics and backend operations, managing payments, coordinating furniture placement, and solving logistical challenges to ensure each project runs seamlessly. Together, Shelby and I bring spaces to life—she with her creative vision and I with the technical and operational expertise to make it happen.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey is working side by side with Shelby, building the business and life we’ve always dreamed of. Her talent for seeing the potential in every space is truly inspiring, and I feel fortunate to work with her every day. We spend our free time with our Chiweenie, Rosie, a spirited Chihuahua-Dachshund mix, and indulging in reality TV.
As avid travelers, we’ve even renovated and own an off-grid camper van equipped with a full bed, fridge, gas stove, and solar-powered batteries—all completed by ourselves. We dream of traveling cross-country in the U.S. soon, drawing inspiration from the places we explore to fuel our creativity and design work.
My passion is to create transformative environments that feel like an escape, whether it’s a high-performing Airbnb or a staged property that captivates buyers. At Faithful Escape, we bring creativity, faith, and dedication into everything we do.
Javier V. Cruz
24/7 Tech Support & Operations
