Meet Soniya Momin | Architecture & Design | Airbnb | Real Estate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Soniya Momin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Soniya, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
I’ve often had people ask why I travel with my kids when they’re so young, especially since they may not remember everything. I’ve also heard others say they avoid taking kids on vacation because it could ruin the experience for them. I get where they’re coming from, but for me, it’s a whole different mindset.

Even when they were little, traveling exposed my kids to new sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and smells they wouldn’t get at home. Every trip brought back bigger vocabularies, new skills, and a sense of growth. There’s something about travel that matures them in the best way. And honestly, the bond we create during those trips is unmatched. At home, life is full of distractions—work, chores, errands—but on vacation, it’s just us, fully present, enjoying each other’s company and adventures.

Watching my kids explore the world brings me a new level of awe for their personalities. I see them differently when there’s nothing else to focus on but them. Now, they’re the ones always asking, “When are we going on vacation?” They get so excited to make lists and pack (though I do have to check those bags later!). They love diving into new cultures, riding local trains, swimming in waterfalls, exploring new flavors, and experiencing different lifestyles.

We always stay in Airbnbs so we can live like locals—my kids especially love the more traditional homes. Grocery shopping is always an adventure too; like, did you know eggs sit on regular shelves in Italy, and in Canada, milk comes in bags? My daughter’s now a chopstick pro, and she’s even inspired me to get better at using them too.

Traveling together is what I live for. It’s become my goal to do it as much as possible because these moments are shaping their childhood and, I believe, their future. I hope that the undivided attention we give them on these trips helps build a lifelong bond, creating memories they’ll carry with them forever.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Where do I even begin? I’ve known I wanted to pursue design since I was 5 years old, and art has been a part of me ever since. Throughout my life, I’ve shaped my classes, interests, and goals around developing my skills to follow my passion in the creative industry. What really sets me apart is my constant drive to improve. I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and am always seeking out new things to learn—something impactful, something life-changing, something that simplifies things in the best way possible. And once I learn, I can’t wait to share it with others.

My professional journey started early, as I mentioned, with my passion for design being nurtured through classes and opportunities from the age of 5. After high school, I pursued design in college and even began my career before graduating. I spent about 10 years in the design industry, and I absolutely loved every moment of it. I had the privilege of working with incredible clients like Coca-Cola, CNN, and Novelis, before transitioning to designing for law firms and eventually moving into hospitality design, where I worked on hotels like the Westins nationwide.

After 10 years in the field, I had a baby and realized I needed to take a step back. The design industry required long, demanding hours, and I wanted to be present for my daughter. It was an incredibly tough decision to put aside the career I had spent my entire life building. I still remember sitting at my desk, staring at photos of her, with a knot in my stomach. Part of me longed to be home with her, while another part felt heartbroken to let go of something that meant so much to me. It was even harder knowing my mom, a single parent, had worked so hard to support my education and dreams. I felt like I was letting it all go. But in the end, I chose my daughter, and it’s a decision I’ve never regretted.

Becoming a mom with no income was a tough adjustment, especially after being so financially independent. Meanwhile, my husband was starting a brick-and-mortar business, and I used my spare time to help him. I ended up managing a small frozen yogurt shop, where I streamlined systems and operations, making everything run smoothly with employees handling inventory, training, and daily tasks. I even set up a side business that generated income without me having to be involved in the day-to-day. Looking back, that experience was incredibly valuable because I still apply those same skills to developing systems in my current businesses. Unfortunately when COVID hit, like many others, our shop had to close.

Fortunately, I was already deep into designing our home and it kept me busy. We were living as a joint family of eight, but it was time for everyone to find their own space. We searched for a home that would fit our needs, especially since my in-laws would be living with us and we wanted to make sure their lifestyle was considered too. When we couldn’t find anything suitable, we decided to take a leap and build from scratch on a piece of land we found nearby. I spent a full year designing, modeling, and creating the construction plans for our home. I still remember being 9 months pregnant with our second child, bouncing on my yoga ball, and working on floor plans until 5 a.m. some nights. We closed on the land just two days before my due date and broke ground soon after.

We put our home on the market and moved into my late mothers home during construction. A bit of background: my mom passed away seven years earlier, and her house was her dream home. I couldn’t bring myself to sell or rent it out after she passed, so I kept it in the family for visiting relatives to stay in. It turned out to be an ideal solution, providing us with a place to stay while our new home was being built. Plus, it was only five minutes away, making it easy to check in on the progress.

Construction stretched out over two years due to Covid, with major delays and skyrocketing costs for both labor and materials. What started as a manageable budget ended up doubling by the time we were done. My husband and I spent countless sleepless nights trying to figure out how to make it work financially because everything had become so unbelievably expensive. Since we were already in the middle of the build and paying on the loan and interest, there was no turning back. We had no choice but to keep pushing forward. It was hard to see a way out, and the financial stress was overwhelming (and I couldn’t shake the guilt that these were first-world problems). But by some miracle (and I know exactly which one), we made it through. I still remember sitting at our half-finished kitchen counter, amazed at how far we had come and everything we had endured. It was incredibly tough, but in the end, it was equally rewarding.

Once everything was complete, we were preparing to move. I had a heartfelt conversation with my husband, expressing how the two years we spent at my mom’s place had given me some closure. I felt ready to move forward with her house and wanted to help support our family financially. An Airbnb had always been a dream of mine, so we discussed converting my mom’s house into one. This plan allowed me to keep the home and have regular access to it while generating income, enabling me to stay home with our kids and still contribute financially. As soon as we settled into our new house, we began the process of refreshing my mom’s place. It took us 2.5 months to get it ready and listed, and I vividly remember our first guests. My husband and I watched the cameras anxiously, feeling uneasy about strangers in her home. However, our worries eased as we saw children coming and going, their laughter making it all worthwhile and reassuring us that they were enjoying the space.

Running an Airbnb came with its own set of challenges and learning experiences. There were many tough lessons along the way—cleaners not showing up, leaving us to handle the cleaning ourselves, guests throwing parties, and difficult situations that worried the neighbors. It was all quite stressful. However, after a few months, I managed to overcome these issues and find solutions. I secured a reliable cleaner who has been with me ever since, and I established more rules and regulations to ensure I attract quality guests. Eventually, the process became smooth and efficient, and I was able to enjoy the revenue coming in effortlessly.

Now onto my 3rd business, as the year was ending, my husband was pushing me hard to get my real estate license so we could invest in more properties properly. I was totally against it—no interest in real estate, contracts, or any of that. I even tried to get him to do it instead, but he said he couldn’t because of his full-time job and that it was up to me. By October, he was relentless, insisting I needed the license by the end of the year for tax purposes. I still resisted, but eventually, I realized he was right. I bit the bullet and signed up for real estate classes. With time running out, I went for a 2-week fast track in November. I was juggling classes from 8am to 4pm, squeezing in a quick shower and meal, then heading back to the office to study and do homework. Surprisingly, the more I learned, the more I started to enjoy it.

After the 2-week class, I kept studying intensely for 5 more days. I decided to take a break on Thanksgiving and completely disconnect from real estate for the day. The following day, Black Friday, I took my final exam and scored a 92. While I was excited and relieved, I also felt anxious with only 4 weeks left to pass the state exam. I scheduled it for 5 days later, reassuring myself that if I didn’t pass, I could still retake it before the year ended. Those 5 days of studying were grueling, and the stress was mounting. When I took the exam, it was extremely challenging. At the end, I submitted my answers without knowing if I passed—it didn’t give me immediate results. Confused, I asked the receptionist outside if I had passed. She handed me a paper, and I struggled to find the result amid all the text. After scanning it for a couple of minutes, I finally spotted the tiny “Pass” in the top left corner.

Super relieved, I rushed to the nearest brokerage and signed up on the spot. I didn’t do any research to see if it was the right fit for me; I just needed to meet my deadline and be a part of a brokerage before the year was over. However, joining meant paying fees, which in turn meant I needed to start making money. And to make money, I had to actually work as a realtor. I felt like I was being pushed into a job I didn’t want. But I decided to make the most of it, started attending their classes, and found I actually enjoyed them. I even signed up for coaching. The more I got involved, the more I learned, and surprisingly, I began to fall in love with it.

Everything was coming full circle. My design skills were being put to use in setting up the Airbnb, and my Airbnb experience was enhancing my real estate work. My real estate journey is not only helping me acquire and design more Airbnbs but has also expanded into assisting first-time investors with finding properties for long-term and short-term rentals.

In the end, my brand embodies who I am, my background, and the journey I’ve undertaken to reach this point. It integrates all my passions—Architecture & Design, Airbnb, and Real Estate—into a unified package. I’m deeply engaged in each of these areas and thoroughly enjoy working with every client. The experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m always striving to grow with each new challenge and piece of knowledge I acquire. My motto has always been “Knowledge is Power,” and I continuously seek ways to enhance my skills so I can help others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure she had the best time ever exploring Atlanta! Here’s how I’d plan it out:

Tourist Attractions
Georgia Aquarium: First stop, the Georgia Aquarium! It’s huge and one of the best in the world. The kids will love it too—who doesn’t get excited about watching whale sharks and playful sea otters? Plus, the interactive exhibits make it fun for everyone!

Stone Mountain: Next, we’d head to Stone Mountain. It’s perfect for a bit of outdoor adventure! We could hike to the top for amazing views of the city or take the scenic train ride. It’s such a great way to enjoy nature and learn a bit about the history.

World of Coke: No trip to Atlanta is complete without a visit to the World of Coke. It’s all about Coca-Cola’s history, and tasting different sodas from around the world is a blast. It’s a fun spot for photos and learning a bit of pop culture history.

Local Hotspots
Ponce City Market: If we want a vibe that’s more local, Ponce City Market is the place to be. The shops, restaurants, and the rooftop with city views make it a perfect hangout spot. We can grab a bite, shop around, and just soak in the atmosphere.

Beltline: The Beltline is a fantastic way to explore the city! It’s a trail that connects neighborhoods, so we can walk, bike, or even rollerblade while checking out local art and stopping for some tasty food along the way.

Shopping
Phipps Plaza: For a bit of luxury, we’d hit Phipps Plaza for some designer shopping. It’s such a beautiful mall, and even if we’re just window shopping, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.

North Georgia Premium Outlets: If she’s looking for deals, the North Georgia Premium Outlets are awesome. We can hunt for bargains on some favorite brands, and it’s always a thrill to find a good deal.

Kid-Friendly Activities
Children’s Museum of Atlanta: If the kids are along for the ride, we have to visit the Children’s Museum. It’s packed with interactive exhibits that let them learn through play. They’ll have a blast and come away with some new skills!

Lake Lanier Waterpark: For some summer fun, Lake Lanier Waterpark is a must. The water slides and play areas will keep the kids entertained for hours. It’s a perfect way to cool off and enjoy a sunny day.

Nature Escape
North Georgia Mountains: If we have a few extra days, I’d love to take her to the North Georgia mountains. Renting a cabin would be such a cozy getaway, and we could go tubing down the river for some fun in the sun!
Dining
Surin (Virginia Highlands): For dinner, we can’t skip Surin for Thai food! Their dishes are fresh and full of flavor, plus the atmosphere is just perfect for catching up.

Politan Row at Colony Square: I’d also take her to Politan Row for a nice vibe and a variety of food options. It’s great to grab a bite and then explore all the different eateries there.

Lazeez Tava Fry: A trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping by my aunt’s restaurant for her incredible food! Lazeez offers fantastic Indian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, with mouthwatering dishes that are always a hit.

Majaz: After a long day, we could unwind at Majaz, a chill hookah lounge. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy some tasty small plates, and chat the night away.

Persopolis: For a taste of Persian cuisine, I love Persopolis. Their kabobs are incredible, and it’s a nice, warm atmosphere for a family dinner.

Arte: And for some flavorful Korean inspired Italian, Arte is the spot! Their homemade pasta is simply divine and I love how they make everything spicy and creamy!

With this itinerary, my friend would get a real taste of what makes Atlanta special! From tourist attractions to local gems, we’d make some unforgettable memories together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people in my life that contribute to where I am today.

First and foremost, I would not be here without the blind faith and trust I have in Allah. Regardless of what path I choose for myself, Allah has always steered me in directions and opportunities I need to be in. No matter how many times I’ve made plans and decisions for myself, he has made other plans for me and I have felt a literal push into these endeavors. Opportunities I never even wanted but was thrown into and now the lessons I’ve learned from them have had a significant impact on how I operate today. When I look back, I’m always in awe of everything He has guided me through, and I’m deeply thankful for it all.

Secondly, my late mother, who raised me as a single mom, has been the most powerful influence in my life. She was full of passion, stood for justice, and was truly a warrior. She sacrificed so much to raise me, and all I ever wanted was for her to know she was seen, heard, loved, and respected. Everything I do in life is to honor her and make her proud. Thank you for always supporting me and my dreams. Because of that, I’ve been able to live a deeply fulfilling life. Everything I am is a reflection of your love for me.

Third, my husband has been by my side through every single moment. He’s my best friend, and nothing happens without him being fully involved in my journey. We’ve laughed, cried, and navigated countless tough times together. Over the years, we’ve been partners in every sense—marriage, family, parenting, and even in business. He truly is my other half, and I couldn’t have come this far without him not only supporting me, but being a part of me. It’s such a blessing to have someone you connect with on every level of life. Whatever I do, he’s part of the package, and I couldn’t do it without him.

Fourth, I’m so grateful for the constant love and support from my in-laws. In Allah’s miraculous way, when I lost my parents, He blessed me with new ones. I rarely feel the absence because they take such incredible care of us. Through late nights and tough times, they step in without hesitation, always helping with the kids and offering their support. I wouldn’t be able to focus on my work and life the way I do without their unwavering care. They are the backbone that helps us thrive, and I am forever grateful to them.

Fifth, my kids—they are my inspiration, my motivation, and my reason for everything I do. They drive me to push harder, so I can give them a life filled with epic childhood memories. Over the years, I’ve gone through a lot of wins and fails, which has influenced a lot of life-altering decisions. I want to pass those lessons on to them, so they can live a rich and fulfilling life. They’re the reason I keep going, and why I strive for more every day.

Last but certainly not least, my friends and family who have always been my biggest cheerleaders and believed in me. I’m endlessly grateful for the village that has stood by me through all the highs and lows. Your unwavering support has lifted me up and kept me moving forward!

Website: https://soniyamomin.com

Instagram: soniyamomin

Image Credits
atl_photographer