10 years later, her portfolio of hotels is bigger and better than ever.
Justin Kriel/Courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa - Middleburg, Virginia.
What inspired you to move from television to the travel space?
Sheila Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts.Credit:Drew Xeron/Courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa
After BET, I was trying to rediscover myself and learn to be out on my own.
When I moved to Virginia, I was still young enough to start a new career.
So this 340-acre property inMiddleburgcame up for sale, and I decided to make a bid on it.
The entrance to Salamander Resort & Spa, in Middleburg, Virginia.Justin Kriel/Courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa - Middleburg, Virginia.
Why did you choose to open a resort there?
The town was going downhill.
So I knew that if I opened a resort, it would be the financial anchor.
Salamander Resort & Spa in Washington, DC.Courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa - Washington, DC
So far, its worked beautifully.
Weve added activities like the Middleburg Film Festival, and the American Ballet Theatre has performed.
I like to bring experiences that the town can feed off.
Every time I drive to the Virginia hotel, Im like, I cant believe I built this.
Im very proud of myself, but to see faces of color coming through the door is really terrific.
Where do you travel when you want to relax?
I go to my own house.
I live on a 200-acre farm in Middleburg, and its the best.
I can walk up to three miles and never leave the property.
