Tressa Mazhandu

Where the World Comes Together

Tressa Mazhandu and her husband David share a passion for exploration; their work, missions and curiosity have taken them to more than 25 countries around the world. During 13 years in the travel industry, Tressa started developing her idea for an international bed and breakfast. After fire severely damaged their home in Irvington, the couple decided to take the leap. All Nations Bed and Breakfast opened its doors in June 2005 in a five-bedroom, five-bath house built in 1910 near 21st Street and Capitol Avenue.

Tressa balances serving as innkeeper with raising two young children.

Although she sometimes hires part-time cleaning help and has even employed 12th-grade apprentice bakers from her daughter's school, the business operations are hers alone.

Mazhandu was therefore quite interested when a friend recommended that she complete BOI's Business Beginnings course. She so appreciated the speakers' expertise and her classmates' input that she has since organized an ongoing support group of her BOI contacts. When she fell victim to a booking scam last fall - "yes, I've learned a lot," she adds wryly - BOI staff provided guidance and moral support.

Her bed and breakfast appeals to guests who appreciate something unique. Each of her four guest rooms is filled with authentic artifacts-from China, Ireland, New Zealand and Zimbabwe, her husband's native country. The dining area has a Mexican décor, and guests sit in airline seats in the In-Transit Lounge, which is stocked with board games, books, international movies and snacks. A music room has a Caribbean theme. A veranda overlooks a backyard garden with koi pond. Tressa serves a varied international breakfast each morning.

The home's easy access from the interstate and proximity to downtown, Clarian Health and the Children's Museum have proven to be advantages. While All Nations is booked early for major events, Mazhandu is working to increase year-round occupancy and plans to enroll in marketing courses at BOI this year.

The new business owner is optimistic: "What I'm finding is more and more people trying a bed and breakfast for the first time and finding out that it's much better than a hotel."