The Story Behind "Tiny Beautiful Thing" | Airbnb

Discover the inspiration behind the name "Tiny Beautiful Thing" for our Airbnb and how it embodies finding beauty in life's details. Learn more about the origin on our website.

7/29/20243 min read

ragusa airbnb sicilia
ragusa airbnb sicilia

The meaning

The name of my Airbnb, "Tiny Beautiful Thing," is not simply an aesthetic choice; it is a reflection of a significant moment in my life. It was a period characterized by uncertainties and doubts about myself, in which I felt like I didn't deserve anything good. The quote that inspired the name of my Airbnb comes from the TV miniseries Tiny Beautiful Things that I watched at a time of great introspection in my life. In one episode, the image of a little girl with purple balloons struck me deeply. This figure represented the innocence and beauty of small things, the small and seemingly insignificant ones that we often overlook.

The little girl with the purple balloons reminded me that beauty exists even in the most difficult moments and that every person, regardless of circumstances, deserves to experience joy and beauty. This revelation marked the beginning of a journey of personal acceptance. I have learned to see and appreciate the "tiny beautiful things" in my daily life. Small gestures of kindness, simple moments of happiness, and acts of unconditional love have become a tangible sign to me that we all deserve good things.

This realization profoundly influenced the way I decided to live my life and, consequently, the way I wanted to welcome my guests. My Airbnb is an extension of this philosophy of life: a place where the little beautiful things are celebrated and where every guest can feel valued and appreciated. The choice of the name "Tiny Beautiful Thing" is therefore an invitation to all those who stay there to recognize and enjoy the little wonders that life has to offer.


The TV Miniseries and Book by Cheryl Strayed

'Tiny Beautiful Thing' originates from the work of acclaimed author Cheryl Strayed. The TV miniseries, based on his book of the same name, explores themes of personal growth, hope and redemption. The book, a collection of letters addressed to the advice column "Dear Sugar," provides heartfelt and touching answers to readers facing existential dilemmas. Cheryl Strayed uses her personal experience and unique narrative style to deeply touch the chords of the human soul.

The TV series manages to effectively translate the message of the book, evoking a sense of intimacy and connection. Each episode tackles different challenges of everyday life, illuminating the beauty hidden in the little things. The portrayal of the characters' stories and struggles creates an empathetic connection with the audience, which is reflected in the name 'Tiny Beautiful Thing'. This title captures the essence of Strayed's message: finding value and beauty in the seemingly insignificant details of life.

A particularly telling quote from the book reads: "you will be riding the bus and thinking what a worthless piece of crap you are when a little girl will get on the bus holding the strings of two purple balloons. She’ll offer you one of the balloons, but you won’t take it because you believe you no longer have a right to such tiny beautiful things. You’re wrong. You do

It is precisely this perspective that inspired the name of my Airbnb. The goal is to offer guests a space where they can reconnect with themselves and appreciate the small beauties of everyday life as I did

Creating Something of Your Own: The Purchase of Dammuso

The path that led me to purchase the dammuso was as exciting as it was challenging. The search for the perfect property, a place that could embody my desire to create something of my own, led me to a little corner of paradise in the heart of Sicily.

The entire experience of transforming the dammuso has become a reflection of my personal journey. Every detail, from the choice of materials to the selection of furnishings, has been carefully taken care of to create an environment that can convey warmth and beauty. 'Tiny Beautiful Thing' is not just a place to stay, but a symbol of my ability to appreciate and create beauty in the little things in life. This project has strengthened in me the belief that, with dedication and passion, it is possible to transform even the most difficult situations into positive and rewarding experiences.