Deidre Mathis

Deidre Mathis is a hotelier, author, and world traveler. She created Wanderstay Hospitality Group, a hybrid hospitality brand in 2018. The first location, Wanderstay Houston Hostel, opened summer 2018 in Houston, Texas and offers themed private and shared accommodations. The 2nd location, a boutique hotel, will open fall 2022. Mathis is the first Black woman to own a hostel in the United States. Mathis is also the Director for the Wander Abroad Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization that provides passports and short-term study abroad programs to college students. (www.WanderAbroad.org) Having traveled to over 46 countries on all 7 continents, she fell in love with the instant community and cultural diversity boutique accommodations provided. She wanted to bring that same experience stateside, and thus the concept for Wanderstay was born. She included many of her travel experiences in her book, “Wanderlust: For the Young, Broke Professional.” Mathis’ motivational story has been featured in Forbes Magazine, USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, and the Houston Chronicle. She has made numerous television appearances including Great Day Houston, First Coast Living, WBTV CBS, and Houston Life dispensing travel advice and tips.