Inspiring Conversations with Danisa Owen of Great Escape Shop

Originally published in Knoxville Voyager on April 22, 2026

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danisa Owen.

Hi Danisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

My journey began with a trip to the Smoky Mountains when I was 12 years old. Years later, I returned with my own children, and that experience sparked a deeper desire to invest in real estate—specifically in the Smokies.

While searching for the perfect cabin in Sevierville, my plans briefly shifted when my daughter needed a place to live during college. That led me to purchase my first investment property in Golden, Colorado, where I added value by renovating the basement to include an additional bedroom and bathroom.

After completing that project, I resumed my search in the Smokies. By then, the COVID market had driven prices up, but it also brought increased interest and tourism to the area. I was fortunate to find a cabin with a direct view of Mt. LeConte—and from there, everything took off.

Since then, I’ve purchased three cabins in Sevierville, one in Pigeon Forge, and now manage several additional properties for other owners. While it all started as an interest in real estate investing, I have developed a deep love of hospitality and of serving my guests in a way that keeps them coming back year after year.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It hasn’t been an easy journey, but the challenges have shaped who I am today. One of my first obstacles was gaining buy-in from my family. I knew I needed their support to invest in out-of-state properties and spend time away setting them up. That proved to be more difficult than expected and took years of demonstrating consistency and results before they fully came on board.

I also encountered issues with poor craftsmanship in a newly built property. This led to a situation where I was forced to advocate for myself with a few of the region’s largest developers. Through persistence, I was able to successfully work through those challenges.

I began this journey managing properties across four states remotely, and I continue to manage properties in Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma from Knoxville, Tennessee today. That brought with it new challenges as well, but I now have wonderful local team members who have helped me continually improve my processes and quality of offerings.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Great Escape Shop?

First, this is a family business. My daughter, Jacqueline, serves as our marketing manager and plays a vital role in our business. She oversees everything from social media and email campaigns to website engagement. A few years ago, she and her husband, Samuel, also purchased their own cabin and now co-host properties for other owners as well. Samuel, is also a wonderful source of support and proudly helps spread the word by wearing our merch. My daughter, Cate, attends the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (Go Vols!) and helps out as her schedule allows. My husband, Craig, is my number one supporter and has been a constant source of encouragement throughout this journey. I also found through ancestry research that my husband and daughter are related to one of the builders of the first cabin in the area, Hercules Ogle. It still stands today in Gatlinburg. That was a fun discovery! Above all, we are people of faith who believe we are called to a higher purpose, and we strive to reflect servant leadership in everything we do.

As a core business, we specialize in creating memorable stays through thoughtfully designed vacation homes and personalized property management. Our focus is on delivering high-quality, comfortable, and beautifully maintained spaces where guests can truly relax, reconnect, and feel at home—whether they’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a special occasion.

What sets us apart is our attention to detail and heart behind everything we do. From carefully curated interiors to seamless guest experiences, we treat every property as if it were our own. We also take pride in strong communication, both with our guests and the homeowners who trust us to manage their investments. Our approach blends hospitality with strategy—maximizing property performance while never losing sight of the guest experience. Our guests mention the experience and thoughtful communication in every review.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust we’ve built. Many of our guests return year after year, and our homeowners rely on us not just for management, but for guidance, care, and consistency. That loyalty means everything to us.

At the end of the day, we want people to know that we’re more than just a rental business—we’re in the business of creating experiences, building relationships, and making every stay feel special. Whether you’re a guest or a property owner, you can expect a level of care, integrity, and attention that truly sets us apart.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?

There are several ways to work with and support us, depending on what you’re looking for. For guests, the best way is simply to come stay with us and experience our homes firsthand—we love creating spaces where people can relax, reconnect, and make lasting memories.

For homeowners, we offer full-service property management and would love to partner with those looking to maximize their investment while providing an exceptional guest experience. We handle everything from design guidance and listing optimization to day-to-day operations and guest care.

We’re also always open to meaningful collaborations. Whether you’re a local business, content creator, or brand that aligns with hospitality, travel, or lifestyle, we enjoy partnering in ways that feel authentic and mutually beneficial.

And of course, one of the biggest ways people support us is by spreading the word—sharing their experience, leaving reviews, and recommending us to friends and family. That kind of organic support has been a huge part of our growth, and we’re incredibly grateful for it.