Jordan Evangelista is not just your average Airbnb host, she has put in the work behind the scenes to cultivate her business from the ground up. Luxury on Lemon’s story is one that all small business owners can relate to.
Jordan co-owns another small business, HQ Water Solutions, with her husband, Stephen. The couple has been receiving awards since the company’s start and Jordan was dreaming up her next business venture along the way. She wanted to create her own version of spaces and luxury vacation spots that everyone loves. She dove into entrepreneurship, breaking out of the typical 9-5 role, and started renovating a gorgeous home from the 1900s.
Jordan has not only created a home away from home nestled right here in Lancaster city; she is laying the groundwork to be an inspiration for women to chase their dreams, and break stereotypes all while having an adorable family behind you for support.
Question 1: Starting with the basics, what is your background and the business’s background? How did you end up where you are now?
“I’m originally from the Harrisburg area but ended up here in Lancaster while attending Millersville University for my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I absolutely fell in love with Lancaster City during my College years and decided to stay in the area after graduation. I have been in the area for nearly 15 years and have only continued to love it more and more!
My husband and I have always enjoyed traveling and finding unique airbnbs in new cities. Nothing beats that feeling of walking into a space that absolutely exceeds your expectations and sets the tone for your time away. We have a few friends in the real estate space and became curious about launching an airbnb in the last few years. We finally pulled the trigger in fall 2023, and Luxury on Lemon was born. I wanted my own space that embodied the “ahhh” feeling of arriving somewhere special and feeling immediately at peace.”
Question 2: Can you talk more about your experience as a woman in business / female entrepreneur?
“Purchasing, renovating, and designing Luxury on Lemon was so exhilarating for me as a female entrepreneur! I am still blown away by how everything came together given that it was my first shot at this type of project. I’m fortunate that I had a bit of experience with the business side of things as my husband and I own a local water treatment company, HQ Water Solutions.
I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship, and getting to launch and run two businesses now has been absolutely incredible. I love connecting with, mentoring, and learning from other women entrepreneurs. I am endlessly impressed by other motivated women who chose to venture out of the traditional path of a 9-5 and start something of their own.”
Question 3: What are the most important things you would like the community to know about you or your business?
“Luxury on Lemon isn’t just an Airbnb — it’s that “ahhh” feeling. It’s a vessel for creativity, connection, community, peace, relaxation, exploration, and so much more! It’s a space specifically designed for girls’ weekends, family getaways, anniversaries, reunions, and any event with connection or rejuvenation at its core. Think boho vibes meet Lancaster charm, all curated by a travel-loving woman who’s passionate about community and celebrating other dreamers.
We also have an interactive experience to enhance your stay – a speakeasy that you have to crack the code to enter! The 1920s themed speakeasy contains even more amenities, such as games and a sticker wall (that guests are encouraged to add to with stickers from their own hometowns).”
Question 4: Do you have a favorite female owned business (or multiple) you would like to shout out or that you admire?
“Some of my favorite Lancaster women-owned businesses are Cottage & Vine Manheim, Boutique 1780, Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie, Lancaster Cupcake, Lemon Street Market, West End Yoga, Lindsay Rossman Photography and so many more!
We are located across the street from the Lemon Street Market, and only a block away from Rachel’s!”
Question 5: Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with me or the community?
“We designed and reimagined this home from 1900 in fall 2023.
We own a local business, HQ Water Solutions, and are passionate about shopping small!
We have 2 daughters [Medina + Venice] that LOVE Lancaster City.”
Whether you’re a local looking for a closer look at downtown or a visitor passing through, Luxury on Lemon is a great place to stay and get an in-person look at all of Jordan’s hard work!
Check out more photos and the full listing on Airbnb via Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/luxuryonlemon?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Femme Foodie - Lancaster, PA 
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