Following a Passion and a Dream

Brie Woods owns and manages the Belva Lockwood Inn, a historic inn in the heart of Owego, NY.

Brie and her husband Matt moved to the Southern Finger Lakes from Annapolis, MD, two and a half years ago. Brie’s desire to move was led by passion and opportunity. “While I’d never personally visited the area before deciding to purchase the Belva Lockwood, I’d heard whispers of its beauty and charm,” Brie shared. “When the pandemic offered a chance to reevaluate my life, I realized I wanted to embark on a new adventure and make a tangible impact.”

Brie’s initial dream was to open a wedding venue, leveraging her extensive experience in the industry. However, a chance encounter on Instagram led her to a listing of the Belva Lockwood Inn. “The unique name piqued my curiosity, and as I delved deeper into Belva Lockwood’s inspiring story, I felt a deep connection to her legacy as the first female presidential candidate and her fight for equality for all,” she said.

Feeling strongly connected to Belva’s legacy and the Inn’s potential, she quickly reached out to the listing agent (that night), arranged a virtual tour the following day, and visited the following weekend with an offer that Monday. She recalls, “The moment I stepped foot in Owego, NY, I knew I had found the perfect place to call home.”

Brie said Owego instantly captivated her with its vibrant community, rich history, and growth potential. She made the decision with both her heart and her head, “and I’ve never regretted it,” she shares, adding, “the Finger Lakes region has provided me with the perfect blend of professional fulfillment and a sense of belonging.”

Before moving to Owego, Brie worked in the fast-paced, high-stress world of weddings in the DC area. She loved her career and was concerned that moving to a smaller town would limit her opportunities to showcase her skills.

However, she found a vibrant, artsy community in Owego with a robust entrepreneurial spirit, particularly among women-owned businesses. “This aligned perfectly with my values and aspirations.”

Relocating to Owego was a relatively smooth transition for her and her husband. “The area’s natural beauty, friendly community, and ample opportunities made it an attractive destination.”

One of the biggest challenges was the fear of the unknown. “Moving to a new area can be daunting,” Brie said, “especially when leaving behind a familiar lifestyle. However, I was excited to jump in and chase my dream of starting a business in this beautiful region.”

Another challenge was getting used to the slower pace of life and the lack of chain stores compared to a metropolitan area. “However, I quickly came to appreciate small-town life’s unique charm and character,” Brie shared.

Thus, despite her and her husband’s initial concerns about adapting to small-town life, they have found Owego to be a welcoming and dynamic community. The Inn itself has kept Brie constantly busy and fulfilled, and the slower pace of life has allowed her to appreciate the finer things and connect with people on a deeper level.

Brie shared that the sense of community and belonging they have experienced in Owego “has been truly remarkable,” adding, “We’ve formed closer friendships here than in any other city we’ve lived in, making our transition much easier.”

She also feels she’s gained greater control and fulfillment in her work. “While I still work hard, I now have more autonomy to make decisions and lead my business based on my own ideas and ethics.”

That said, she still finds that one of the most significant changes has been the ability to balance her work and personal life better. Still, she’s also found that living in a smaller community offers a more relaxed pace of life, which allows her to enjoy her time and recharge.”

What has remained constant for Brie despite the big life changes she’s taken on is her passion for hosting and planning events. “This remains stronger than ever,” she said. I continue to love creating memorable experiences for my guests and am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my dream.”

Brie has found that living in a smaller community offers a unique sense of belonging and opportunity. Compared to a large metropolitan area, she’s been able to become more actively involved in local initiatives and build stronger relationships with my neighbors.

“In just two and half years, I’ve served on two community boards: Finger Lakes Wine Country and Tioga Opportunities,” Brie shared. “These roles have allowed me to contribute directly to the growth and development of our area. I appreciate the chance to have an impact and collaborate with other dedicated community members positively.”

A typical day for Brie involves inn duties, community involvement, and speaking about Belva Lockwood’s legacy. “I start my mornings by preparing breakfast for our guests and ensuring everything is in order for their stay. There’s always laundry to do and rooms to clean, but I love the opportunity to interact with guests and learn about their travels.”

Beyond the inn, Brie is actively involved in community programs and boards. “One of my recent projects was working with the Girl Scouts to create a Belva Lockwood Patch,” Brie said. “Our goal is to be a top-notch luxury boutique inn and inspire future generations of female leaders by sharing Belva’s story.”

Brie often leads educational events at the Belva Lockwood Inn, where she shares fascinating stories about Belva’s life and her contributions to women’s rights. “I enjoy engaging with visitors, answering their questions, and sparking their interest in learning more about this remarkable historical figure. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how Belva’s legacy inspires people.”

Outside of the inn and community organizing, Brie and Matt can usually be found on a quest to conquer every trail, waterfall, winery, and brewery in the Finger Lakes. “We call it research and development,'” Brie said, “but let’s be honest, it’s just an excuse to have a lot of fun!” When they’re not busy “researching,” they are out exploring the beautiful lakes, antiquing, or a new bookshop. It’s the perfect way to unwind and appreciate the beauty of this region.

To those who might be considering a change of pace and lifestyle upgrade to the Southern Finger Lakes, Brie says, “Just do it! This is truly a special place you can call home. Whether you’re looking to put down roots, start a business, retire, or raise a family, there’s so much opportunity here. We especially need a younger generation with an entrepreneurial spirit to come and help our community thrive.”

Brie added, “It’s worth noting that the Owego and Finger Lakes region offers a high quality of life. You can enjoy stunning natural beauty, a strong sense of community, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.” Brie has also found that the region provides a wealth of free resources for entrepreneurs, including business planning assistance, mentorship programs, and networking events. “The supportive community of local entrepreneurs and mentors is always ready to lend a helping hand. If you’re seeking a career in technology or manufacturing, major employers like Lockheed Martin offer a variety of high-tech jobs.”

Overall, Brie has found the Owego and Finger Lakes region ideal for those seeking a beautiful place to live and work. “With its friendly communities, abundant natural resources, and growing economy, it offers something for everyone.”

Thank you, Brie, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.