Today we’d like to introduce you to Moira Sedgwick
Hi Moira, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From the moment I could dream, I fancied myself an innkeeper—a role equal parts curator and confidante, spinning hospitality into an art form. That dream led me to the Culinary Institute of America, a hallowed ground where I absorbed the discipline and imagination required to transform fleeting stays into indelible experiences. Yet, my story truly blossomed years later, when I founded my first short term rental – a bnb of sorts – called Sedgwick Chalet in the Poconos.
With each layer of design and every detail of hospitality, I shaped properties that felt both deeply personal and universally inviting. In 2015, that labor of love earned me Airbnb Superhost status—a moment that whispered, “Keep going.” What began as one cabin blossomed into A Chalet Collective, a boutique hospitality firm curating homes across the country. These aren’t just places to stay; they’re experiences designed with an eye for beauty and a heart for connection.
It was here I leaned into design, hosting, and serving guests who made lasting memories at the Chalet. It quickly became clear that I needed to leave behind my post as Director of the James Beard Awards program to pursue something more intimate, more tactile, and entirely my own with A Chalet Collective.
But it wasn’t until I wandered into Baltimore that my trajectory truly shifted. Charm City, with its faded grandeur and unmistakable spirit, cast its spell. The architecture, the neighborhoods, the very air—it begged to be woven into my story. I expanded my business there, finding in its cobblestone streets and stoop-lined blocks a fertile ground for my vision of modern hospitality with roots.
Alongside this, I founded MoCa Interiors, a design venture born of a belief that a home should do more than house—it should sing. With services ranging from full-scale styling to bespoke art commissions, MoCa Interiors exists to merge texture and utility, offering spaces that feel lived-in yet alive. This isn’t design for today or tomorrow; it’s for all the moments in between, built to outlast trends and speak to the soul.
Through A Chalet Collective and MoCa Interiors, I’ve come to see my work as an ongoing conversation with the spaces we inhabit—how they shape us, reflect us, and connect us. It’s been a winding, sometimes wild path, but isn’t that where the magic lies? In the curves and detours, the cities that surprise you, the homes that hold you. And so, I continue, eagerly following where this story leads.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road? Not quite. The journey has been more like a scenic mountain drive—stunning in moments but full of unexpected twists, turns, and a few nail-biting cliffs. There were contractors who left me questioning the laws of physics and sanity alike, along with learning the intricacies of a new market, especially real estate, which has been a masterclass in patience and adaptability.
And then, there’s growth—never linear, often surprising. Sometimes it’s meant saying “no” to clients I would’ve eagerly taken on a few years ago, just to ensure the work we do stays impeccable. Other times, it’s meant pivoting in ways I couldn’t have foreseen, like expanding into Baltimore and embracing its distinct challenges and charms. Every stumble has taught me something valuable, even if the lesson came with a little hair-pulling along the way. But really, isn’t that the beauty of it? The grit makes the gloss that much shinier.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A Chalet Collective and MoCa Interiors are, at their core, about storytelling through spaces—whether it’s a vacation rental that feels like a sanctuary or a home brimming with personality and art.
**A Chalet Collective**
We specialize in boutique hospitality, creating curated homes for short and mid-term stays across the country. What sets us apart is our obsession with detail—each property is designed to feel distinct and intentional, blending thoughtful interiors with a warm, hospitality-driven experience. It’s not just about providing a place to stay; it’s about crafting moments guests will carry with them. From mountain cabins to city escapes, every A Chalet Collective property is tailored to its environment while still offering a signature sense of comfort and style.
We’re proud to have built a reputation as a hospitality brand that feels both personal and elevated, with over 250 five-star reviews and a growing list of repeat guests who trust us to make their getaways unforgettable. And while we’re rooted in the Pocono Mountains, expanding into Baltimore has allowed us to embrace urban charm, bringing a new layer of character to our offerings.
**MoCa Interiors**
MoCa Interiors, meanwhile, takes the ethos of thoughtful design into private residences. We specialize in transforming homes into spaces that feel both functional and soulful. Our services include full-service styling, custom art commissions, wall murals, and home refreshes. What sets us apart is our ability to create spaces that reflect individuality while remaining timeless—we don’t adhere to a single style or trend. Instead, we work with each client to develop a design narrative that feels authentic to them.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the relationships we’ve built. Whether it’s a guest booking an A Chalet Collective stay or a client entrusting us with their home through MoCa Interiors, the common thread is trust. People come to us because they know we’ll deliver spaces that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and deeply considered.
What do we want readers to know? Whether you’re staying at one of our properties or inviting us to redesign your space, you’re not just booking a service—you’re entering a partnership where design meets heart. Both brands are about creating spaces that tell stories, inspire connection, and make life a little more beautiful.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk is the marrow of any meaningful pursuit, the silent force that nudges us from the familiar into the realm of possibility. I’ve always seen it as less of a gamble and more of a conversation—a delicate negotiation between ambition and fear, where you choose to move forward even when the map isn’t fully drawn.
Leaving my position as Director of the James Beard Awards was one such moment. On paper, it seemed irrational to walk away from stability, prestige, and a well-lit path. But something in me insisted there was more—more room to create, more space to define my own voice in the world of hospitality and design. Starting A Chalet Collective wasn’t just a career shift; it was an act of faith in the belief that the work I envisioned mattered.
Expanding into Baltimore was another turning point. I fell for the city’s gritty charm, its neighborhoods steeped in stories, and its potential to be a canvas for something unique. But entering a new market meant learning the quirks of its real estate scene, its contractors, its unspoken rules—all while staking my reputation on delivering the same excellence my brand had become known for. It was a risk, yes, but one imbued with purpose. Baltimore, as it turns out, has given back as much as it’s asked of me.
To take risks is to trust that the ground will meet you, even if you stumble at first. Not every leap has been graceful, and some have been downright humbling. But without risk, there’s no growth, no story worth telling. For me, risk is a promise—a pact with the unknown that says, “I will try, and in trying, I will learn.”
Am I a risk-taker? Yes, but not recklessly so. I like to think of risk as a partner, one that challenges me to be braver, sharper, more attuned to the possibilities that exist just beyond the horizon. It’s never easy, but then, what’s worth doing that is?
Pricing:
- At A Chalet Collective, we offer a range of curated homes for short and mid-term stays, with pricing that varies based on location, season, and property specifics. For detailed information on rates and availability, we encourage prospective guests to visit our website or contact us directly.
- MoCa Interiors provides personalized interior design services, including full-service home styling, custom art commissions, and home refreshes. Given the bespoke nature of our work, pricing is tailored to each project’s unique scope and requirements. We recommend scheduling an introductory consultation to discuss your vision and receive a detailed proposal. MOCA INTERIORS For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, please reach out to us directly. We are committed to transparency and are happy to provide detailed quotes based on your specific needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.achaletcollective.com and www.mocainteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achalet.collective and https://www.instagram.com/mocainteriors
- Email: hello@achaletcollective.com
