As Eazyrooms marks its 10th anniversary this year, Sam Hawcroft talks to founder Nikki Blowers about the many challenges and achievements along the way…
For Nikki Blowers, the journey to creating Eazyrooms has been anything but straightforward.
Hers is a story filled with resilience, determination and a fair share of unexpected twists. From working in local government to navigating business mergers, legal battles and personal growth, Nikki’s entrepreneurial path is a testament to what’s possible when you refuse to give up.
Nikki’s career began in the public sector, working for Hull City Council straight out of school. She quickly carved out a niche in economic development, promoting the city’s business opportunities both locally and internationally. “I used to do big exhibitions, even in France,” she recalls. “It was a great job – I was part of promoting Hull’s industries, from call centres to food production.”
Her role evolved when she was seconded to Hull’s urban regeneration company, Citybuild, where she worked closely with property developers on projects that would shape the future of the city. It was here that Nikki’s interest in property began to take root, though at the time, she had no idea it would become the foundation for her own business.
Life took a detour when she moved to Southampton with her then-partner, a professional footballer. While she initially felt adrift leaving her career behind, fate had other plans. After returning to Hull, one of the property developers she’d met during her council days tracked her down and offered her a role in his company. “I became a director, scouting for property opportunities across the UK. It was a fast-paced, exciting environment, and I learned so much about the property market.”
After years in the property sector, Nikki decided it was time to forge her own path. Armed with industry knowledge and a growing network of contacts, she saw a gap in the market: the need for flexible, high-quality serviced accommodation in Hull.
“It was around the time Hull was gearing up for the City of Culture,” she explains. “I’d been working with training providers who needed accommodation for apprentices, many of whom were too young to stay in hotels. That’s when the lightbulb went off.”
A chance meeting with a developer who owned a large property, Anchor House, provided the perfect launchpad. Nikki’s idea – to create a “home-from-home” environment for corporate clients – quickly gained traction. Sitting in a café, she and her early collaborators scribbled down ideas on a napkin, sketching out what would become Eazyrooms. “I still have that napkin,” she laughs. “That’s where the name and logo were born.”
From day one, the business took off. “Our first clients came in thick and fast. I was running around making beds, doing the shopping, handling bookings – I was literally doing everything.”
But the demand kept growing, driven by Hull’s booming industries, particularly in renewables and construction. Eazyrooms quickly built a reputation for providing tailored, stress-free accommodation solutions.
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Nikki’s path wasn’t without its hurdles. One of the most significant challenges came in 2022 when Eazyrooms merged with another company – a decision she quickly regretted.
“It seemed like a good idea at the time. We thought it would help us grow faster,” Nikki reflects. “But it turned into an absolute nightmare.” The partnership soured, leading to legal disputes, attempts to poach clients – and worse.
“It was brutal,” she admits. “But that experience taught me a lot about resilience. I had to fight to protect the business I’d built from scratch.” Despite the stress, Nikki’s relationships with loyal clients held strong. “That was the silver lining – our clients came back because of the trust we’d built over the years.”
Another challenge came in the form of staffing. “Finding reliable people who genuinely care about the business is tough,” she says. Nikki went through several hires who didn’t work out before finally meeting Ebony, her right-hand woman. “She’s a little mini-me,” Nikki says with a smile. “She’s dedicated, sharp, and I trust her with everything. Having the right people in place has been a game-changer.”
Eazyrooms isn’t just about accommodation now. Under Nikki’s leadership, the company has evolved into a multi-faceted business, offering corporate travel services, property development and even international bookings.
“We’ve expanded beyond Hull and Grimsby,” she adds. “We’re placing clients in Northampton, Norfolk, Bristol. And now we’re offering corporate travel solutions – flights, train bookings, car hire – you name it.”
The company’s growth has also included property investments. Nikki has partnered with developers and started purchasing properties, transforming them into high-quality serviced accommodations. “We recently converted a two-up, two-down house into a four-bedroom property with en-suites and modern amenities. It’s about maximising space and creating value.”
Despite the rapid growth, Nikki is committed to maintaining the personal touch that sets Eazyrooms apart. “We’re not trying to be a faceless corporation. Our strength is in the relationships we build with clients. We know their needs, and we adapt to meet them.”
Even as the business expands, Nikki remains hands-on, keeping a close eye on operations to ensure standards remain high. “I’ve done everything in this business at some point,” she says. “I’ve made beds, done the cleaning, handled transport for clients—it’s important to understand every part of what you’re offering.”
The lessons Nikki has learned along the way extend far beyond business strategy. She’s had to build resilience, adapt to constant change and recognise the importance of boundaries. “There was a time when I took every problem personally. If something went wrong, I would stress over it for days,” she admits. “Now, I know that sometimes things are just out of your control. You do your best, fix what you can, and move on.”
She’s also learned the power of saying no. “In the early days, I would take on every client, every project, even if it wasn’t the right fit. Now, I know that not every client is for us, and that’s OK. If someone is constantly making unrealistic demands or treating my team unfairly, I’m not afraid to walk away.”
After years of relentless work, Nikki has found a new focus: balance. “For the first eight years, it was all work, no life,” she admits. “I’d be on call 24/7, losing sleep over the smallest things.” But in recent years, she’s embraced a different approach, investing in her own well-being as much as her business.
“I’ve discovered the power of mindfulness,” she says. “I’ve been to Bali, Iceland, and even done spiritual retreats. Yoga, meditation, sound baths – you name it, I’ve tried it. It’s been transformative.”
As Eazyrooms approaches its 10th anniversary, Nikki is more excited than ever about the future. “We’ve only just scratched the surface,” she says. “Our goal is to become the go-to provider for flexible, corporate accommodation and travel services, not just in the UK but internationally.”
The company plans to expand its property portfolio, grow its travel services division and continue forging strong partnerships with businesses across industries. But no matter how big Eazyrooms gets, Nikki insists the core values will remain the same: flexibility, integrity and exceptional customer service.
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Nikki’s advice is simple but powerful. “Trust yourself. Stay adaptable. And don’t be afraid to think big. Build strong systems, surround yourself with the right people, and never lose sight of your vision.”
She also emphasises the importance of resilience. “Challenges will come – some bigger than you can imagine. But every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep pushing forward, and success will follow.”
From scribbling ideas on a napkin to managing a national accommodation network, Nikki’s journey with Eazyrooms proves that with grit, determination and a clear vision, anything is possible. And as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning.
