While the Maine vacation rental industry races toward extravagance, The Floating Nomad offers something refreshingly different. Rheanna’s thoughtfully designed spaces balance beauty with functionality, inviting busy professionals and families to disconnect from everyday demands and experience the simple pleasure of life on water…a complete shift in perspective where time moves with the gentle rhythm of lapping waves.

Q&A as told by The Floating Nomad owner Rheanna Sinnett in her own words.

Tell us a little bit about your business.

The Floating Nomad Houseboat Rentals offers immersive eco-travel vacation experiences aboard our two houseboats, Nomad & Roam, on Lake Pemaquid in Bremen, Maine. I live in a detail-oriented world. Instead of criticizing myself for it, I’ve learned to embrace and harness it as a critical skill for creating and sustaining my business.

Years of living in simple spaces and my awareness of what we really need to be comfortable have provided the foundation for what I’ve created on my houseboats. By design, no special skills or training are required for a stay. The Floating Nomad is an organic extension of who I am—beautiful houseboats set in idyllic waters, inviting and accessible. I can see it in my guests every time. It’s their experience that makes me so sure that I’ve got it tuned just right.

What has been the greatest challenge you’ve faced in running your business?

In 2020, I decided to relocate my business after a dispute with the town in which I was operating. It was a pretty devastating time for many reasons, but from a business perspective, I wasn’t quite sure how I would pivot. I needed a new location on a fresh water lake to run my business.

I did my best to keep my options open, made it known I was looking for a new place to operate, and even explored alternative business models in other states. It was many months of uncertainty, but I remained productive. I decided to study for my US Coast Guard Master Captain’s License, joined a CEI FocusME Cohort, and worked under my boat builder as an apprentice—anything to continue to enhance my professional credentials while I navigated my way forward.

Then opportunity came in February 2021 when I was invited to partner with Otyokwa Cabins in Bremen, Maine. The new location on Lake Pemaquid offered a wonderful experience for my guests and opened the door to a welcoming community in Mid Coast Maine.

What has been your greatest business triumph so far?

Launching my first houseboat, Nomad, on July 26th, 2018. It felt like it was never going to happen – I was months past my planned timeline and way over budget on the renovations, but once he was in the water, none of it mattered. I was the happiest Boat Captain in the world.

Do you feel like you are serving a specific community or need?

I am serving those who meant to take a nap. And then didn’t. And that was 26 years ago.

Where do you see your business in 3-5 years?

In 3-5 years, I truly hope to be doing much the same as I am today. That’s not meant to sound unambitious—I am just truly happy doing exactly what I’m doing!

How did you come across CEI, and what has the relationship been like?

I was doing an internet search for small business support in Maine and CEI popped up. I emailed the contact listed on the webpage, got a response right away, and was linked up with Ruth Feldman who is my business mentor to this very day. Seven+ years later! She’s been the most wonderful sounding board, problem solver, coach, cheerleader and resource navigator I could have ever hoped for.

Would you recommend working with CEI to other business owners?

I’ve received so much help from CEI—both tangible and intangible. I’ve been connected to resources that have directly helped me with marketing, finances, and business structure. But by far the most impactful support I’ve received was the ability to connect with other business owners in Maine and have a business mentor I can always reach out to. Having that connective tissue with others who are ahead of and behind me in their business ownership is invaluable. It’s become a sisterhood of like-minded, go-getters. So yes, I would highly recommend working with CEI to other business owners!

What advice would you give to aspiring business owners?

It’s so important to have someone around you who loves talking about business as much as you do. Whether that’s a business partner, friends who own their own businesses, or a family member who’s as invested in your business as you are—it’s going to get lonely and exhausting if it’s just you that you have to talk to. Sometimes you just need to talk something through with a person who really gets it.