Founder, Hostel Detroit

Why she lives in metro Detroit: "I want every twenty-something to know that you can live anywhere and just be a dweller. If you live in Detroit, you are a builder, and what you do can make an impact on your community."

Claim to fame: Founded Hostel Detroit, which gives tourists an inexpensive and different place to stay in Detroit.

Next step: Maintaining Hostel Detroit during its infancy, hiring a full-time manager and staff for the hostel, and helping other people with their creative projects.

Emily Doerr had a vision of creating a gateway to the city she loves.

After months of hard work, Doerr's Hostel Detroit came to fruition when it opened its doors April 15. Slowly but surely, the hostel is becoming a beacon to out-of-towners wanting to see the sights.

Doerr has said she hopes Hostel Detroit will be a good gathering place for creative people.

There are 16 beds at the 4,000-square-foot hostel in Corktown, with the second floor reserved for staff housing and a month-to-month apartment rental.

Prices are right for the average college student or European backpacker: Sleeping in a bunk bed costs $18-$27 a night; full or queen beds are $40-$45.

The apartment is being rented to a group of Danish filmmakers visiting Detroit through mid-May.

After spending months renovating, sanding walls, painting, fundraising and anything else that needed to be done to get Hostel Detroit up and running, Doerr said that she is going to sleep a lot, start eating healthy again and be a good friend to those who've been neglected during this project.

But she won't slow down. Now that the hostel is open, Doerr said, she's going to make sure it stays in the city for years to come. She's working on hiring a full-time manager and staff.

"I feel like the potential is here," Doerr said. "I don't want to toot the horn about Hostel and say it's a raving success -- it's a risk. I understand that. But I think it's worthwhile. ... People who stay here will have good results, go back and tell their friends."

In addition to remaining focused on Hostel Detroit, Doerr said she wants to pay it forward.

"I had a lot of help doing my dirty work, so I want to help other people," she said. "I want to help my friends. There are a few people I've been talking to who have projects and ideas I'd like to help with."

In addition to Hostel Detroit and possible new projects, Doerr will finish her MBA this year at the University of Detroit Mercy and look for full-time employment again.