Sarah Sklash found her dream job – opening The June Motel with her best friend, April Brown. These two kick-ass Moteliers created a chic, Instagramable motel in Prince Edward County. Time for a vacation!
What does being a motelier mean?
Being a motelier is similar to being a hotelier, we have designed and revamped a property and are now the operators as well. My Business partner, April Brown and I own The June Motel in Prince Edward County.
How did you get into this?
Both of us came in with zero experience in hospitality but thought, hey, we can figure this out! We first did our research, we networked, read textbooks, watched television shows, anything we could find. From there, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work to renovate our space.
What television shows?
Specifically, there is a show called Hotel Impossible on the Travel channel where they go into dilapidated hotels and motels and redesign them, put in processes and come out with great services in the end. It gave us a lot of inspiration!
What makes your job #careergoals?
I think one of the greatest things about my career is that I get to live in Prince Edward County. Everyone else vacations here and I get to live there. Every day is a totally new experience and I get to use every skill I’ve acquired throughout my life. April and I have a lot of fun while we are doing it!
What steps would you recommend to be a motelier?
We came into this with really no past experience, but my take is that whatever you are currently doing I think there are a lot of transferable skills whether that’s in hospitality or not. I think you start small – a lot of people are creating Airbnb’s which is a really great foundation for learning the hospitality world.
Three tips to being successful in this career?
- 1. Be prepared to work hard! Understand that you are in for a lot of hard work, you are running a business that’s on 24/7.
- 2. Be observant and take note of what you enjoy when you are out at a restaurant or staying at a hotel to incorporate that into your own property.
- 3. Work to create a life that works for you. Think about what you want in your job and create a good work/life balance.
Can you tell us a secret about your job?
I think when everyone thinks of The June Motel, they think of the pretty pink doors and Rose, however, they don’t realize we spend a lot of time on the not so glamorous details. We spend a lot of time talking about garbage or the logistical aspects!
Anything exciting coming up?
One of the things we are really excited about is the renovations we are doing to some of our rooms. We are sprucing them up and designing them to be right on point with The June Motel brand.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Well, I can tell you one of the worst pieces of advice I ever received was not to go into business with my a friend. April Brown and I have a ton of fun. I have gotten to know a friend in a whole different way.
Who is someone you look up to?
Someone I look up to is Liz Lambert – a pioneer in motel revivals.
What’s your favourite Instagram account for inspiration?
Sarah Sherman Samuel (@SarahShermanSamueal) – she has a great sense of design.
I couldn’t do what I do without?
Without my business partner April Brown and a glass of wine!
You can check out and make reservations (re-opening April 5, 2019) at The June Motel on their website, as well as follow @TheJuneMotel on Instagram. For behind the scenes look at a life as a Motelier and major inspiration, follow @MotelierLife.