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I interviewed this power duo behind the popular June Motel in Prince Edward County, and it was so inspiring to hear the story of how this crazy idea turned into their reality.

If you haven’t been to or seen what The June Motel looks like.. Stop this episode and go find them on Instagram. Seriously, I’ll wait!

The decor of this place is dreamy, and the rose you get upon arrival is just the icing on the cake.

I’ve stayed at the June Motel 3x now and I am already stoked to go back in 2020.

Speaking of 2020, the ladies behind The June recently announced their newest addition to the family which is a 2nd motel in Sauble Beach, Ontario!

Sarah & April completely redesigned the vintage motel and re-invented the experience of what staying at a Motel looks like.

What a visionary endeavor, if I have ever seen one! You’ll love this episode.

Learn more about April, Sarah and The June Motel:

The June Motel = https://www.instagram.com/thejunemotel/?hl=en

April Brown = https://www.instagram.com/aprilkbrown/

Motelier Life = https://www.instagram.com/motelierlife/

Sarah Sklash = https://www.instagram.com/ssklash/

First heard about you from watching Sarah speak on a ‘How She Built This’ at Love Child.

I’m so excited to chat with you both! Firstly, because we are all former Mustangs as I learned from another article you interviewed for. All Western University students at one point. But besides that, as soon as I heard about your journey transforming an old motel that was a favorite of fisherman and budget travelers into this incredible, super trendy, and feel good space in Prince Edward County, I knew I wanted to chat with you on the podcast.

As you know the name of this show is Visionary life, and what you’ve done to create The June Motel and turn it upside down to make it what it is today-- is TRULY visionary. So let’s dive in and chat about entrepreneurship, bringing a vision to reality, and what it’s really like to live that Motelier Life!

Let’s start with some rapid-fire, whatever answer comes to mind!

April

One thing you do every single day that’s non-negotiable
A book or person that has impacted your life
Favorite meal to cook at home, or dine out for

Sarah

When you feel stressed and over-tired, what do you do
A book or podcast you’re loving right now
Best vacation you’ve ever been on

Before The June Motel

Take us back to your lives before The June Motel.
April-- what type of career path were you on?
Sarah-- what jobs did you have leading up to the birth of The June? Did you ever imagine the hospitality industry or had you ever worked in it?
Looking back, do you feel all your past jobs equipped you for a venture like this with the skills acquired?
Had either of you been entrepreneurs before this-- whether in small or big ventures?

Before we chat about The June Motel.. Let’s just chat Motel’s in general

When I hear this word, I often think about something like a Super 8 or something really sketchy on the side of the highway, and I’m certain that I’m not the only one… If I'm not mistaken they’re typically for motorists or quick sleeps.
You seem to be re-inventing that… is this an emerging trend in the hospitality industry?
I know you both have a love for travel… as travelers, what do you look for in accommodations?
You recently launched an Instagram account called Motelier Life where you encourage people to follow along as you search for inspiration and build a motel empire
Can you share a bit about your experience traveling the west coast in search of ‘inspiration’
Are there many people doing what you’re doing elsewhere in the world?

So 2016 rolls around, and you buy a place called The SportsMan motel.

High level overview
When did the idea for a motel come to you and what sparked it? @17 minute mark!!!!!! cropppppppppp
Why PEC?
I know it all happened quite quickly for you and there probably wasn’t much room for second guessing… did you ever feel nervous or were you confident right from the start that this was your path’
Slight edge

WE FOUND A VINTAGE TREASURE IN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY - A MID-CENTURY MOTOR LODGE. WE DUSTED IT OFF AND ARE REINVENTING THE MOTEL EXPERIENCE. WITH A FONDNESS FOR GREAT WINE AND GOOD VIBES, WE'RE A HIP 16-ROOM MOTEL WITH A CURATED MENU OF SERVICES DESIGNED TO MAKE YOUR STAY IN WINE COUNTRY UNFORGETTABLE.

Let’s talk all things June Motel

When you got possession of the motel, it wasn’t like you had months to renovate and create the June Motel as it is today… you had guests staying the next night! How did you navigate that transition? Did you have someone showing you the ropes?
Being that there’s only 2 of you, I’m assuming you needed to hire help?
How did you build out your team?
When did you finally get to renovate and create the place as it is now?
The design is incredible - what was your inspiration?
Were there any moments in the early days that didn’t go according to plan that almost derailed you and made me want to give up?
Your Instagram screams good wine, healthy eats, and cozy vibes-- I know a big part of travelling is about the culinary experience your guests have. How did you go about creating your menus and choosing your wines & cocktails?
Besides sipping on Rose & Eating Scones, can you paint a picture of what other adventures we could get up to with 48 hours in PEC staying at the June
Can you share a few of the partnerships within the county that you’re excited to have collaborated with and any local vendors you highlight?
Sunday’s company (link in show notes)
Are you open all seasons?

Quick fire about the motel

Favourite room in the motel
Best thing to eat there
One word to describe it would be…
Best part of running a motel

The Future of The June Motel

It’s so much more than just a hotel… it’s a brand and a lifestyle you’re painting a picture of and creating
Do you have location 2 in mind, or are you working on any new projects?
Do you have an ‘end game’ here or does Motel Empire mean you’re not stopping anytime soon

Where can people find out more about The June Motel?

Episode 012 & 092 | The June Motel Founders, April Brown and Sarah Sklash on Building a Motel Empire + Motel Makeover Netflix Special

Press Play

Speaking of 2020, the ladies behind The June recently announced their newest addition to the family which is a 2nd motel in Sauble Beach, Ontario!

Let’s Connect on Instagram 👇

Episode 012 & 092 | The June Motel Founders, April Brown and Sarah Sklash on Building a Motel Empire + Motel Makeover Netflix Special

Press Play

Speaking of 2020, the ladies behind The June recently announced their newest addition to the family which is a 2nd motel in Sauble Beach, Ontario!

Take a Peek @ My Prep Notes

093 Re-Release! Cassie Day wants people to become the CEO of their own health.

091 Re-Release! The founders of BASD Body Care share tips for building a memorable brand

Let’s Connect on Instagram 👇