Whistler BizBeat: Melanie Montgomery of Meli Auto Spa

Welcome to BizBeat, Pique’s newest web series profiling Whistler businesses and their employees who go above and beyond.

Each week, we will profile another resort employer and one of their staff, who have each agreed to answer the same questionnaire that has been sent to businesses and employees across the community.

After yesterday's BizBeat entry profiling one-woman mobile auto cleaning and detailing service, Meli Auto Spa, we talk again to owner and founder, Melanie Montgomery. 

The following interview has been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

Pique: Tell us about yourself and how you landed in Whistler.

I’m Ontario-born and moved to Whistler in 2001. I did the lift operator, bar job, staff accommodation year. I moved away after that year and always considered that the only way I would return back was if I was sober. Fast forward two decades... I’m sober and back in Whistler. 

Describe your current job and what you do at the company.

I am currently a one-woman business. I act as owner and worker. I detail cars in Whistler. 

What do you like best about the job?

I love seeing the before and after. Proof that I’ve done what I was hired for. I do not charge by the hour because I find the work calming and really enjoy the attention to detail. I love what I do! 

What is your housing situation? How did you find it?

I have three kids, part-time,and a dog. My housing is a pet-friendly 900-square-foot  lower suite in a house. My full-time job as a restaurant manager just clears the rent and, as stressful as that is, I am grateful that I have a place to make and call home. 

I found it when I went to view the main part of the house and the landlord offered me the lower suite. It worked out. 

How do you try to strike a healthy work-life balance in Whistler?

I make sure that I’m using the time away from work to enjoy what fills my bucket. 

Any advice for young people trying to make it in Whistler?

Get on the Whistler Housing Authority waitlist if you plan to make Whistler your home. Don’t spend all your days in a hangover.

Learn more at meliautospa.com. For inquiries, email Autocleaningwhistler@gmail.com. 

Got a business or employee you'd like us to profile? Email reporter Brandon Barrett at bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com.