We’re looking forward to introducing you to Amber Montano. Check out our conversation below.
Amber, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
I do my best to find peace, light, and beauty in each day—even during the tough ones—and lately, there have been some especially joyful moments I’m deeply grateful for.
One of the biggest highlights: my fiancé and I got married this spring! Due to some unexpected twists, we were lucky enough to have not just one, but three weddings—each one meaningful in its own way. In May, we celebrated with my partner’s family in Colombia, surrounded by incredible scenery and warmth. Then in June, we had two more celebrations with my side of the family, one in Oregon and another in California.
After that, we took a two-week honeymoon vacation exploring parts of the Mediterranean—stopping in the UAE, Turkey, Italy, France, Greece, Monaco, and the Vatican. It was an unforgettable journey, and I’m still soaking in all the beauty and perspective it offered. I am still full of joy and so thankful for the time we spent together, with our son, and with our families.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Amber Montano, the founder of Mane Suites—a family-owned business dedicated to helping short-term rental hosts optimize and elevate their properties and their business.
At Mane Suites, we treat every home as if it were our own. From regular maintenance to detailed quality checks between every guest stay, we go the extra mile to ensure each property is cared for with intention and excellence. Our goal is twofold: to give owners peace of mind knowing their investment is in good hands, and to create a welcoming, comfortable experience for every guest—one that feels a bit like coming home.
What makes us a little different is our hands-on, values-driven approach. We don’t just work with any property—we partner with owners who share our commitment to quality, integrity, and hospitality. It’s this alignment that allows us to build meaningful, long-term relationships and deliver a level of service we’re truly proud of.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband, Manuel, saw potential in me long before I could see it in myself.
For 17 years, I worked with the YMCA as a District Director overseeing operations, membership, and wellness. With a background in exercise physiology, I was deeply passionate about my work and the mission behind it. But over time, I found myself carrying more than I could manage. The stress quietly started to take a toll.
Manuel was the first to say what I couldn’t yet admit—I needed to step away. At first, I thought he was out of his mind. The Y had been such a meaningful part of my life for so long. But after reflecting on the toll it had taken, I realized he was right.
In 2020, I made the leap, left my role, and launched our short-term rental business. I still have a deep respect and love for the Y—it shaped so much of who I am. But building this business and stepping into this new chapter has brought me a different kind of fulfillment. I’ve never looked back.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
It took me a long time to learn how to say no.
Not just the act of saying it—but learning to say no with honesty and clarity. I’ve come to believe that the real power isn’t in the word ‘no’ itself, but in the truth behind it. When I began communicating my boundaries with intention and transparency, something shifted. My closest friendships deepened, and my business relationships became stronger and more rooted in trust.
Saying yes to everyone had left me drained—and, ultimately, I realized I wasn’t serving anyone well by doing so. Learning to say no has allowed me to show up more fully, more genuinely, and with far more purpose in everything I do.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My dad might not be powerful in the traditional sense—he’s not famous or influential by the world’s standards. He’s just a country man living a simple life on a farm with my mom, his high school sweetheart. But that’s exactly why I admire him so much.
He wakes up at 3 a.m. every day, puts in a full day of hard work, then comes home to give even more—to his family, his home, and his values. He helps around the house without hesitation, supports my mom in every way, and never seeks recognition for any of it.
What I admire most is that his character has never wavered. He’s steady, self-reliant, and true to who he is. He taught me to follow my instincts, to work hard, and to live with integrity. His strength is quiet, consistent, and deeply rooted—not the kind that draws attention, but the kind that builds a meaningful life. And to me, that kind of strength is more powerful than anything else.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop wasting time on electronics. I would build my company up so it could work without me, toss my phone out the window (okay, maybe not literally), and travel the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.manesuites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manesuites/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552741587009
