Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Rader
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After 2 years of living on the road my journey led me to Kanab, Ut. I was awestruck by the beauty and the lure of exploring vast public lands such as The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah’s big 5 National Parks, and Grand Canyon National Park . The list of things to do and places to go amounted to a lifetime of exploration.
Focused on becoming an outdoor professional, my first years in Kanab were spent working as a guide. I became a student of the land as I guided people through off-roading , hiking, and backpacking expeditions. It felt like a natural progression to then join Kane County Search and Rescue becoming a part of specialized teams for the organization, including ropes rescue, tracking, and swift-water operations.
Willow Canyon Outdoor has been around for 30 years, the previous owners built a pillar of community, a place of gathering and safety for people from all walks of life. I frequented Willow Canyon and without this place I would not have the community or the friendships I have now. When the previous owners approached us to purchase the store, it was the opportunity of a lifetime that we had to explore. My partner and I are honored to carry on the legacy of the previous owners, Charlie and Susan. We hope Willow Canyon can serve for generations to come, whether passing through for a cup of coffee or launching off on the adventure of a lifetime!
I did not see myself as a business owner and I was not necessarily working towards becoming one. It seems serendipitous after countless hours of researching gear, nutrition, reading guidebooks, cultivating and curating adventures, and community building that I find myself an owner of one of the best outdoor retail stores in southwest Utah.
When I am not at work you can still find me doing what I love, whether it be exploring canyons with my friends, or competing in ultra marathons across the southwest. This place is magical and invites you to get outside and play!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In some ways it has been really smooth, but not by chance. I can be quick to write off some of my own obstacles and hardships. This is how I persevere. Its hard not to laugh when thinking about the timeline: I enrolled in a 100 mile race in 2024 without knowing that my partner and I would soon be buying our first home; as the ink was still drying from our home purchase we began our conversation about purchasing Willow Canyon Outdoor. I’ve been facing a very steep learning curve in many different walks of my life.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our books, our coffee are outdoor gear are carefully curated. We prioritize local and eco-friendly whenever possible. We have lasting relationships with our vendors and put people first.
One of my key roles at Willow Canyon Outdoor is buying products. We pride ourselves in curating an excellent selection of sustainable, high quality outdoor gear that allows people to function and connect intimately with the outdoors.
I’m known for being an avid adventurer with ambitious objectives, I am so proud to be a business owner. I am also proud of my efforts through search and rescue, and the lasting relationships I have built through guiding.
My attention to detail and my drive sets me apart from others, I find calm in the eye of the storm. I thrive in a whirlwind of deadlines and strive to be constantly engaged in what I am learning.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m passionate about teaming up with local brands that share our dedication to sustainability. Whether it’s through complementary product categories or aligned values, these collaborations are a fantastic way to drive meaningful change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willowcanyon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowcanyonoutdoor
