Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Matthew Mix. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Matthew, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Divine Auto Detail, our mission is to offer more than just a clean car—we provide a sacred exchange of energy. We believe detailing isn’t just cosmetic—it’s energetic. When someone invites us to work on their vehicle, they’re inviting us into a deeply personal space. That space holds their routines, their memories, their stress, and their dreams.

We approach each detail as a form of energetic cleansing—removing physical debris, yes, but also offering intention, care, and presence that helps elevate the vibration of the space. We’ve seen firsthand how much lighter and more grounded people feel when they step into a vehicle that’s been lovingly restored. It’s like reclaiming clarity—inside and out.

This mission is rooted in my personal transformation. Years ago, I was headed down a much darker road—caught up in street life, battling my own demons. I eventually found the strength to change, got my record expunged, earned two degrees, and committed to creating something meaningful. Divine Auto Detail is that “something.”

Every time we detail a vehicle, we’re not just restoring a ride—we’re offering restoration for the spirit. It’s an act of service, a chance to help someone feel more aligned, more elevated, and more proud of what they drive and where they’re headed. That’s why we call it “Service with Soul.”

Matthew, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Matthew Mix, and I’m the founder of Divine Auto Detail—a Portland-based mobile detailing company rooted in the belief that car care is a sacred exchange of energy.

I didn’t come into this industry through a typical route. I actually started my professional life as a chef. But one summer, I went to visit my dad, who had built a car wash stall right next to the hair salon he created for my late stepmother. I helped him detail a few cars, and by the third one, he looked at me and said, “You know son, you’ve got a real eye for this kind of work. You should think about switching from being a chef to detailing cars.” That moment planted a seed.

Over time, detailing became more than just a job—it became a path of purpose. In my earlier years, I made some decisions that led me down a destructive road, including time in jail. But I chose to rebuild. I got my record expunged, earned degrees in music production and entertainment business, and made a commitment to lead a life of integrity, creativity, and service.

Divine Auto Detail was born from that transformation. What started as a way to support my fiancée and our young son quickly turned into something deeper. We see detailing as a spiritual act—cleansing not just a vehicle, but the energy within it. A car is an extension of a person’s life. When we restore it, we help restore clarity, confidence, and pride.

We specialize in ceramic coatings, paint correction, interior restoration, and offer a premium monthly membership called the Divine Guardian Plan. But what really sets us apart is the intention behind our work. We lead with heart, presence, and purpose.

I’m most proud that Divine Auto Detail is a reflection of everything I’ve overcome, and everything I believe in: redemption, care, and the power of showing up fully. This isn’t just a business—it’s soul work on wheels.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my business partner, Nathan, while we were both working at another detailing company. From the very beginning, I noticed that he carried himself with integrity—he wasn’t just there to clock in and clock out. He cared about the quality of the work, about the clients, and about constantly improving. We started talking in between jobs, swapping ideas, venting about things we’d do differently, and realizing we both had a bigger vision than just being employees.

Eventually, we started sharing dreams—what kind of company we’d build if we had the chance. Something soulful. Something excellent. Something honest. When Divine Auto Detail was just a seed of an idea, Nathan was one of the first people I brought it to. And from the start, he believed in it just as much as I did.

What makes us work well together is that we both value excellence, but we also value soul. We’re not afraid to get our hands dirty, and we hold each other accountable to high standards. He’s not just a business partner—he’s someone I trust on a personal level, someone who shows up with heart and hustle every day.

Working with Nathan has been one of the most affirming parts of building Divine. It’s a rare thing to find someone who shares your vision and your values, and I’m grateful we crossed paths when we did.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When it came time to bring Divine Auto Detail to life, I knew I needed more than just a vision—I needed real capital to do it right. I had the business plan, the branding, and the drive. But I didn’t have the funding.

That’s when my dad stepped in. He had just sold the property where he once built a hair salon for my late stepmother and a car wash stall next to it—the same car wash where I first fell in love with detailing. With the proceeds from that sale, he gave me $20,000 to help launch Divine. That moment wasn’t just financial—it was symbolic. The same space where my detailing journey began ended up fueling the next chapter of it.

Around the same time, my business partner Nathan—who I had worked alongside at another detailing company—decided to go all in. He matched my dad’s contribution with $20,000 of his own savings, and together we were able to launch Divine Auto Detail with $40,000 in startup capital.

Every dollar had purpose. We invested in professional-grade equipment, high-quality products, branded uniforms, CRM software, marketing materials, and our mobile setup. We didn’t overspend or take out loans—we built lean and focused on creating something soulful, professional, and scalable.

What made it possible wasn’t just the money—it was belief. My dad’s belief in me. Nate’s belief in our vision. And my belief that something sacred could be built from the ground up—something that combined intention, hustle, healing, and heart. That’s the foundation of Divine Auto Detail, and it’s what fuels everything we do

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Divineautodetail.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/divineautodetailpdx
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/divineautodetailpdx

Image Credits

Head shots by Anthony Kern at Tonedeff Enterprises. Action shots taken by my partner Nathan Kleber and myself.