Melany Leasur and her mom, Laura Fillingim like to laugh...but when it comes to business? They're all tacos these days! Ask Melany if she thought she would be in the fast food business a few years ago? She would have told you 'it wasn't quite in her plans.' But that's how life is. A series of paths and journeys that lead you where you want to be...sometimes you don't even realize that's where you were going! It all started for Mel when she came to Grand Junction in 2003 to go to Mesa State. Culinary Arts was her thing and catering she thought would be her game. But that soon turned out to be a lot of jobs in kitchens throughout restaurants here in the Grand Valley. Mel will tell you she loved those jobs and learned a lot. But it was her desire to maybe spend a little more time with her husband and kids and have her own business that led to a little conversation between her and her mom. It was simple and direct...Mel thought a Taco Time would go well in Grand Junction....her mom said well...'lets open one'... and about 2 years later? She and Her Taco Time are an overnight success. Her Franchise on 23rd and North Avenue, shattering opening day records for the company. But it's her laugh, love of what she does and her employees...that attracted me to this story. This is about family, fun and following your dreams. And oh yeah...It's hard not to be around Mel and not laugh and ...not go ..."you look like you're 13!"...She gets that a lot. But at 28, a business owner, a mom and wife. She's okay with it. She enjoys the reactions from customers and vendors when they ask for the owner ....and she says..." that would be me..." Uncomfortable smiles and then awkward conversations...but that laugh? Warms the room and it's not about looks ....but love for what she does. Cooking and People, that just might be the key to her success.
Here is Melany's Allgood News: