Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Perez
Hi Melanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a single mother of three, including a son with ADHD and other medical conditions, I knew early on that I wanted to work for myself and create a flexible schedule to accommodate my family’s needs. Balancing work, numerous doctor’s appointments, and frequent meetings at school was challenging, especially without additional support. My eldest daughter, then a teenager, and my middle daughter helped as much as they could, but the responsibility was immense.
Recognizing the need for a change, I made the decision to leave my job and pursue a full-time college education in business management and marketing. My goal was to equip myself with the skills necessary to eventually run my own business and establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting low-income families and survivors of sexual abuse—a cause deeply personal to me as a survivor myself.
In 2016, while still in college, I met my husband. After he lost his job, we saw an opportunity to start our own business, combining his extensive experience in gardening with my growing expertise in marketing and small business management. This led to the creation of Leo and Mel’s Gardening Services, which quickly became a success. However, I continued to search for a venture that aligned more closely with my personal goals and interests.
Having undergone several surgeries myself, I was drawn to the body contouring industry after seeing various advertisements and hearing about a friend’s involvement. After thorough research, I realized that this was an avenue where I could make a positive impact on others’ lives, helping them feel more confident and comfortable in their bodies. I decided to pursue certification in body contouring, eventually earning multiple certifications, including the ability to train and certify others in the field. My daughter Faith, who recently turned 18 and graduated high school, has been an invaluable support, assisting with product creation and learning all the services we offer.
The name of my business, Me Myself And I Industries, was inspired by my experiences as a single mother navigating life’s challenges on my own. The name reflects the belief that we are all our own industries—we make our own decisions, chart our own paths, and ultimately shape our own futures.
Running both businesses has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me the freedom to be present for my children and my husband while also pursuing my passion. Although the journey has not been without its challenges, including our recent move from California to Texas, we have remained committed to our goals. I recently converted Me Myself And I Industries LLC to Texas, and we continue to grow our businesses with the goal of eventually establishing a nonprofit organization.
Our journey has been one of perseverance, but it has also been filled with meaningful connections with our clients. I find joy in knowing that I am making a difference in people’s lives, whether through our gardening services or in the welcoming and supportive environment of my spa. I look forward to what the future holds as we continue to build our legacy and work towards the creation of our nonprofit.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a new business is always challenging, and I’ve found that growing Leo and Mel’s Gardening Services was easier compared to Me, Myself, and I Industries LLC. Gardening services fulfill a need, making them easier to market, whereas body contouring and spa services are more of a luxury, appealing to people’s wants rather than necessities. This difference has made marketing for my spa more difficult, requiring extra effort to establish my brand and showcase my work.
One of the challenges we faced as business owners occurred when my husband needed to take medical leave to focus on his health for a few months. During this time, we had to pause our gardening business. To maintain financial stability, I took on additional work as an Uber driver and with Sparks. These jobs provided steady income, which helped ensure my children were taken care of, the bills were paid, and we could continue to support our family. Unfortunately, this meant I had to temporarily put less focus on growing my spa business, which was still in its early stages.
When we resumed our gardening business, we were fortunate to retain 40 out of the 60 clients we initially had. The loyalty and support from our clients made a huge difference, and it reminded us of the strong relationships we’ve built over the years. Around the same time, we decided to move to Texas for better opportunities, which marked a fresh start for both our family and businesses.
The transition to Texas has proven to be a great decision. Our family bond has grown stronger, and we’ve received incredible support from family and even strangers in Texas. We now have 35 loyal clients for Leo and Mel’s Gardening Services, and although the growth of my spa has been slower, it is progressing steadily. The biggest challenge remains marketing and gaining recognition for my spa in a new environment, but I’m confident that with perseverance, it will continue to grow.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Me, Myself, and I Industries LLC:
At Me, Myself, and I Industries LLC, we specialize in body contouring services designed to help individuals achieve their body goals. Our offerings include advanced treatments such as ultrasonic cavitation, radiofrequency therapy, and suction therapy, all aimed at tightening the skin, enhancing elasticity, and contouring the body. Additionally, we provide services like teeth whitening, sauna detox blankets, and butt/hip enhancement.
We also offer a range of high-quality products, including slimming gels, hot creams, cellulite oil, BBL oil, butt and breast enhancement creams, waist trainers, fajas, and more. These products are available both for retail and wholesale, and many are handcrafted by myself and my daughter, Faith. Our most popular product is our butt/hip enhancement cream, which has earned me the nickname “The Booty Lady.”
Beyond providing services, I am also a certified body contouring educator. I mentor and train aspiring body contouring specialists, focusing on marketing and business growth. It is my passion to guide others, particularly single mothers and people of color, and to support them in their journey. One of my goals is to offer scholarships or grants to single mothers for my classes and mentorship programs.
Leo and Mel’s Gardening Services:
At Leo and Mel’s Gardening Services, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including monthly maintenance, cleanups, junk removal, flower bed creation, mulch placement, and more. Our primary service is monthly maintenance, which can be scheduled either bi-weekly or weekly.
What sets us apart is our commitment to transparency and clear communication with our clients. We utilize a system called Yard Books to track all services and create a group text between my husband, the clients, and myself to ensure consistent and open communication. Invoices are sent in the middle of the month, with payments due at the end of the month, ensuring that all services have been satisfactorily completed.
I meticulously track all interactions and services within our system, providing clients with detailed records and screenshots of communications if needed. My husband Leo, who handles the physical work, is dedicated to listening to our clients’ needs and accommodating them as much as possible. While we strive to meet our clients’ expectations, we always maintain a professional approach in running our business.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my best memories come from spending time with my neighbor Gabriella and her family, who I met when I was about five or six years old. Gabriella is still my close friend—my sister, really—to this day. I always cherished the time I spent with them.
I also have fond memories of the times my mom would pick me up to spend time with her and my sisters. We’d go out together, and she would take us to amusement parks, creating moments I still treasure. The times when my father was able to spend time with me were equally special, whether he picked me up from my grandmother’s house or we spent time together there.
One of the most significant moments in my life was having my oldest daughter at 15. She truly changed my life for the better and gave me a reason to live. She’s my rock, my best friend. Not only did I have the privilege of raising her and watching her grow, but she also witnessed my growth. I graduated high school at 16 with her by my side. She and my other children are my “whys”—the reasons I push forward every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.memyselfandispa.com
- Instagram: @memyselfandispa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeoAndMelsGardeningService?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Sheila Meade Photography: professional photos of me (headshots)
RCB/Maria Angelica Hernandez: Photo of my daughter Faith and I
