Women Wednesday: Melissa Quintero

You know that one woman in your life who just gets it? The one who turns heads without even trying, hustles like it’s in her DNA, and somehow still makes time to laugh, love, and live life to the fullest? Yeah… for me, that’s Melo.

This week’s spotlight is personal, porque we’re talking about my cousin AND my madrina — the one and only Melissa Quintero, aka Melo.

Melo isn’t just family — she’s that girl. The definition of a hardworking Latina: fiery, fearless, sassy, and a kitchen queen who will have you going back for seconds (and thirds, no shame 👀).

And when I tell you she was that girl… I mean it. Think early 2000s baddie — she’s done everything from working at a raspa stand to climbing her way into corporate America. She had the cheetah print bedroom, the low-rise shorts, and the chunky highlights. A true baddie before it was even trending.

No matter where she was going — a family BBQ, H-E-B, or a night out — Melo showed up looking put together. Hair done, outfit on point, nails done. She carried herself with that quiet confidence that made you notice her the second she walked in.

As a Latina, you’re taught family is everything — and Melo has always shown that you don’t have to stop being you to love your family deeply. Watching her travel the world, living her best life, going to places a Latina could only dream about, has been so beautiful to see. Even though we don’t get to see her as much, and she’s transformed from the early 2000s baddie to a 2025 baddie, she’s still a true inspiration. I can’t wait to see who she becomes next.

My first ever memory of Melo is her taking her quinceañera photos. It was in a little studio with a simple grey background — she wore a light blush pink dress and looked absolutely stunning, sitting on the floor holding her ramo for that classic shot. She had me in her quinceañera too, wearing a green, almost-quinceañera-looking dress. I was maybe 4 or 5, but I remember rushing to put my dress on at home and making my mom take a photo of me the exact same way — sitting on the floor, holding some random flowers we had around the house. Looking back, I think that was the first time I truly remember wanting to be just like her.

And then there were the Christmases. For a few years, all of us younger cousins basically took over her house at least a day before the holiday. We’d roll in like we owned the place, and even though she was probably stressed from work or life, she still made us breakfast, hung out with us, and gave us her time like nothing else mattered. Those moments were pure magic.

Melo was also the cousin who would tell you the truth, even if you didn’t want to hear it. Whether it was about love, school, or life, she’d give it to you straight but with love — the kind of advice that sticks with you years later.

Growing up, I was fully committed to being a mini Melo. If she did it — I did it. I wanted to be around her all the time, soaking up her energy, her style, and her hustle. I’ve watched her glow up, work hard, and achieve every single thing she set her mind to.

So here’s to Melo — my cousin, my madrina, my forever muse. May we all channel a little bit of her sparkle, sass, and unstoppable energy. 💖🔥