Boss Mama CEO Story: A Legacy of Her

Mel leads with so much confidence and conviction. I first met her back in February at a Women’s in Business Galentine’s event she was hosting. The second I walked into the room, I knew exactly who was in charge. She was poised, she owned the room…and she also happens to be about six feet tall, so you really couldn’t miss her even if you tried. 😂 It’s no wonder she plays volleyball!

I was instantly drawn to her and knew I wanted to sit at her table. It didn’t take long to understand why people naturally gravitate toward her or why they keep showing up for the events she hosts. Mel is the kind of woman who genuinely wants to help women succeed. As a mom of four, that doesn’t surprise me one bit. She’s a natural caretaker.

We started chatting, and I happened to be wearing my Boss Mama CEO crewneck that day. It fit the Galentine’s theme perfectly, so of course I had to wear it. It became quite the conversation starter throughout the event, but Mel noticed it right away and was immediately curious. We started talking about our businesses, and before I knew it, she asked, “Would you want to speak at my event in September?”

Umm…YES!

It didn’t take her long to see the value I could bring to her audience, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Not long after, we grabbed coffee and instantly clicked. We realized we had so much in common, and honestly, that’s something I’ve found with nearly every woman I’ve connected with. We may have different stories, businesses, and backgrounds, but there’s always something that brings us together.

Since then, I’ve also had the opportunity to be a guest on her podcast (which you absolutely need to check out!), and now, in the middle of everything else she’s juggling, Mel is putting the finishing touches on The Legacy of Her luncheon happening on September 24th.

If you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet, this is your sign. Seriously. This event is going to be incredible. Mel has brought together an amazing lineup of speakers, meaningful activities, and opportunities to connect with women who are cheering each other on instead of competing. Tickets will sell out, and trust me, you won’t want to be the one waiting until next year.

Date: Thursday, September 24^th, 2026

Time: 11 AM – 4PM

Location: Brentsville Hall, 9915 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA 20109

I can’t wait for you to read Mel’s story below. But first, do me a favor. Go show her some love on social media! Her content is equal parts inspiring and entertaining, especially when her sidekick, Zeke, makes an appearance. Trust me, you’ll love them both.

Then, once you’ve done that, go grab your ticket for The Legacy of Her luncheon. It’s going to be an incredible day, and I can’t wait to see you there!

YOUR STORY

Tell us who you are!

My name is Melissa Landon and I’m the Branch Manager and Loan Officer at The Landon Group, host of Rate the Dream Podcast, and owner of The Legacy of Her.

We love a good origin story, but first, give us your short + sweet intro!

I’m the Branch Manager and a Loan Officer at The Landon Group at CMG Home Loans in Gainesville, Virginia. Licensed in all 50 states, I’m ranked #98 on the Scotsman Guide Top 100 VA Originators and specialize in helping military families and first-time homebuyers achieve homeownership without the corporate runaround.

I’m also the host of Rate the Dream: Life, Love & Mortgages, a podcast that explores the human side of homeownership. The show focuses on the messy middle of homeownership, family life, balancing career, and personal resilience.

Beyond mortgages, I’m building The Legacy of Her, a women’s luncheon created to foster the kind of authentic, inspiring community women genuinely want to be part of. The event brings together women from all backgrounds to listen, connect, and leave inspired by the voices of those who have faced life’s hardest moments and chosen to rise anyway.

Every boss mama has a ‘day one.’ What was yours?

2019 — Started my journey as an independent Loan Officer, building my business from the ground up.

2024 — Launched the Rate the Dream: Life, Love & Mortgages, a podcast created by a simple idea to change people’s lives. I am no expert but have found when others can relate to your story the world becomes a bigger place. “Even in her pain, she found strength to heal others”.  I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness, and overcome what life has thrown at them. My podcasts are designed to help you cultivate the skills and mindset you need to achieve your goals and live the life you want.

2026 — Created The Legacy of Her, a women’s luncheon designed to bring together inspiring women, meaningful conversations, and authentic connections.

Which came first—the business or the babies? Tell us how your family + business journeys intersected.

Both!

We know it’s a wild ride—tell us how you’ve balanced building your dream biz while raising your crew. The good, the tough, the real.

The biggest hurdle is simply making enough time for everyone and ensuring no one feels overlooked.

What’s one obstacle you’ve overcome?

I’ve overcome the challenges of a failed marriage, sobriety, rebuilding my relationship, and balancing raising four children while building three businesses simultaneously.

YOUR BUSINESS

Tell us your superpower—what’s your product, service, or special offering?

My superpower is bringing people together. I help families achieve homeownership, give businesses a platform through my podcast, and create spaces where women feel supported, inspired, and empowered.

What’s the magic that sets you apart?

I genuinely care about my clients, the businesses I have the opportunity to promote, and the incredible women who have helped bring The Legacy of Her to life.

Spill the tea — any big milestones, press shoutouts, or launches on the horizon? 

The first The Legacy of Her luncheon is happening soon! Join us for meaningful conversations, connection, activities, and a room full of inspiring women.

Give us a Day in the Life of being both Mom and CEO!

Some days, I’m up at 5:00 a.m., heading to the office for client meetings. From there, it’s off to pick up the kids from their activities, then back home to jump on a call and finalize details for my upcoming women’s luncheon. Before I know it, it’s 5:00 p.m., soaking in a little family time, and then, once the kids are in bed, I’m back on my computer catching up on work and preparing for the next day.

Other days look completely different. We have slower mornings where I actually get to enjoy a full cup of hot coffee without reheating it five times. I’ll spend time filming content at home with my husband, take a few one-on-one client calls, and then start packing because we’re heading out of town for another volleyball tournament.

No two days are ever the same—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive on the variety, the fast pace, and the opportunity to wear so many different hats. Every day brings new challenges, new opportunities, and new moments to connect with the people who matter most. It’s busy, it’s sometimes chaotic, but it’s a life I’m incredibly grateful to live.

ADVICE FOR MOMPRENEURS

What’s the single best piece of advice or favorite tool you’d share with other mamas building their businesses?

Build the thing nobody is paying you to build. The classes. The guides. The content. All of it. Your future may be hidden inside the work you’re doing before anyone notices.

What’s been your biggest challenge juggling motherhood and running a business?

There is no version of me where everyone gets 100% of my time and energy. I’ve stopped apologizing for that and started being honest about where I’m choosing to focus and why.

What’s your approach to balancing business and family? We love the real, unfiltered stories!

Time blocking, boundaries, and giving myself grace when I can’t do it all. Balance isn’t about doing everything. It’s about being intentional with what matters most.

Looking back, what’s something you wish you had known before starting your business?

Nobody is coming to hand you the business. I waited longer than I should have for someone to notice I was good at this. Turns out, you have to believe in yourself, put yourself out there, and tell people what you can do.

What tool, resource, or habit has completely changed the game for you?

Consistency and sobriety.

What mindset shifts have helped you keep going during hard seasons?

A slow month isn’t a verdict. The market moves, rates move, and none of it is a referendum on whether I’m good at my job. The quiet seasons are where the real work happens, and that work is what pays you when the busy season arrives.

What words of encouragement would you give a Mom tempted to give up on her business dream?

You’re probably not failing. You’re probably just early. Almost everything I’ve built took twice as long as I thought it would and still worked out. Give it one more season before you decide it’s not working.

Melissa is proof that you really can do all the things. She’s running three businesses, raising four kids, and navigating all the different seasons life throws her way.

One of the best pieces of advice she shared was this: don’t give up during the hard seasons. That’s where so many businesses fail. Not because the business isn’t good, but because the owner assumes a slow season means it will never succeed.

The businesses that make it are the ones that keep showing up, push through the difficult seasons, and come out stronger on the other side.

So if you’re in one of those seasons right now, take Mel’s advice: give it another season before you decide it isn’t working. And even then, don’t give up. Pivot. Adjust. Keep going. Sometimes success is simply waiting on the other side of consistency. As the saying goes:

“Good things come to those who wait.”

I’d love to feature more Boss Mamas like Melissa. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, please reach out and send me their info at ashley@bossmamaceo.com or via my contact page here. And hey, if that’s you, I love a little self-brag too! Send me your details so we can shine the spotlight on you as well.

Here’s to all the incredible Moms juggling a million things—keep shining bright, cheering each other on, and building the life you love!

Ashley

Friendly Note: I’m simply sharing my journey, experiences, and lessons learned as a Mom in business. This isn’t legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check with a qualified pro for guidance tailored to you.