On the Texas State fairgrounds, vendors may not see Melanie Linnear coming but they hear her.
Kara Sewell caught up with the Director of Concessions just days before the State Fair kick off.
Melanie moves fast and furious so, she let me ride along during her final booth inspections.
Equipped with a clipboard and camera she’s checking every counter.
Melanie started her career at the State Fair in 1989. After some convincing she came on board as a secretary and the first African-American woman to work in the Fair’s front office.
She planned on staying only three to five years but instead of moving out, she’s moved up – in 2019 she’ll be Senior Vice President of Concessions. Far from the undecided 20-something trying to find her place on the fairgrounds.
She’s always worked in concessions but a commitment to avoid complacency led her to enroll in a two year even program – then another – soon, she’ll be a certified fair executive.
Melanie also heads up a mentoring program geared toward North Texas minority men and women who want to be concessionaires.
The program provides applicants an opportunity to present their products, develop a business plan and work alongside current Texas State Fair vendors.
Her kids, Braylon and Marneshia practically grew up on the Midway.
Now, Braylon brings his kids to the Fair.
Strolling the midway with Melanie is like walking a red carpet.
Her kid’s say she’s like a celebrity, the vendors love and respect her.
Melanie’s children call her work a legacy for their family. One that didn’t come without sacrifice.
But she reminds other single parents success is a balance of making the *right sacrifices for your family and career.
If you want to meet Melanie and participate in Kara's #UpWithHer Meet Up, you can Friday October 19 at the State Fair of Texas. Get your tickets by clicking here.