“Helping to support women business owners is an important mission, particularly assisting those who may not otherwise have access to funding,” says Melissa Sayer explaining why she connects with WEV’s mission. “Giving women access to tools to become financially independent and successful benefits everyone.”
Melissa joined the League not only to contribute financially but for the opportunities it would give her to share her time and talents as a mentor. “I wanted to provide both mentoring and financial support for other women to pursue their dreams. Women, especially those starting their own businesses, face many challenges, and often face them alone. Having women to help you navigate the challenges of starting and owning a business is invaluable and making connections is an important part of growing and sustaining your business. There are not enough role-models, mentors, and champions for women. WEV has always done a great job of addressing that need, and I saw League of Extraordinary Women as a way to take things even further.”
In 2016, Melissa decided to leave Arnold LaRochelle Mathews VanConas & Zirbel to open her own firm, Matilija Law Inc. “Launching my own firm has always been a dream of mine. For much of my career, the timing never seemed right, and I was busy doing great work for great people. I finally had the confidence and financial flexibility to go for it and have never looked back.”
Being her own boss gives Melissa the freedom and flexibility to be more involved in the community and to think outside the box. “I can take a less traditional approach to the practice of law which allows for novel problem solving and flexible alternatives for my clients.”
She admits that while she enjoys the flexibility having her own practice gives her, it’s still a challenge to put her work aside. “I love having my own practice but finding the time to slow down and enjoy life can sometimes be challenging.”
Slowing down must be even more of a challenge when you factor in that In addition to her legal practice, Melissa and her husband own a 23 acre ranch in Santa Paula, as well as being a co-owner of Petty Ranch, a family farm that grows citrus, avocados and specialty fruits. “Growing food and being connected with the land is a rare opportunity. It is a lot of hard work but I am proud to be a part of Ventura County’s long agricultural history. It can be challenging to be fiscally successful with increased regulations and other barriers to success, but it is worth it to be a part of something which is such an important part of our community.”
Melissa lives on the ranch with her family, goats, dogs, cats and chickens and loves to run on the trails near the Ventura beaches. “We live in such a beautiful and diverse area. You can enjoy both mountains and the ocean in the same run which is wonderful.”