Meet Melissa Alvarez | Fire Family Support

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Alvarez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, I never set out with the intention of starting a business. It all began when I started showing up on social media and began connecting more deeply with my community. I quickly realized there was a real need for more support, visibility, and connection—especially for fire families and those running small businesses. The more I engaged, the more it became clear that there was a gap I could help fill, whether that was through hosting in-person events, promoting online shops, or just creating space for people to feel seen and supported. That realization lit the spark, and everything grew from there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If I had to describe my art, I’d say it’s the space I’ve created through social media. @firefamilysupport ….a space rooted in community, support, and authenticity. It started back in January when I helped organize a meal drive for families whose firefighters were on the front lines of the LA fires. That experience opened my eyes to how deeply our fire family community needs more love, connection, and tangible support. From there, I just kept showing up, posting videos, hosting local events, sharing real moments, and speaking from the heart.
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t try to be perfect. I try to be real. My hope is that by sharing honestly, whether it’s the highs or the hard stuff, people feel seen, understood, and maybe even a little less alone. Through this journey, I’ve learned so much about myself. my creativity, my passion for service, and my own resilience.
It hasn’t been easy. Showing up consistently while also juggling life’s responsibilities is a challenge in itself. And in the online space, not everyone is genuine. Some people pretend to support you, while others truly show up for you and learning to tell the difference has been one of the hardest parts. But I try to stay grounded in who I am, in how God continues to shape my journey, and in my love for the fire service and the people in it.
What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is this: I’m here to uplift fire families, to create a space where we’re not just surviving but thriving together. This community deserves to be celebrated, supported, and seen. And if my presence online can spark even a little of that, then I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This actually just happened back in March, so I have the perfect example! Our close friends flew in for a long weekend, and we got to celebrate a holiday together with our Fire family and our out-of-town guests. It was such a special time filled with laughter, connection, and the joy of just being together.
Since we all have young kids, we try to keep things fun but simple. When the weather’s nice, we always make time to head up to the mountains—there’s nothing like that fresh Colorado air and scenery. We also love visiting local parks. For some reason, the parks here in Colorado are just on another level! So many of them are next to lakes with the most beautiful views. Our out-of-state friends always comment on how peaceful and scenic they are.
Because our kids are little, we don’t pack the schedule too tight. Instead, we focus on quality time – sharing meals, catching up on life, and just being present with one another. Sometimes the best part of a trip isn’t where you go, but who you’re with and how you show up for each other

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to our firefighters and the entire fire family community. Whether you’re the one out on shift risking it all, or the one holding it down at home – managing the house, raising kids, or working while your firefighter is away, you’re doing something incredibly important. Every part of the fire family plays a vital role, and I see you.
I especially want to shout out the Fire Families who have shown me my own value and reminded me why it’s so important to show up for others. Their strength, encouragement, and sisterhood have been a huge part of my journey and inspiration.
I also want to highlight the incredible small businesses within our community. For example, the photos I’m including in this interview were taken by First Due Photography, a firefighter-owned small business that captures the heart of our lifestyle so beautifully. Supporting and uplifting fire family businesses like hers is exactly what fuels my mission

Instagram: @firefamilysupport

Other: Tik Tok: @firefamilysupport

Image Credits
First Due Photography
Kelsey Pratt