Mely Martínez was born in the coastal city of Tampico, Mexico, and was raised in a family of eight children. She spent her young years alongside her mother in the kitchen, and spent summers at her grandmother’s ranch in the state of Veracruz. During her time as a rural schoolteacher in the south of Mexico, Mely was exposed to different regional customs and traditions that grew her culinary interest. Throughout her life, she has lived in and traveled to many of Mexico’s states and regions, always exploring the local markets and street stands. In 2008, Mely started her popular website, Mexico in My Kitchen, where she shares Mexican recipes so that they can be shared with all food lovers and passed down to the next generation. In 2020, she released her long-awaited cookbook, "The Mexican Home Kitchen." Besides writing for her website, Mely also serves as a consultant to chefs and restauranteurs. She divides her time between Mexico and her home in Dallas, Texas.