Leah Melvin

August 2026 Issue

by Mary Hope Roseneau
Photography by Cassidy Dunn Photography

Leah Melvin is a spitfire! A 36-year-old petite mom with pretty long hair, Leah is well-known in Beaufort for many things. She is a top realtor with Keller Williams and founder of the “Leah Melvin Group”. She explained that being in a group allows her to “work with the people I want to the most”, and for a mom of two, it allows flexibility to not be “on call” 24/7, as many realtors are. She has been able to be available for her two boys’ school activities, sports, church, and at-home time. She is rightfully proud that she “doesn’t miss a game, a school drop off or pickup!”

“I’m most proud of the life I’ve built for myself. I’ve worked hard since I was 14 and created a version of success that feels meaningful to me, with the support of a loving, loyal tribe. It’s rooted in genuine connections, flexibility, and the freedom to be present for what matters most.”

Colton who is 16 years old and Dawson, age 9, love all the outdoor activities the Lowcountry has to offer—boating, fishing, going to the beach, dogs, and hanging out with their church and school friends. Leah’s home is always open to other kids, and she has even unofficially “adopted” some who are having difficulty or just need another adult to talk to. The parents of her children’s friends have told to her, “If they’re with you, we know they’re good.”

In March 2015, Leah’s world changed forever when her middle son, Cooper, passed away unexpectedly just shy of his second birthday. The loss was devastating, but in the years that followed, Leah leaned deeply on her faith and on the love and support given by family, friends, and a community that grieved alongside her.

Precious Cooper will never be forgotten and is always close to Leah’s heart. When her third son was born, he was named Dawson Cooper. His middle name is a testimony to the love the whole family still feels. She and her family have continued with much counseling and prayer to understand and cope with this tragedy and get the tools they need to make it through each day, month and year. She is not ashamed to admit that the grief and pain are still there and recommends counseling to anyone who needs it. She said, “There is a plan bigger than I know of.”

At age 18, Leah was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. Her three pregnancies were all a challenge; each baby was born prematurely, requiring time in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Medical University of South Carolina. Each time in the NICU she strengthened her faith, learned to trust in God and his goodness, and received wholeheartedly the support of family. All three baby boys thrived, but she recalled these times as when she learned about resilience, grit, and grace. “I’m thankful and proud of having a positive mindset and faith-centered approach that allows me to remain content through every circumstance and season, while still following what feels right and pivoting when needed,” Leah explained.

Today, Leah is an active young woman who wears an Omnipod, which is an insulin delivery device attached to her arm. It communicates with a Dexcom blood sugar device, also on her body, to monitor her 24 hours a day. But her condition doesn’t slow her down in any way!

In fact, she’s constantly on the go between work, volunteerism, and being an involved mom trying to raise good boys, which can be trying at times. Leah recently posted a reel of herself going to the local high school student parking lot to confiscate her son’s truck after learning he had broken some important house rules. She won’t say what the offense was, but she wanted to share with her followers that breaking rules has consequences. Her video went viral! Though her son took it well, it is a lesson he won’t soon forget—and now he knows for sure “ Mom means business!”

If you don’t know Leah from her viral reel, you may know her from her talent on the dance floor. She was asked to participate as a contestant in the Child Abuse Prevention Association’s Dance With Our Stars event—and won! (See left.) Her partner was the wonderful Shykeem Gardner, who also works at CAPA.

Her latest volunteering project is with the South Carolina Realtors State Political Coordinator Program, working with her aunt, Shannon Erickson, our State representative, to oversee the concerns and legislation that affects South Carolina homeowners.

So, what’s in the future for this spitfire? She loves her real estate career, especially the clients who are now friends and her co-workers. But family is always first.

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Up Close:

Leah says:
• We enjoy doing anything on the water—fishing, boating, just spending time outdoors. And we love to travel, too.

• We go to church on Sundays as a family and bring along friends to help fill up the row.

• We connect best when we’re unplugged, outside, and making memories together.

• Our favorite meal is a juicy, home-cooked New York strip, cooked to medium, smothered in sautéed onions and mushrooms, served with fresh vegetables and roasted potatoes.