Sushi chef at Sachiko Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, 3240 E. Valencia Road.
Age: 46.
Background: A native of South Korea, Melton moved to the United States at age 14.
She worked as an aesthetician in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles, where she trained at the Tokyo Sushi Academy.
After working at Zen 32 in Phoenix, Melton moved to Tucson five years ago and worked at a series of restaurants including J Nippon and Sushi Hama, before moving on to Sachiko, where she has worked for three years.
She has two children - a son, 22, and a daughter, 24 - who live in San Diego.
Why did you want to become a sushi chef?
"I used to go out for sushi at least two or three times a week. I have always liked sushi, and I had always wanted to know how to make it."
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How does Tucson's sushi scene compare to L.A.?
"It was easy for me to get a job in L.A. because I went to sushi school, but I like Tucson because it's not as big of a city. There are a lot of people who have retired here, too."
What changes have you noticed here?
"Tucson is a very growing (sushi scene). … I talk to customers, and it's unbelievable. They are asking more questions. They want to know how sushi is made, what it is" and about nutrition.
Have you invented any sushi rolls?
"I came up with Sue's Hot Roll. It's one of my favorite rolls. It has salmon, cream cheese, avocado, spicy crab, cucumber rolled into the center. Then it is cut and topped with spicy mayonnaise and baked. I then put sliced spicy tomatoes on top of the roll, drizzle a hot special sauce over it, and then sprinkle crunch flakes, masago (fish egg) and green onion to top it off."
What do you like to do on your days off?
"I like to go shooting up in Vail, hike on Mount Lemmon, jog and work out.
"I'm also a drummer and play the saxophone."
How much can you bench-press?
"175 pounds. I used to be a personal trainer."
