What are Melanskins?
Hi Sisters in Brilliance!
I’m Melanie Jean-Louis and always struggled to find products matching my skin tone.
I realized that not only were very few options available for women of color, but even the ones that claimed to be “nude” were still too light for my skin tone. From makeup to shoes, it seemed like nothing was ever quite right. Nude to some was a version of Tan or Beige, but I wanted more. But it wasn’t until I went shopping for winter tights one year that I really became fed up. I wanted my tone represented too. Frustrated and feeling excluded, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
With a background in fashion design and an MBA in Business, I began experimenting with different options and techniques until I finally found a solution: fleece-lined tights in melanin-rich skin tones. These tights were not only warm and cozy, but they also matched my skin tone perfectly.
After wearing my new tight samples around town and receiving countless compliments and requests from other women of color, I knew I was onto something. I spent months perfecting my tones and sourcing the tights that would be both high-quality and warm.
Finally, in 2023, I launched Melanskins, my own line of fleece-lined tights in a range of melanin-rich skin tones. With a mission to create inclusive and accessible fashion for all women, I ordered about 500 samples and distributed to gain some market insight. My brand quickly gained an organic following and received rave reviews from women and children from all demographics. Melanskins are our brand of fleece-lined tights that come in richer tones that work with our brilliant skintones.
Melanskins will Launch in limited release on Juneteenth 2023 and expand by Fall of 2023.
My story is one of perseverance and determination in the face of exclusion. I saw a need for a product that was missing in the market and filled that gap with my own unique perspective and expertise. By creating Melanskins, I have not only provided a solution for women of color looking for winter tights, but she has also given them a sense of inclusion and representation in the fashion world. Why not?
I welcome your feedback and comments. I would love for there to be something for everyone at my store. Send us your photos of how you can look brilliant in Melanskins.
Finally, give us a follow on Social Media!
Melanie Jean-Louis, Founder – Melanskins
