Hey there!

I'm Michelle, the founder of Melanista, and I’m so excited to share our story with you. Born and raised in Mississippi, I've always had a passion for fashion and a love for my culture.

(And yes, that's my husband Jaden and our two daughters, Aaliyah and Nia—they're my biggest inspirations!)

Melanista is my way of blending those two loves into something truly special.

At Melanista, we create personalized leather handbags and wallets that are all about celebrating Black women and our incredible heritage.

Each piece is designed with you in mind—your strength, your beauty, your unique style.

Our designs are super Afrocentric, inspired by the vibrant colors, bold patterns, and rich stories that make up our culture.

For me, this isn’t just about making bags; it’s about creating something that makes you feel powerful and proud every time you carry it.

Whether you're rocking locs, a fro, or a sleek style, our accessories are here to complement your look and remind you of your own strength and beauty.

Every handbag and wallet is crafted with love and attention to detail because I believe in giving you something that's not just stylish but also high-quality and durable.

I want you to feel that every time you pick up one of our pieces, you’re holding something special—something that was made just for you.

Thank you for being a part of the Melanista family. I can’t wait to see how you make our designs your own and how they empower you to embrace your inner queen.

Here's to celebrating our heritage, our style, and our power together!