We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Michelle Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Michelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have always been very creative. I have had other small businesses in the past but Melanin Emotions was birthed out of grief. In 2020, my father passed away unexpectantly and I decided to do something to channel my grief. I have always loved giving greeting cards and stationery but always cringed at the lack of diversity that existed in these products. In a conversation one day with my mom, we both agreed simultaneously that “I could do this”. I could create a greeting card line that was specifically for people of color, people who looked like me. Thus, the birthing of Melanin Emotions by Chelle Nichole! Representation matters and I wanted to create products that shared words, thoughts, and expressions that are commonly used throughout the African American community. It’s something very special about receiving a greeting card or stationery that reflects you, your culture, your style, and your race.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a higher education professional and have been in the space for about 13 years. I love to support, inspire, and encourage adult learners – give back to them what I had as an adult learner. I recently had the opportunity to transition to DEI in Higher Education and I love everything about creating a diverse and equitable work environment for my colleagues. There are challenges of inequity, representation, and diversity so to be a part of addressing those challenges and creating space for everyone is critical. I have personally experienced racism and inequity in my field but I overcome those challenges by striving to be my best self, continuously educating myself through formal education, certificate programs, and by simply having courageous conversations with people around me.
Through my personal and professional experiences, I have had lots of challenges but an equal amount of victories. My brand is resilience and determination. I am committed to being the best version of me so that I can continue to show my beautiful daughter that she has a space in this world and an opportunity to create the life she desires and deserves!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow this is a great question, definitely thought provoking because I am a homebody and love being at home when I am not working.
Sunday – We will start the week off in Church, giving thanks and praise and of course have a home cooked meal.
Monday – Do a cultural tour, MLK Center, African American Museum
Tuesday – We are going to have a spa day (massages, mani’s and pedi’s at one of my favorite spa’s in the city)
Wednesday – I would love to try one of the cool candle making or cake decorating classes
Thursday – We might just go to the movies – we both enjoy movies
Friday – I will host a game night and invite some of my closest friends over and just have an evening of fun
Saturday – Brunch and Shopping
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Website: www.melaninemotions.com
Instagram: melaninemotions