Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Chappelle.
Hi Patrice, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
MelanBrand Skin started from a very personal place. I’m a mom who spent years searching store shelves for safe, gentle skincare products that actually worked for my son’s sensitive, melanated skin—and kept coming up empty. Everything was either too harsh, overly fragranced, or clearly not made with our kids in mind.
So instead of settling, I decided to create what I couldn’t find. I co-founded MelanBrand Skin alongside my son, Bron, with the mission to make clean, non-toxic, dermatologist-approved skincare specifically for kids, preteens, and teens with melanated skin. What began as a solution for our own home quickly grew into a purpose-driven brand rooted in self-love, confidence, and representation.
Today, MelanBrand Skin is more than skincare—it’s education, community, and legacy. We’re proud to be a Black-owned, family-led brand reaching families nationwide, partnering with schools and community organizations, and helping young people build healthy routines and confidence from an early age. Every product we create is made with intention, love, and the belief that our children deserve to be seen, protected, and celebrated.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all—it hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one.
One of the biggest challenges was building a product-based business without seeing ourselves reflected in the industry. There were limited resources, few examples of children’s skincare brands centered on melanated skin, and a lot of trial and error in formulating products that were both gentle and effective. As a small, family-led brand, we’ve also faced the realities of bootstrapping—funding inventory, navigating compliance and manufacturing minimums, and learning the retail and wholesale landscape in real time.
Another challenge has been education—helping parents understand that kids’ skin needs are different and that “one-size-fits-all” skincare doesn’t always work, especially for sensitive or melanated skin. And on a personal level, balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and community work hasn’t been easy.
That said, every obstacle sharpened our mission. Each challenge reinforced why this brand needed to exist and pushed us to build with intention, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving families who, like us, were looking for something better.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MelanBrand Skin is a purpose-driven, family-led skincare brand created specifically for kids, preteens, and teens with melanated and sensitive skin. We specialize in clean, non-toxic, dermatologist-approved skincare that supports healthy routines early—without harsh ingredients, unnecessary fragrance, or adult formulations repackaged for children.
What sets us apart is both who we serve and how we serve them. We were co-founded by a mother and her son, which keeps the brand deeply grounded in real life, real skin needs, and real conversations happening in families’ homes. Our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and thoughtfully formulated for growing skin, with a simple, approachable 3-step routine that helps kids build confidence and independence around self-care.
We’re also known for blending skincare with education and community impact. Beyond products, we host skincare and entrepreneurship workshops for youth, partner with schools and community organizations, and intentionally show children—especially Black and Brown children—that they are worthy of care, representation, and ownership. Our brand messaging centers on self-love, legacy, and generational wealth, reinforcing that caring for your skin can also be a gateway to confidence and empowerment.
What we’re most proud of is the trust we’ve built with families. Parents come to us not just for products, but for guidance, safety, and peace of mind. Readers should know that MelanBrand Skin isn’t just selling skincare—we’re creating a safe space for growing skin, nurturing routines that last a lifetime, and building a brand rooted in love, purpose, and community.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
First, I’ve found the most meaningful mentors by being clear about what I actually needed help with. Investing in yourself goes a very long way. I hired three mentors last years. One was really a coach; however, I view them all as my mentors. Do not be afraid to spend the money that you have to, to get to where you want to go. Mentorship does not always come at a cost though. The ones that do not, need to evolve naturally into that title and or role.
When it comes to networking, I prioritize alignment over volume. I look for rooms, programs, and communities where people share similar values, not just similar goals. Showing up prepared, following up consistently, and finding ways to add value—even in small ways—has opened more doors than any cold pitch ever could. I also don’t underestimate the power of community-based networking: workshops, local events, and spaces where relationships are built over time.
What’s worked best for me is authenticity and consistency. Being myself, telling my story honestly, and staying connected—even when I wasn’t asking for anything—helped turn connections into collaborators, supporters, and long-term partners. My biggest advice: don’t chase proximity to power; build relationships rooted in trust, and the right mentors will often find you along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MelanBrandSkin.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/MelanBrandSkin
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/MelanBrandSkin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelanBrandSkin
- Other: www.TikTok.com@MelanBrandSkin
