Today we’d like to introduce you to Deirdre Roberson.
Deirdre, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
EUMELANIN (pronounced: you- mel–a-nin) is manufactured and based in Detroit, MI. The name of the company comes from Eumelanin – the most abundant type of human melanin found in brown and black skin and hair. EUMELANIN is a clothing and jewelry brand that infuses science by using the chemical structure of melanin in its designs, and inspiration from melanated skin tones for the color of the apparel to celebrate and empower black and brown people around the world. EUMELANIN is a brand designed to address issues of colorism and redefine what it means to be beautiful in every shade, combining Science, Self-love, and style.
I am a Chemist. I am a Creative. I am a woman of color. EUMELANIN is a clothing and jewelry brand that merges my scientific and creative side. I wanted to use my talents and life experiences to address issues of colorism that I’ve faced in my community that exist around the world.
I was born and raised in Detroit, MI, which currently has the largest percentage of African Americans in the United States at 84%. I grew up in Southwest Detroit, which is one of the most diverse populations in the city comprised of African Americans, Latin Americans, and Arab Americans. I witnessed how our skin tones and shades were used to separate and invalidate us. EUMELANIN is a brand designed to challenge behavior that does not honor any of us. To bring to the forefront behaviors, we have accommodated and tolerated because we were afraid to speak up. I envision a brand that has an impact on colorism globally. A brand that celebrates self-love holistically and combats negativity associated with black and brown people around the world because of their skin tone.
EUMELANIN is not only my brand; it has grown into something more, my therapy. I believe we have a responsibility by the way we live our lives and when we open our mouths to empower, to love and to teach; so I created EUMELANIN.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an entrepreneur has not been a smooth road at all. I had to develop a thick skin for the many NO’s. I had to become innovative for the lack of funds and think outside the box for raising funds. I still work my full-time job, so I am also balancing that. I have a small team, so I still touch the majority of all the work that goes into my brand. I’ve been down to my last pennies and I have even lost friends during this journey. I am just finding my balance between grinding and resting. I do not believe in sleep when you die mentality. I have had many struggles, but I would do it all again and wouldn’t trade a second of it. I feel like I am doing my life’s work with purpose and intention.
Please tell us about your business.
I design empowering fashion that dresses issues of colorism. My color palette is inspired by the beautiful skin tones of black and brown people globally. I am using Science, Self-love, and Style to tackle issues that are important to black and brown Millennials and Gen Z globally. Not only do I design fashion, but I also have a jewelry collection. My company has a message to send one the world needs to hear and get behind.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is me riding my bike and trying to do tricks and then busting my knee open and fracturing it. It didn’t feel good at all and afterward, I got up and tried to walk home, not realizing it was broke. It just reminds me of how badass and fearless I have always been. If I can walk on a broken knee home at 13, I can do any fuckin thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eumelanin.com/
- Email: hello@eumelanin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eumelanin_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eumelanin/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Eumelanin_
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eumelanin/
Image Credit:
Justin Milhouse
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