About Us
In February 2021, I launched Melanin & Honey Apparel from my apartment — just me, my machines, and a vision. I printed hoodies, tees, and hats, and I poured love into every stitch. For years, it was a one-man show. I even took custom orders from people who trusted me with their stories.
But life shifted. And for a while, I stepped away.
Then in 2025, I felt it again — that fire, that pull. I missed it. Missed the feeling of building something real, rooted in culture. So I brought MHA back — not just as a clothing line, but as a lifestyle brand.
Everything that didn’t fit neatly under “merch” — from books, home goods, affirmations, and cultural tools — needed space to grow. MHA evolved.
Now, Melanin & Honey Apparel isn’t just a brand — it’s an ecosystem. A creative movement.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Melanin & Honey comes straight from my heart.
The “Melanin” is the sun’s blessing — a tribute to the richness we carry in our skin, our history, our identity.
The “Honey” is about love — the sweetness of her kiss, the soft warmth that balances our strength.
That’s how the sun and bee came together in our logo — a symbolic union of power and tenderness.
Introducing Crowned by Culture
As MHA matured, so did my vision. That’s when I created Crowned by Culture, the elevated luxury line under the MHA umbrella. It’s where style meets soul — where heritage is honored through design, texture, and presence.
What We Believe
We believe fashion should tell a story.
We believe culture isn’t something you borrow — it’s something you wear, protect, and pass down.
We believe in being bold, creative, and unapologetically real.
Where We’re Going
MHA is here to be everywhere: in your home, on your body, in your hands, and in your mindset. Whether it’s a journal, a hoodie, a poem, or a podcast — everything we touch should reflect who we are.
This is more than apparel. This is expression. This is identity. This is MHA.
— Vance Niles
Founder | Storyteller | Builder | Father
