We recently connected with Fanta Dicko and have shared our conversation below.

Fanta, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Melanin Moi, our mission is to revolutionize how beauty content reaches and resonates with women of color. For too long, the beauty industry has overlooked our unique needs, our diverse stories, and the power of our voices. We’re here to change that.

The mission is deeply personal to me because I grew up in a world where beauty standards often excluded people who looked like me. I know what it feels like to search for representation and not find it. I launched Melanin Moi to create the space I needed growing up—a space where women of color see themselves reflected in every ad, every campaign, and every product choice.

We are also deeply passionate about educating women of color about natural hair and beauty in a way that feels safe, inspiring, and easily digestible. Our goal is to empower women with knowledge and tools to care for their hair and skin, while celebrating the beauty of our diversity.

Our mission is not just about showcasing diversity; it’s about driving authentic inclusion, empowering creators of color, and building community. By partnering with micro and macro influencers who genuinely connect with their audiences, we’re breaking down barriers and redefining beauty standards.

This mission is meaningful because it’s bigger than beauty—it’s about validation, opportunity, and equity. We want every woman of color to feel seen, celebrated, and inspired to own her power unapologetically.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Fanta Dicko, and I’m the co-founder of Melanin Moi, along with my best friend, Chanee Hylton. Melanin Moi is a platform dedicated to redefining beauty for women of color. My journey into this space started with a passion for representation and empowerment. Growing up, I saw a lack of products, content, and communities that truly understood and celebrated the beauty of women who look like me. That gap inspired me to create something meaningful—not just for myself, but for others searching for the same connection and visibility.

Melanin Moi is more than a brand; it’s a movement. We provide a range of services, including influencer partnerships, content creation, and community-driven events. Our content is designed to educate and inspire women of color about natural hair, beauty, and wellness in a way that feels safe, accessible, and empowering. We also curate a creator program that connects brands with vetted influencers of color, ensuring authenticity and meaningful engagement.

What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and inclusion. We don’t just aim to meet beauty standards; we’re here to rewrite them. By showcasing diverse voices and celebrating individuality, we’re breaking down barriers in an industry that often sidelines women of color. Whether it’s creating campaigns, producing educational resources, or hosting community events, everything we do centers on empowering and uplifting our audience.

One of my proudest moments was partnering with brands such as Fenty Beauty, NARS, Peloton, and so much more for our events. It’s a full-circle moment that validated the importance of the work we’re doing. I’m also incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built—with both our audience and the brands we collaborate with.

For anyone engaging with Melanin Moi, I want them to know that we’re here to celebrate you. Whether you’re looking for beauty inspiration, educational content, or opportunities to connect with like-minded women, Melanin Moi is your space. We’re passionate about making every woman of color feel seen, valued, and celebrated—because beauty isn’t just about products; it’s about power, confidence, and community.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Our reputation at Melanin Moi has been built on three core pillars: authenticity, inclusivity, and truly listening to our community.

Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. From the content we create to the partnerships we form, we ensure that our work reflects the real experiences, needs, and aspirations of women of color. We don’t just push products or campaigns; we strive to create genuine connections and share stories that resonate with our audience. This commitment to being real and relatable has earned us trust within our community.

Inclusivity is a fundamental value of our brand. We recognize that women of color are incredibly diverse, with unique backgrounds, experiences, and expressions of beauty. Our platform embraces and celebrates this richness, striving to ensure that everyone in our community feels acknowledged, represented, and valued.

But perhaps most importantly, we listen. Our community is the foundation of Melanin Moi, and we make it a priority to engage with them directly—whether through social media, events, or feedback loops. By genuinely hearing what they need, we’re able to deliver content, partnerships, and initiatives that reflect their voices and address their concerns.

What has truly set us apart is our ability to balance these three pillars while staying consistent. When our audience sees that we’re not just speaking to them but speaking with them, it deepens the connection and builds a sense of loyalty that’s hard to replicate. At the end of the day, our community knows that we’re here for them, and that trust has been the foundation of our reputation.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building the audience for Melanin Moi on social media was a journey rooted in authenticity, consistency, and connection. From the start, I knew I wanted the platform to be a space where women of color felt seen and celebrated. Instead of focusing solely on trends, I prioritized creating content that resonated deeply with our audience—educational tips about natural hair care, honest beauty reviews, and empowering stories that reflected our community’s experiences.

Engagement was another key factor. Social media isn’t just about posting; it’s about fostering relationships. I made it a point to interact with our followers—responding to comments, answering questions, and encouraging conversations. By listening to their needs and creating content that addressed them, we were able to build trust and loyalty.

Consistency also played a big role. Posting regularly, maintaining a cohesive visual identity, and staying true to our message helped establish a recognizable and reliable presence. Collaborating with influencers who genuinely connected with our mission amplified our reach while maintaining the authenticity of our brand.

For those just starting out, my biggest advice is know your “why” and let that guide your content. People connect with authenticity. Also, know your audience. Understand who you’re speaking to and what resonates with them. And engage consistently. Building a following isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating a community. Respond to comments, share user-generated content, and build meaningful connections. Don’t forget to be patient. Growth takes time. Focus on quality over quantity, and don’t get discouraged by slow progress. Stay adaptable- Social media evolves quickly. Be open to trying new platforms, formats, and trends while staying true to your brand. Ultimately, your audience will grow when they feel that your content adds value to their lives. At Melanin Moi, we’ve always prioritized serving our community first—and that’s what has made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melaninmoi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanin.moi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/melanin-moi