We recently connected with Kanika Rosborough McIntyre and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kanika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Melanated Princess was truly a God-inspired vision, sparked by a simple but powerful realization: what we see, wear, and experience every day shapes how we see ourselves.
It all started with a book. I set out to write and illustrate a children’s story that reflected the young people in my life—my son, my goddaughter, and my mentees. I wanted them to see characters that reminded them of their own brilliance, but as I worked on the illustrations, I had an even deeper revelation. Representation isn’t just about books; it’s about what we wear, the messages we carry, and the spaces where we feel seen and celebrated.
That’s when the vision expanded. I wanted to create something that infused confidence, identity, and excellence into everyday life. Something intentional. Something lasting. I sat down with my goddaughter, brainstorming names, and when she said “Melanated Princess,” it clicked immediately. From there, I started sketching logos, building concepts, and sharing my idea with trusted friends and mentors. Their excitement confirmed what I already felt—this was more than fashion; it was a movement.
At its core, Melanated Princess is about elevating how young people see themselves—providing them with beautifully crafted, high-quality fashion that reflects excellence, purpose, and self-assurance. The moment I saw the reactions from parents and kids, I knew this was needed. They weren’t just purchasing apparel—they were embracing an identity.
From a business perspective, I saw an opportunity in the market for luxury-quality, affirmation-driven fashion that speaks to a growing audience looking for meaning in what they wear. Winning the NAACP Loudoun Branch Shark Tank competition, being featured by NASA’s Office of Small Business, and debuting at New York Fashion Week all confirmed that this vision was not only possible—it was thriving.
Kanika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Kanika Rosborough McIntyre—an Army veteran, business strategist, creative entrepreneur, and the founder of Melanated Princess Empowerment Apparel. My journey into fashion was unexpected, but every step of it was intentional and purpose-driven.
With a background in business, strategy, and technology, I’ve always been drawn to solving problems, building things from the ground up, and creating meaningful impact. When the idea for Melanated Princess took shape, I knew this was something special—something that could truly influence the way young people embrace confidence and self-expression.
Melanated Princess is a luxury brand with purpose. We create high-quality, affirmation-infused apparel that reflects excellence and inspires confidence. Every detail is intentional:
👑 Satin-Lined Hoodies & Apparel – Designed for comfort, protection, and an added touch of luxury.
💎 Embroidered Affirmation Pieces – Infused with words of empowerment, reinforcing confidence with every wear.
✨ Regal-Inspired Designs – Thoughtfully crafted to exude elegance, identity, and purpose.
What sets us apart is that we aren’t just selling clothing—we’re shifting perspectives. We’re blending the craftsmanship of luxury apparel with the power of self-affirmation, creating something that resonates deeply with those who value both quality and meaning in what they wear.
Beyond fashion, we are deeply committed to investing in the next generation. Through the Melanated Princess Foundation, a portion of our proceeds supports mentorship programs, scholarships, and leadership initiatives, helping young people step into their full potential. We also work with young entrepreneurs and brand ambassadors, providing them with resources, exposure, and real-world opportunities.
As we continue to grow, we remain focused on our core mission: to create products that uplift, inspire, and affirm excellence—a brand that stands for purpose, confidence, and timeless style.
I want every young person who wears Melanated Princess to see themselves as capable, powerful, and limitless. And we’re just getting started!
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
The journey into manufacturing my own apparel was a completely new industry for me, so I had to learn quickly—and I mean really quickly. I didn’t have a background in fashion production, but I had a clear vision, a mission, and a drive to make it happen.
First, I immersed myself in understanding fabrics, printing techniques, sewing methods, and the nuances of garment construction. I needed to ensure that the quality of Melanated Princess apparel wasn’t just good—it was luxury-level, with every detail intentionally designed.
The next challenge was finding the right manufacturer. I explored both domestic and international options, spending countless sleep-deprived nights negotiating with overseas facilities, learning about production timelines, shipping logistics, fabric sourcing, and pricing structures. It was a crash course in manufacturing, and I had to ask the right questions, understand industry standards, and make smart business decisions—all while protecting the integrity of my brand.
I leaned on mentorship programs and industry experts to help navigate sourcing, branding, and marketing strategies. These relationships were invaluable because manufacturing is a world of its own—one where delays, minimum order quantities, and production quality can make or break your business.
Through trial and error, I’ve learned some powerful lessons:
✅ Manufacturing takes time—large, successful brands aren’t built overnight, and patience is key.
✅ Always negotiate and clarify expectations—contracts, samples, and lead times should be crystal clear before committing.
✅ Adaptability is everything—things don’t always work out the first time, but each setback is an opportunity to learn and refine the process.
✅ Pace yourself—growth is a journey, and while my vision is big, I’ve learned to embrace the steps along the way.
This process is still evolving, but I’m grateful for every challenge because it means Melanated Princess is growing, learning, and improving every day. I truly believe that when you have a purpose-driven brand, you will do whatever it takes to bring it to life.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Absolutely. As a business owner, you’re constantly strategizing, planning, and pushing forward to meet your goals. But sometimes, life hands you a different kind of priority, and you have to make a choice.
Last year, I had big plans for the holiday season—marketing campaigns, product drops, and strategic sales initiatives. The holidays are a crucial time for any retail brand, and I was ready to go all in. But then, something shifted.
My son came to me and shared that he was ready to step into his next chapter, to start a new journey in life. In that moment, I knew what mattered most. Instead of pouring all my energy into business and sales, I chose to pour into my family. I hit pause on some of my plans, knowing that this moment with my child was something I could never get back.
Did I hit all of my sales goals? No.
Did I still make progress? Yes.
Most importantly, does my son know that he is more valuable to me than silver and gold? Without a doubt.
Business will always have ups and downs, but what I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the legacy you build, the values you stand on, and the people you uplift along the way. The beauty of being an entrepreneur is that the business is still here, still growing, still thriving. But family, love, and being present for the people who matter most? That’s priceless.
This experience reminded me to trust the journey, pivot when necessary, and always keep my priorities in check. Melanated Princess is not just about selling apparel—it’s about building a life that reflects purpose, love, and impact. And in that way, I know I’m still winning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melanatedprincess.com
- Instagram: melanatedprincess_store
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552977193837
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/melanatedprincess/about/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
Shemetris Vital, Kevin J. McIntyre, Kanika McIntyre