We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria & Chantae. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria & Chantae below.

Hi Maria & Chantae, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Melanin & Muscles was born from passion, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to community.

During the pandemic, isolation weighed heavily on so many—including us. The world felt disconnected, and the spaces we relied on for support and self-care suddenly vanished. Chantae, always the connector, worked to create virtual spaces where we could still gather and uplift one another. Meanwhile, Maria was determined to do more than just stay active—she was committed to staying strong, physically, emotionally, and mentally, not just for herself, but for her family and friends during an intensely stressful time. In a world that had come to a standstill, she felt the need to find ways to strengthen herself and those around her.

Through these shared struggles, a powerful sisterhood emerged. Melanin & Muscles became more than just an idea—it became a movement. A self-care sanctuary built by women, for women, ensuring that we hold each other accountable. As wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and leaders, we often pour endlessly into others, leaving ourselves drained. But no more.

We are reclaiming our time, our energy, our strength and our well-being—together. Through intentional self-care, fitness, and holistic wellness, we are building a community where women support women, where putting ourselves first isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Because when we thrive, we uplift our families, strengthen our communities, and create a future where prioritizing self-care is the standard, not the exception.

Maria & Chantae, 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?

Maria’s Bio:
Co-CEO, Creative Director, CSF (Chief Sister Friend)

As a wife and mom of three daughters and one son, I wear many hats—award-winning designer, creative director, certified life coach, and passionate mentor. Teaching, sharing, giving, listening, and creating beauty in every form has always been second nature to me.

I’m a romantic at heart—there’s just something about love that captivates me. I’m also enchanted by the world’s natural beauty and rich cultural diversity, finding inspiration in music, food (cupcakes with sprinkles, always!), fashion, and, of course, a killer pair of heels. But don’t let the heels fool you—I can throw down in volleyball, basketball, football, dodgeball, and pickleball (yes, I’m a sports girl at heart). Add CrossFit to the mix, though, and I’ll admit… burpees and I have a complicated relationship (if you know, you know!).

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with incredible women from all walks of life—from award-winning musicians, artists, and authors to professionals across industries, and everyday moms, wives, and friends working tirelessly to bring their dreams to life. Each of them, including my own mother and grandmother, has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, greatness, determination, and self-worth. Their strength and wisdom continue to inspire me, and my mission is to help women become the best versions of themselves—not by changing who they are, but by embracing and elevating their own unique gifts and talents.

Chantae’s Bio:
Co-CEO, Business Manager and CRF (Chief “Realest” Friend)

As a wife and mother of four (all daughters), I am passionate about uplifting women and empowering them to accomplish their dreams and full potential. I understand the unique challenges that women face daily in balancing their personal and professional lives. I live it everyday! That’s why I’m committed to creating a supportive and inclusive community where women can connect, learn, grow together and thrive.

As a young woman I always had a passion for helping others. I have held many titles from Production Manager in the NYC Fashion Industry, creating dresses with the right fit for women to feel like their best selves, to a Teacher of underprivileged youth helping them achieve their highest potential. As much as I have enjoyed working in these professions, I still had a feeling of wanting to do more and reach more people. People like me! Women! Women of color! That’s when I made it my goal to become an entrepreneur and start my own business focused on empowering women.

A Business: For Women, By Women! A forum to address the whole woman. Our needs, our desires, the things we don’t discuss but that need to be spoken about. While I was pondering this idea for quite some time I happened to have a casual but meaningful chat with my friend Maria (who was contemplating something of her own). Little did we both know that simple but important chat would spark an idea and come to be what we know today as Melanin & Muscles. Our shared connection and love for women would become our passion.

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Things To Know:
At Melanin & Muscles, we provide more than just products and services—we create experiences that empower women to reclaim their wellness, strength, and self-worth.

What We Offer:
Self-Care & Wellness Experiences: From poetry hikes to empowering workshops and immersive events, we craft spaces where women can reconnect with themselves and each other.

Creative & Inspirational Products: Our affirmation decks, bold notebooks, self-love journals, activewear, and upcoming self-care planner are designed specifically for women of color, offering daily encouragement and motivation.

Membership & Community: Our soon to be launched, Sisterhood Subscription, will provide exclusive access to digital self-care resources, workshops, and a private community where women can learn, grow, and support one another.

Brand Collaborations & Custom Experiences: We partner with organizations and brands (i.e Hey There Beautiful!, Jovia, OSIM, Unburied Talent, Miracle Mindset, I’m Proud Of You Sis) that align with our mission, curating impactful events and initiatives that serve women and young girls.

The Problems We Solve:
Many women—especially women of color—are overwhelmed, overworked, and constantly pouring into others while leaving themselves last. Melanin & Muscles is here to change that. We provide the tools, community, and accountability to help women prioritize wellness without guilt—whether it’s through movement, mindset, or meaningful connection.

What Sets Us Apart:
• We don’t just talk about self-care—we create real, tangible ways to practice it. From our signature events like “Journey To Wellness” & “Harmony & Hustle”, to our intimate virtual workshops, curated dance classes, and affirmation sessions, we make self-care accessible, engaging, and fun.
• We blend wellness with culture. Everything we create—whether it’s our affirmation decks, self-care kits, or movement-based experiences—centers the unique needs and perspectives of women of color.
• We build genuine connections. This isn’t just a brand; it’s a sisterhood. We show up authentically, making sure our community feels seen, heard, and supported.

What We’re Most Proud Of:
• The impact we’ve made on women who felt unseen, unheard, and unprioritized.
• Creating safe spaces where women feel encouraged to pour into themselves.
• Building a movement that goes beyond trends—because self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

What We Want You to Know:
We are more than a brand—it’s a mindset, and a commitment to YOU. We’re here to remind every woman that she is worthy of care, love, joy, and wellness. Whether you join one of our events, grab an affirmation deck, or become part of our sisterhood, we want women to know that they are stepping into a space designed for growth, healing, and power.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Maria: I had to LEARN to unlearn a few things. It’s OK to not try to do everything on your own. It’s OK to let go. It’s OK to be perfectly imperfect and most of all it’s OK to be vulnerable. This is what draws people to us as a business—they relate to our authenticity. They want “real talk”. They want to know the person behind the business.

Chantae – Personally, I had to unlearn that self-care is not selfish. It is important for me to take care of myself so I am energized to take care of others. Only until I can fully accomplish this can I show up fully to support my community. I am still a work in progress, but it has been a vital lesson. In our culture, it is often praised to be strong and powerful women not needing rest and personal care. However, these are the generational narratives Melanin & Muscles is seeking to dispel.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

We are both moms of four, full-time professionals, and wives—yet we set out on a mission to start this company, not because we wanted extra work, but because we wanted to make an impact.

Building a brand from the ground up—where no one knows your name—is no easy feat. Time, energy, and resources are always in short supply, but we keep pushing forward, turning challenges into stepping stones. With each small step and each incredible woman who sees the value we bring to her life, we’re creating something meaningful, lasting, and truly impactful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melaninandmuscles.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaninandmusclesllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelaninAndMusclesLLC
• Linkedin: Maria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-ackies-0059a33/ | Chantae: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantae-nelson-aruz-med-3195ba76/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melaninandmuscles
• Other: https://www.melaninandmuscles.com/blog

Image Credits

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