A Long-Overlooked Need
Black women have long faced disparities in health and wellness. Despite the $35 billion supplement industry in the US, no companies were formulating vitamins and supplements to meet the unique nutritional needs of melanated individuals.
Ashley Harmon set out to change that with Mela Vitamins. “Research has shown that melanin impacts how our bodies absorb nutrients, especially Vitamin D,” Harmon explained. “This has resulted in an estimated 76-90% of melanated people being Vitamin D deficient, contributing to increased risks of severe COVID-19, breast cancer, dementia and more.”
Developing Tailored Solutions
Harmon spent a year conducting focus groups and working with healthcare providers to develop Mela’s Daily Essentials multivitamin. “Our team formulated it to provide the nutrients needed by melanated bodies and address health risks unique to our communities,” she said.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for preventative wellness in communities of color. Despite challenges like ingredient shortages, Mela launched its multivitamin for melanated women in July 2022.
A Holistic Approach
Harmon recognizes that closing the wellness gap requires more than just supplements. “Genetics, socioeconomic factors and higher stress levels play a significant role in health outcomes,” she stated.
Through educational campaigns, events and healthcare leader collaborations, Mela aims to empower communities of color to prioritize wellness. “We’re committed to addressing disparities by recognizing and accounting for the unique needs of melanated bodies,” Harmon said.
An Entrepreneurial Journey
As a Black female founder in the supplement space, Harmon has faced her share of challenges. “I do not look like most supplement company founders, and I did not have a large investment to launch,” she recalled.
From supply chain woes to doubters, Harmon persevered. She is proud that “in an industry that is not as regulated as it probably should be, Mela is providing accessible, transparent and high-quality products for melanated people.”
The vision is for Mela to become the leading supplement brand focused on melanated communities. “We have created a new niche…that has been largely underserved, and we want to continue driving research and innovation in this area,” Harmon stated.
“We at Mela are working to rewrite the story about preventative health in communities of color, and our products are helping people prioritize their wellness and support them in building healthy habits.”
