Black women are so multifaceted. Take Melissa Carnegie (also known as Melissa Chanel) for instance. While working full time as head of community and communication for haircare brand Cantu, she’s also managing several side hustles with major influence. You’re most likely to catch her in a dope outfit—and ever better sneakers—on the streets of Charlotte, N.C.
The fashionista has mastered the art of blending comfort and style, making sneaker culture fit her life while helping other women do the same.
Sneaker culture started as a male-centric community where women were rarely represented. Carnegie told The Block she had to ask a lot of questions and get in front of the right people to get to the heart of the sneaker community.
But now she’s in and making strides.
Her goal is to ensure more women who look like her are fairly represented in a space where they bring so many ideas.
“It really started because women were coming to me asking for styling advice. ‘How do I style these sneakers?’ … or ‘I really like these sneakers, but I don’t know how to make them work,” Carnegie recalled.
From there, Kicks and Fros was born.
The online community is about educating and inspiring Black and brown women by either introducing them to the sneaker community or helping them find their style in it—because let’s be real, we’re not wearing heels all the time.
“If you want to roll in a meeting in a suit with some sneakers— you can and still be about your business!”
Melissa Chanel
Carnegie sophisticatedly broke down the old stigma of sneakers being attached to unprofessionalism. Today, those who know style will appreciate a good look no matter what.
Black women also have a unique opportunity in the sneaker and shoe collection space, as our style is ever-changing yet continuously influencing trends. Carnegie and her team believe every woman has a sneaker style and want to help more women, especially Black and brown women, own it.
“You don’t have to have one look. Be open to everything,” Carnegie said. “That’s the beauty of being a Black woman. … We can do it all.”
Being True to Yourself
When building her brand to what it is today, Carnegie admits she dealt with imposter syndrome, once doubting her abilities and feeling she didn’t belong in the space she was entering. She eventually realized when you’re called or compelled to do something, opportunity will come.
“Just think—we have rebranded bread a hundred times over. So if this is for you—you can do this,” Carnegie said.
She also encourages a social media detox when you are feeling overwhelmed. And even though her businesses are rocking online, she still swears by a handwritten note to keep all her priorities in order.
Carnegie’s goal is to continue to inspire the everyday woman and show her that a small-town South Carolina girl like herself can make it.
It takes confidence to leave your house in an outfit and a pair of shoes that might turn heads. But learning to feel comfortable in your skin is key to living an authentic life, in person and online.
“I think with all that we have going on, we have to remember to extend ourselves grace and put ourselves first,” Carnegie added.
To those trying to get into sneaker collection, she recommends buying what actually works for you, rather than hopping on what’s trending.
As more Black women step into the sneaker community, Kicks and Fros is a growing community where they can feel supported. As with any space where women of color are underrepresented, it’s about finding your seat at the table—and knowing when to build a new one.
When in doubt, never be afraid to pack your sneakers and your heels because you get to decide how you want to show up.
Keep up with Melissa Carnegie’s latest endeavors by following @melissachanel and @kicksandfros on Instagram, or visiting melissachanel.com and kicksandfros.com.
