Melissa Mitchell, founder of Abeille Creations, shows how faith and perseverance can create a thriving business. Her latest achievement? A 50-piece collection debuting globally through SHEIN’s SHEIN X initiative, making her brand one of the newest Black-owned imprints to gain massive visibility on the platform.
Mitchell, a Florida A&M University alum, took to Facebook to share her excitement, calling this her “biggest body of wearable art yet.” The vibrant collection, featuring colorful dresses, two-piece sets, and swimwear, ranges from $6 to $27, making her art accessible to many.
But the journey was challenging. Earlier this year, a major collaboration opportunity fell through, nearly derailing her focus. Instead of giving up, Mitchell leaned on her faith and kept creating. When the SHEIN opportunity arrived, she had only a short time to produce the collection. “I had to turn these pieces around QUICKLY,” she wrote. “But I did it. The team was blown away, and here we are.”
Abeille Creations isn’t new to breaking barriers. Since launching in 2016, the Bahamian-inspired brand has secured deals with Foot Locker and SPANX, earned a spot in the Afropunk/Shopify Black Fashion Accelerator program, and even gave Mitchell a platform for her TED Talk.
For Mitchell, faith is central to her success. In her announcement, she quoted scripture, saying, “When I tell you God will turn your ashes to beauty, your tears into diamonds, and your losses into your greatest victories… Your latter will be greater.”
What role does belief play in navigating setbacks and creating new opportunities? Do you think faith is her secret sauce?
