Tones of Melanin.: We Built This Together.
It takes a village to save a vision. Stand with us to keep Tones of Melanin alive.
$760
pledged of$300,000
goal
10
0Days Left
Project Description
Tones of Melanin is on a mission to uplift and represent the vibrant culture of HBCUs and Black communities through bold, meaningful fashion. We exist to ensure that Black identity, pride, and heritage are seen, felt, and worn unapologetically.
HBCUs and Black Greek organizations have long been underrepresented in the fashion industry. Many brands miss the mark by offering generic styles with no authenticity or community connection. Our communities deserve more than cookie-cutter clothing; they deserve representation that reflects our excellence.
There are 100 HBCUs, millions of alumni, and a growing wave of support for Black owned businesses. The HBCU licensed merchandise market alone is valued in the hundreds of millions. With expanded licenses and high visibility, including features on Shark Tank and retail partnerships like Dick’s Sporting Goods, we are positioned to lead and grow this space.
To every backer, supporter, and member of our village, thank you. Your belief in us means everything. This brand is not just ours, it’s yours. With your support, we can continue to create, inspire, and represent. Together, we keep the culture alive.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are you crowdfunding?
We’re crowdfunding to keep Tones of Melanin alive and thriving. After years of self-funding, skyrocketing production costs, delayed retail payments, and zero investors, we’re asking our community to help us continue our mission of celebrating Black culture and HBCU pride through fashion.
What is the fundraising goal?
Our goal is to raise $300,000 to stabilize operations, pay off debt, and reinvest in the future of our brand.
How will the funds be used?
We’re committed to transparency. Here’s a breakdown of how the funds will be allocated:
30% – Pay manufacturers and fulfill current production orders
25% – Pay off old business debt
20% – Cover rent, payroll, and hire additional team support
20% – Invest in new products and designs
5% – Fund upcoming marketing campaigns
Will I receive anything for donating?
Yes! We’re offering special reward tiers including exclusive merch, shoutouts, behind-the-scenes access, and even collaboration opportunities. Every dollar counts, and we’re giving back in gratitude for your support.
Can I still support if I can’t donate?
Absolutely. Sharing our campaign, posting on social media, and telling a friend are all powerful ways to help us reach our goal.
Where can I donate?
You can donate directly through our crowdfunding campaign page [insert link here].
What happens if you don’t reach the full goal?
Even if we don’t raise the full amount, every contribution helps us get closer to stability and continuing our mission. We’ll use the funds received based on the same priority structure above.
Veniece Walker
09/22/2025
🖤 $50 – Brand Believer
$50
Beverly Gail Brabham
09/16/2025
🖤 $20 – Melanin Mover
$20
Andrew McLean
08/18/2025
🖤 $20 – Melanin Mover
$20
Kylor Caraway
08/17/2025
💼 $100 – Community Backer
$100
DeLaine Ragland
08/02/2025
🖤 $50 – Brand Believer
$50
Gene Dobbins
08/01/2025
💼 $250 – Melanin Ally
$250
Andrea Nelson
07/31/2025
🖤 $20 – Melanin Mover
$20
Dr. Rooks-Price Diagne
07/31/2025
💼 $100 – Community Backer
$100
Briaun Rooks
07/31/2025
💼 $100 – Community Backer
$100
Kwame Molden
07/30/2025
🖤 $50 – Brand Believer
$50
Featured reward
Monetary Contribution
Just Because I Care
100 Left
0 Supporters
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20.00 USD
🖤 $20 – Melanin Mover
• Name on our digital Supporter Wall
• 10% off code for one order
2997 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
🖤 $50 – Brand Believer
- Digital Thank You Card
- Name included in our "Community Highlights" story/post
1997 Left
3 Supporters
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100.00 USD
💼 $100 – Community Backer
- 10% off next order
- Exclusive digital phone wallpaper
- Early Access to future drop
997 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
💼 $250 – Melanin Ally
- 15% off next order
- Personalized digital thank you
- Early Access to one future collection
- Name listed on digital wall
999 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
500.00 USD
💼 $500 – Legacy Supporter
- 3-Month 20% off discount code
- Social media thank you mention
- Digital Thank You Card
- Early Access to drops
- Name listed on Supporter Wall
200 Left
0 Supporters
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1,000.00 USD
🔥 $1,000 – Culture Champion
- 6-Month 25% off discount code
- Digital “Supporter Spotlight” in email newsletter or Instagram
- Name added to our permanent online Supporter Wall
- Founder's Letter
- Early Access to drops + Campaign updates
200 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,000.00 USD
🌟 $2,000 – Movement Architect
- Opportunity to vote on a future design or product
- 1-Year 30% off discount code
- Listed as a Founding Member on website
- Personalized thank-you video from the founder
- Founder's Letter + Early Access to all collections
- Digital Thank You + Wallpaper Pack
200 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
3,000.00 USD
💎 $3,000 – Visionary Partner
- Private 1:1 call with founder (optional Zoom meet + Q&A)
- Product or collection co-naming opportunity
- Whether it’s the “Legacy Hoodie Powered by [Your Name]” or a custom line labeled “The [Your Name] Edition” this is your chance to leave a lasting imprint on the culture. This recognition will appear on our website product listings and select marketing materials ensuring your contribution is not only honored but remembered by our entire community.
- This is a rare opportunity to directly shape the future of Black fashion while supporting a brand built for and by the culture.
- “Presented by” shoutout on one campaign video or post
- Lifetime 45% off discount code
- Listed as a “Visionary Backer” on website & packaging insert
- Quarterly insider updates with brand milestones
- Founder's Letter + Exclusive Digital Thank You
- • • Early access to all new collections
300 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
Rewards
Featured reward
Monetary Contribution
Just Because I Care
100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
20.00 USD
🖤 $20 – Melanin Mover
• Name on our digital Supporter Wall
• 10% off code for one order
2997 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
🖤 $50 – Brand Believer
- Digital Thank You Card
- Name included in our "Community Highlights" story/post
1997 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
💼 $100 – Community Backer
- 10% off next order
- Exclusive digital phone wallpaper
- Early Access to future drop
997 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
💼 $250 – Melanin Ally
- 15% off next order
- Personalized digital thank you
- Early Access to one future collection
- Name listed on digital wall
999 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
500.00 USD
💼 $500 – Legacy Supporter
- 3-Month 20% off discount code
- Social media thank you mention
- Digital Thank You Card
- Early Access to drops
- Name listed on Supporter Wall
200 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
🔥 $1,000 – Culture Champion
- 6-Month 25% off discount code
- Digital “Supporter Spotlight” in email newsletter or Instagram
- Name added to our permanent online Supporter Wall
- Founder's Letter
- Early Access to drops + Campaign updates
200 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,000.00 USD
🌟 $2,000 – Movement Architect
- Opportunity to vote on a future design or product
- 1-Year 30% off discount code
- Listed as a Founding Member on website
- Personalized thank-you video from the founder
- Founder's Letter + Early Access to all collections
- Digital Thank You + Wallpaper Pack
200 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
3,000.00 USD
💎 $3,000 – Visionary Partner
- Private 1:1 call with founder (optional Zoom meet + Q&A)
- Product or collection co-naming opportunity
- Whether it’s the “Legacy Hoodie Powered by [Your Name]” or a custom line labeled “The [Your Name] Edition” this is your chance to leave a lasting imprint on the culture. This recognition will appear on our website product listings and select marketing materials ensuring your contribution is not only honored but remembered by our entire community.
- This is a rare opportunity to directly shape the future of Black fashion while supporting a brand built for and by the culture.
- “Presented by” shoutout on one campaign video or post
- Lifetime 45% off discount code
- Listed as a “Visionary Backer” on website & packaging insert
- Quarterly insider updates with brand milestones
- Founder's Letter + Exclusive Digital Thank You
- • • Early access to all new collections
300 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward