Today we’d like to introduce you to Raynique Janielle.
Hi Raynique, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started MELABUTTA during a season of deep self-discovery. At just 21, I was serving as a petite, soft-spoken military police officer, an identity that often made me feel out of place. In that space of disconnect, I asked myself: What brings me joy? What would I do for free? The answer was simple—create.
I’ve always found peace in crafting home remedies, finding not just joy but true healing through the process. That passion sparked the vision for MELABUTTA. But life took its own course as unforeseen circumstances eventually led me out of the military, and MELABUTTA took a backseat while I focused on healing.
By 2021, I had transitioned out of the service, no longer the same woman I was when I went in, but more determined than ever to live fully and authentically. While rebuilding myself, I simultaneously pursued my degree in Business and Marketing Analytics to strengthen my foundation as a CEO. Balancing school and business, I poured everything into growing MELABUTTA with intention and vision, and in September 2023, the brand officially launched.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Entrepreneurship is never a smooth road. It’s a journey on the road less traveled, one that requires you to create your own map by believing in yourself and your dreams.
The most challenging aspect I’ve found, and where many small business owners struggle, is finances and scaling. I’m not immune to it. Sometimes, you get so caught up in what you’ve been doing that you forget to question whether it’s truly the most efficient growth path. For me, being a team of one means wearing every hat — creative, operations, marketing, fulfillment, and that can easily lead to burnout. I know this isn’t the ideal way to build long-term success, but transitioning to that next level comes with its own set of challenges. Still, I know I’ll figure it out. Growth is never linear, but it’s always worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about MELABUTTA?
MELABUTTA is known for its unique flair and intentional approach to natural skincare. The name itself carries meaning, MELA originates from the core word melanin, representing depth, richness, and identity, while Butta is inspired by our #1 ingredient, organic Ghanaian shea butter. With a subtle twist, MELABUTTA creates its own sound and identity, distinct from tradition yet rooted in authenticity.
MELABUTTA was born from a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery, both grounded in intentional self-love and mindfulness. These values are what we encourage all of our community, lovingly called MBabes, to embody: a deep and conscious sense of self.
We specialize in natural skincare products that provide a healing experience for the spirit, mind, and body. Every ingredient is sustainably sourced and intentionally hand-curated. MELABUTTA is best known for having the BEST Body Butta on the Planet, truly unmatched and unlike any other cosmetic brand. What sets us apart is our mindful practice integrated into every product. From our cold-pressed bar soaps and luxurious body oils to our emulsified creamy suga scrubs, sacred bath soaks, bountiful bawdy mysts, and our signature body butta, each creation reflects our devotion to holistic wellness.
Another defining aspect of MELABUTTA is our brand image. We embody nature in every form, from the aesthetic of our pop-up event setups and product packaging to our mindful self-care activation experiences. We believe that the first luxury in life is NATURE, and there is no better way to honor both nature and yourself than by embracing the goodness of the earth.
At the heart of MELABUTTA is love, love for the craft, love for the community, and love for self. Whether through our products, our corporate self-care activations that promote wellness and team building, or our youth empowerment activities that build confidence and self-esteem, every element of MELABUTTA is rooted in Love & Logic.
MELABUTTA is more than skincare — it’s an experience, a movement, and a mindful reminder to nurture yourself as intentionally as you nurture your dreams.
Written by: Raynique Janielle, Founder of MELABUTTA
✨ Mindfully Moisturize — It’s an Experience.
📍 www.melabutta.com | @melabutta
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Some of my favorite books I’ve read this year are Finding Me by Viola Davis, As I Am by Cicely Tyson, and Homecoming by Yaa Gyasi. A few other staples that have guided me on my self-discovery journey include A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, The Alchemist, and The Four Agreements.
I’m also a huge music girly, I live on neo-soul, jazz, instrumentals, African drums/orchestra, binaural beats, and frequency music. Music amplifies my creative energy and keeps me grounded.
Other resources that help me stay aligned are Nature, meditation, prayer, affirmations, journaling, and, of course, self-care. Whether it’s a mindful shower or a long bath, any intentional act of self-care always brings me back to centerLast but not least, I’m a creative at heart. Beyond being the owner of MELABUTTA, I am a model, creative director, and stylist. I love expressing myself, and helping others express themselves, in ways that reveal new layers of confidence, identity, and self-elevation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.melabutta.com
- Instagram: @melabutta
- Facebook: @melabutta
Image Credits
@Marcus_and_Dilano|Instagram
