Recently, ShopTheHood shared a message that stopped us in our tracks.
They talked about creating "good trouble"—using your voice to advocate for something that matters.
In this case, that something was small businesses.
As a small business ourselves, we want to say:
Thank you, ShopTheHood, for speaking the truth.
Because the truth is that small businesses need advocates now more than ever.
Small Businesses Are More Than Just Stores
When people shop with a small business, they're not simply purchasing a product.
They're supporting a dream.
A family.
A founder who took a risk.
A team working late nights to improve a product, answer customer emails, pack orders, and solve problems.
Behind every small business is a story.
Behind every order is a real person who notices and appreciates that support.
That's something many consumers don't always get to see.
Why We Started Melanin Fleece Tights
Melanin Fleece Tights was born from a problem that larger brands weren't solving.
Women of color deserved fleece-lined tights that actually matched their skin tones.
Yet for years, many were forced to choose products that looked unnatural, ashy, or weren't designed with them in mind at all.
We didn't start this business because we wanted to become another fashion brand.
We started because we believed our community deserved better options.
That belief still drives everything we do today.
The Importance of Speaking Up
One thing that resonated with us in ShopTheHood's message was the idea that supporting small businesses isn't just about spending money.
It's about using your voice.
Every recommendation.
Every review.
Every social media share.
Every conversation with a friend.
Every creator who highlights a business they genuinely believe in.
Those actions matter.
More than people realize.
For many small businesses, word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful forms of growth.
Not because it's the loudest.
But because it's built on trust.
Bringing Our Dollars Home
When communities intentionally support businesses that serve them, understand them, and invest back into them, everyone benefits.
Innovation grows.
More unique products enter the market.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to keep building.
And consumers gain access to businesses that genuinely care about their experience.
That's why messages like the one shared by ShopTheHood are so important.
They remind us that where we spend our money has an impact.
They remind us that community matters.
And they remind us that some of the most meaningful businesses are built not through massive advertising budgets, but through relationships and trust.
Thank You, ShopTheHood
To ShopTheHood:
Thank you for using your platform to advocate for quality small businesses.
Thank you for encouraging people to think intentionally about where they shop.
Thank you for reminding consumers that there are real people behind every small business.
And thank you for creating the kind of "good trouble" that helps communities thrive.
Your voice matters.
And we're grateful you're using it to support businesses like ours.
To Our Community
To every customer who has supported Melanin Fleece Tights over the years:
Thank you.
Whether you've purchased a pair of tights, left a review, shared us with a friend, or simply followed our journey, you've played a role in helping us continue our mission.
Small businesses survive because communities believe in them.
We're grateful every day that you've chosen to believe in us.
With gratitude,
The Melanin Fleece Tights Team
