Chloe Brown

Chloe Brown is the visionary founder and CEO of Melaniva, a Black-owned luxury brand redefining elegance through identity, heritage, and craftsmanship. After nearly two decades in corporate leadership, Chloe left the boardroom to build a brand that celebrates the strength, beauty, and pride of Black women — one name, one story, and one handbag at a time. Her journey reflects a commitment to empowerment and purpose-driven design, inspiring women around the world to wear their names with pride.

Personal Information

• Full Name: Chloe Brown
• Current Position: CEO & Founder at Melaniva
• Date of Birth: September 14, 1982
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Fashion Management
• Alma Mater: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
• Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Current Residence: Denver, Colorado, USA
• Gender: Female
• Occupation: Entrepreneur, Creative Director, Brand Strategist

Career Objectives

Short-term goals: In the near future, my goal is to strengthen Melaniva’s position as a Black-owned luxury brand that celebrates identity through craftsmanship and storytelling. I aim to refine our product collections with new materials and personalized design elements that embody elegance and confidence. At the same time, I plan to expand our community programs — creating mentorship and creative collaborations that uplift and empower women of color in fashion and entrepreneurship.

Long-term goal: My long-term vision is to establish Melaniva as a global symbol of pride, purpose, and excellence in luxury fashion. I aspire to build a sustainable legacy brand rooted in artistry, personalization, and social impact — one that honors the heritage of Black women and inspires future generations to lead with courage and creativity. Through innovation, integrity, and community, I hope to make Melaniva synonymous with empowerment and timeless style.

Work Experience

Strategy Analyst | Global Consulting Firm
2005 – 2009

• Conducted market, customer, and channel analyses for retail and consumer brands.
• Built executive-ready dashboards (growth, acquisition efficiency, retention) to inform decisions.
• Supported process-improvement initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency.

Engagement Manager | Global Consulting Firm
2010 – 2014

• Led 6–8 strategy projects annually focused on brand expansion and customer experience.
• Coordinated cross-functional teams (marketing, operations, finance) to deliver on time and budget.
• Designed CX programs that achieved double-digit improvements in customer satisfaction.

Corporate Strategy Director | Global Consulting Firm
2015 – 2018

• Directed enterprise strategy initiatives for national retailers and large consumer brands.
• Partnered with executive teams to refine brand positioning and long-term growth roadmaps.
• Championed DEI initiatives and mentored emerging women leaders.

Senior Director, Brand & Customer Strategy | National Retail Group
2019 – 2022

• Owned customer strategy and loyalty roadmap across multiple banners and digital channels.
• Scaled personalization pilots from concept to rollout, improving engagement and repeat purchase.
• Led cross-brand storytelling frameworks that elevated equity and cultural representation.

Founder & CEO | Melaniva
2022 – Present

• Founded a Black-owned luxury brand celebrating the power and beauty of Black women through personalized handbags.
• Developed the signature exterior nameplate process, each piece hand-finished with meticulous craftsmanship.
• Oversees creative direction, product design, and purpose-driven campaigns rooted in authenticity and pride.
• Leads artisan partnerships and a high-touch customer experience model emphasizing inclusivity and excellence.
• Expanded Melaniva’s presence through digital storytelling and community engagement.

Certifications and Courses Attended

• Luxury Brand Management Program – London College of Fashion (University of the Arts London)
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Harvard Business School Online
• Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) – Cornell University
• Sustainable Materials and Ethical Fashion Practices – Parsons School of Design
• Creative Direction & Visual Storytelling – Central Saint Martins
• Customer Experience Excellence – The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center

Skills

• Creative Direction & Brand Storytelling: Expert in shaping visual identity and brand narratives that inspire emotional connection and loyalty.
• Leadership & Strategic Management: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and scale business operations effectively.
• Luxury Product Development: Deep understanding of design, craftsmanship, and the personalization process for premium accessories.
• Customer Experience Design: Skilled in creating high-touch, concierge-level experiences that embody respect, authenticity, and excellence.
• Diversity & Community Engagement: Advocate for representation, equity, and empowerment within the fashion and business landscape.
• Sustainable Brand Growth: Integrates ethical sourcing and eco-conscious materials into long-term brand strategy.

Aspirations

• To make Melaniva a global symbol of empowerment, luxury, and cultural pride for women of color.
• To build a legacy fashion house that redefines what it means to be a Black-owned luxury brand.
• To mentor emerging designers and entrepreneurs, fostering creativity and leadership across communities.
• To pioneer sustainable innovation in luxury accessories without compromising elegance or craftsmanship.
• To leave an enduring mark — not only through design but through the empowerment of every woman who carries Melaniva.