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.