Our Story. Our Team. Our Dream.
100% Handmade
100% Black-Owned
100% Women-Owned
Candice B.
Owner and Designer
Candice was born and raised in the vibrant city of Kansas City, Missouri. Even as a child, she cultivated a special love for the arts and enjoyed creating various things with her hands that sparked her imagination. As the proud owner and talented creator behind Melanated Hands Craft Studio, Candice takes great pride in handcrafting each and every piece she sells personally. She dedicates herself to paying special attention to detail, meticulously mixing various colors, intricate stitches, and high-quality materials to ensure that each item shines with not only uniqueness, but care.
After years of trying to “niche down” my creativity, I eventually came to the realization that being multi-passionate is, in fact, my true niche! I absolutely love creating. And I love creating in a variety of different ways. I believe that all my unique gifts and diverse creations have room to thrive and deserve the opportunity to SHINE brightly in their own special way.
Melanated Hands
Craft Studio
In 2014, Candice launched an online shop, Created by Cocoa Butterfly, selling unique loc jewelry and hair accessories. After moving to Atlanta in 2015, she started crocheting and expanded her shop to include crochet clothing, crafts, hair jewelry, and other accessories. Over the years, the brand participated in fashion shows and events, showcasing handmade crochet apparel.
In 2018, Candice became a mother, which highlighted the importance of representation for children of color during play. This led to the creation of her new brand, Melanated Hands Craft Studio, a black woman-owned doll and toy company. Recently, Candice has discovered a passion for machine embroidery and tapestry crochet. She aims to continue her creative journey, inspire authentic self-expression, and expand her brand with more unique creations.