We recently had the chance to connect with Melannie Owade and have shared our conversation below.
Melannie, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I recently took a trip to Kenya, my home country, it was the first time I’ve been there in over 12 years. I got to spend time with my family I haven’t seen in years, celebrate, and make memories traveling to different parts of the country. I woke up everyday feeling so grateful, joyful and genuinely at peace.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Melannie, the artist, designer and founder of Neptunes Mūn. Neptune’s Mūn is a bold, inclusive fashion brand that celebrates divine femininity through custom pieces and rental pieces like headpieces, bralettes, and carnival costumes. We cater to women of all sizes, blending fantasy, culture, and confidence in every design. We are based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but cater to people across the country.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That would definitely be my best friend Ashley. We’ve been inseparable since 7th grade, and she’s still my ride or die to this day. She’s always seen my true, genuine self, even before I could, and accepted me flaws and all. Ashley’s incredibly intuitive, intelligent, and one of the most nurturing souls I know. She’s also been one of my biggest supporters on my art and brand journey, always encouraging me to keep going and reminding me of my purpose.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her: You’re not too much, and you’re not broken, what you’re feeling is real, but the negative won’t last forever. Not everyone will understand your deep sensitivity or your immense capacity to feel things so deeply, but that’s one of your greatest strengths. It’s what makes your heart so big, your art so powerful, and your presence so impactful. Keep going because there’s so much beauty waiting on the other side.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One foundational truth for me is that everything is connected..energy, intention, and purpose. I move through life believing that what you pour into the world comes back to you and things are always working in divine harmony, even if it doesn’t look like it or even if I don’t like it…I just have to trust that things will fall into place with intention. I also deeply believe that softness and strength can coexist, that being vulnerable isn’t weakness, it’s power. These are truths I live by instinctively, even if I don’t always say them out loud.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is my essence…my heart, my creativity, my resilience, and the love I carry for others. I’d still be a soul that feels deeply, creates with purpose, and finds beauty in connection and meaning in every experience. That core version of me is who I truly am, regardless of titles or things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://neptunesmun.com/
- Instagram: Neptunesmun / Neptunecreates_
- Other: https://neptunecreates.printify.me/
https://neptunesmun.etsy.com/
Image Credits
Jordie Kyalo, ShotsbyKam, fotoshutters,
