![]() Tell us about your book. MELANIN is an artistic expression and response to colorism. In this book, eleven Black women of all shades and hues tell their personal stories of when they experienced colorism. Some of the encounters are positive and others are negative, but they all have one thing in common: appreciation of self. In Melanin, readers go on a journey with the women as they recount their past and present feelings and thoughts on self-worth and self-love. What inspired you to become an author? Becoming an author was not intentional. I was brainstorming a creative way to share my experience with colorism and gain the perspective of others on this very real issue. I love the arts and fashion, and many major fashion brands have beautiful coffee table decor. This idea inspired me to create a book that is home decor and a conversation starter. What was the process like for you producing your book?
Producing this book was the most easy-going project that I have ever done. I started with asking myself what is MELANIN. Researching this led me to the path of understanding the chemistry of MELANIN which is why I incorporated it in the book. On the cover, the scientific carbon chain of MELANIN is at the top. Throughout the pages the chemical structure of MELANIN can be noted. I also partnered with a jewelry maker to create custom pieces for myself and the other models/women in the book. My jewelry piece was this beautiful copper bra that showcased the melanin chemical structure as well as crystals that were symbolic for strength and resilience. Tell us about the most memorable response from someone about your book. Many of the responses brought me to tears because people let me know that they felt seen and some shared their personal stories with me. However, the most memorable was a little chocolate girl that was in the audience at one of my events. She was staring at the beautiful images in admiration. She later shared that she gets teased at school because of her complexion. That experience confirmed to me that this book will serve its purpose. She didn’t say this, but I felt that when she looked at the book she didn’t feel alone and seeing beautiful women of different shades that included her complexion gave her confidence. What kind of impact would you like your book to garner? I would like did this book to be a recognizable piece nationally. Since I believe most people’s first experience with colorism starts in the home and/or in school, I really want it to impact children. Helping them to understand beauty is not determined by the shade of your skin. Also to be very proud of your MELANIN no matter what shade your skin tone is. What keeps you motivated in such a competitive industry? I believe I stay motivated to create because it’s what I love to do. I do view myself as competing with anyone else. Creatives pour a lot of passion, blood, sweat and tears into their work. I understand how mentally and physically taxing this can be, so I’m rooting for them too. What's next for Marie Antoinette? I’m going to continue to raise awareness on colorism through discussing the book and hosting book signings. I also created some new scents for the MELANIN candle collection. Where can people purchase your book? https://www.marieantoinette929.com/author How can we follow you? Website: www.ma929.com Instagram: @marieantoinette929
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