The Maker Behind the Press
I'm Ayana. Melanin Made by Ayana started because the gifts I wanted to give didn't exist yet — pieces that looked like the women in my life, said what I actually meant, and didn't need a paragraph of explanation.
So I started making them. Every tumbler, coaster, keychain, magnet, tote, and plaque is designed in-house and hand-pressed in my home studio, one at a time. The greeting cards are cut and foiled by hand. The gift baskets are packed by me, not a fulfillment center.
The words come first — affirmations, encouragement, the kind of thing you'd say to your sister on a hard day — then they go onto something you'll actually use, so the reminder is there on the drive to work, on the fridge, in your hand at the end of a long night.
Who This is for
The woman treating herself after a season of pouring into everyone else. The friend buying for her sister, her line sisters, her mama. The husband, son, or coworker who wants to get it right. If you're looking for a gift that says "I see you," you're in the right place.
Ordering for a Group?
Sorority events, women's retreats, baby showers, staff appreciation, corporate gifts — I take custom and bulk orders of 12 pieces or more, with one invoice and one point of contact. Tell me the occasion, quantity, and date on the bulk order page and I'll come back with options and pricing.
Let's Create Together
Looking for a custom piece, planning a group order, or have a question about something you saw on Etsy? Send me a note — I read every message and usually reply within a day.