Meet the Face Behind the Brand

The Melanated Mom Project is a project created by Erica DeLay, the owner of Queenery Boutique, to bring awareness to the Maternal discrepancies amongst African American women with highlights specifically on the treatment of expecting moms and moms who deal with Postpartum Depression. Each year women come together to advertise the cause through custom clothing by Queenery Boutique with make-up and a photoshoot done to support each other, make the moms feel beautiful, and bring awareness to the cause all in one!

African American women are more subjective to high-risk pregnancies than any other race. We also have a higher rate of death during childbirth than any other race as well. There is a stereotype that African Americans, in general, have a higher pain tolerance than other races, and some healthcare providers govern our care based on this stereotype. This is false, and you know your body! If you feel something wrong, SAY SOMETHING, MOMMY. Your child needs you. Please Do not ignore it, and DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO IGNORE YOU!

As African Americans, we are taught that depression either doesn’t exist or shouldn’t be mentioned. Many moms go through postpartum depression (PPD) and are drowning every day simply because they aren’t comfortable talking about it. Just because she smiles does not mean she isn’t going through a depression phase.  There are many stereotypes where people think that the only moms who suffer from PPD are the ones who reject their kids. This is untrue! A mom may show a lack of interest or ambition, a lack of self-care, she may be highly emotional, suffering from anxiety, and the list goes on. There is not one unique symptom of PPD, and the support from family, friends, spouses, etc., play a massive role in the recovery for our moms. Please make her get out of bed. Please make her shower. Please open the curtains and shine some light in. PLEASE GIVE HER A BREAK, no matter how much she says she doesn’t need one. Please make her get some fresh air. Please help her regain her interest in the things she loves to do.

And lastly, PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE HER!