SHEEN Exclusive Interview: Melissa A. Mitchell Launches New Collection with Foot Locker!

Self-taught artist, author, motivational speaker, and entrepneuer is a Miami native, who’s pure talent in abstract art speaks for itself. In 2014, Mitchell founded Abeille Creations, were she began showcasing her world of abstract art to inspire and empower others. Just recently, the multi-talented creative recently launched her latest collection and partnership with Foot Locker as part of their LEED initiative – a $200 million five-year commitment to support the Black community through economic development and education. We had the chance to sit down with her to discuss all the details of the new collection and much more in our exclusive interview.

Tell us about your latest collection and partnership with Foot Locker.

My collection officially launched Wednesday, September 8^th in select stores and Foot Locker’s official website. It’s also available through Champ Sports online. The collection is a 13-piece collection that includes a sports bra, biker shorts, dresses, bomber jackets, leggings, as well as track pants. Its full of color and there are four different designs. It’s a lot of fun! People asked why I didn’t come up with this at the beginning of summer, but I truly believe that color should be worn all year-long. Color brings energy to anything that it’s brought to, so I’m just excited to finally reveal this collection to the world.

courtesy of Foot Locker

photo by Ryan Coleman

What inspired the creation of Abeille Creations?

(Laughs), What inspired it. So, I always tell this story of how I initially was bored during the snowstorm in 2014. That’s when I first picked up a brush. I was laughing and talking to friends about it online and just chronicling my journey. A friend DM’d me and suggested that it may really be my thing. I created a piece to match her living room and two more orders came in, and eventually it became an avalanche of support. As time progressed, I wanted to begin to wear my artwork. In 2016, that’s when I ventured off into wearable artwork. That’s when I launched my first headwrap. In 2017, Lupita Nyong’o wore it in Vogue Magazine. That was my like ‘ah-ha’ moment. I was like ‘I think I’m onto something.’ I began investing in the process of learning how to get wearable art produced. In 2018 and 2019, I spent a significant time on learning everything. When Foot Locker called in 2021, I was already ready with my production team, I knew the process and pricing, and I was really able to prevent something that was valuable to the company and the world.

You’ve seen your creations on stars such as Tabitha Brown, Lupita Nyong’o, and many more! What does that accomplishment mean to you?

Seeing various people experience my artwork is amazing. It’s almost like that sense of affirmation and confirmation that you’re doing something right. Not only am I supporting someone dope, but they get to see their favorite celebrities do the same thing. I think over time, it’s let me know that I am on the right journey and that what I’m creating really resonates with a lot more people than I realize. It really allowed me to become more confident as a creator and really say that what I’m doing stands out. Happy doesn’t even sound like the right kind of word to describe it. It really speaks to my spirit. It tells me to keep going because you’re never going to know how people receive it.

What are you currently working on and what can we expect to see from you in the rest of 2021?

Right now, I’m focused on getting this sold out and hopefully do more valuable pieces for the collection as winter approaches. I want to do things that speak to my spirit. I only want things that are tailor made for me. Of course, that’s looking more towards home décor, more murals in the city, and valuable projects that will speak to other creatives and dreamers just like me. My goal is to be influential and inspiring overall. I want to continue to pour into other people, help them understand their purpose, and really take hold of who they are. The sky is not the ceiling, there is so much more in store if we keep going. I just want to show people that it’s possible.