Every entrepreneur WACIF supports is writing a story of resilience and innovation and for Patrice Chappelle, that story started with recognizing a need and creating something new.

Patrice, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of MelanBrand Skin, launched the company alongside her son, Bron Echols, after realizing there were few skincare products designed specifically for Black and Brown youth. What began as a family idea quickly became a growing brand with a mission to help children, teens, and families build healthy skincare habits and confidence through gentle, dermatologist-approved products created with melanated skin in mind.

Since launching in 2023, MelanBrand Skin has continued to gain momentum while staying rooted in purpose and impact.

How Funding Through WACIF Capital Supported Small Business Growth

Along the way, WACIF has been proud to support Patrice’s entrepreneurial journey through the WACIF x Hello Brand Scholarship Program, the Ascend.Her Beauty Capital Accelerator, and as a Sustainable Entrepreneurship Ambassador . Through these opportunities, MelanBrand Skin gained access to education, entrepreneurial resources, a network of founders, and funding that helped strengthen and accelerate growth.

For Patrice, support goes beyond capital, it’s about having the right people in your corner.

“You will never become a million-dollar business if you decide to give up and quit when it gets tough. If it were that easy, everyone would be a millionaire.”

Her story is a reminder that building something meaningful takes persistence, community, and confidence.

WACIF’s Commitment To Providing Small Business Support and Resources

At WACIF, we believe sustainable entrepreneurship is about more than products, it’s about building resilient businesses that strengthen communities and shape the future.

Because when vision is backed by the right support, it becomes impact.

Have a vision for your business? Speak with a WACIF advisor to learn how we can help turn it into impact.