Thankfully, more and more fashion and beauty brands are embracing black women of all shades. Sure, you have numerous hair care companies to keep your kinky curls looking their luscious best and Rihanna has you fully covered with her all-inclusive Fenty line of beauty products, but what about fashion—specifically shoes?
If black women are aware of anything within the fashion and beauty space, it's that all things are not created equal, especially when it comes to nudes. What's nude on a woman of a different race, a biracial woman or black women on the lighter end of the color spectrum, is not nude for a WOC with a deep ebony complexion. Luckily, one woman and her new brand of nude shoes are changing the landscape one pair of shoes at a time.
Meet Kahmune, a U.K shoe brand founded by Jamela Acheampong that has shoes that represent the entire color spectrum for WOC. The shoes retail between $200-$250 and are available in four styles: a pump, sandal, flat and a mule. The collection offers 10 different shades from fair to deep, and each shade is named after a city, such as Juba, Rio, Bogota, Goa, and Enugu.
xoNecole caught up with Jamela Acheampong, who opened up about her innovative shoe line, how Kahmune, what the future holds for the brand and more!
What made you want to create Kahmune?
Jamela Acheampong: I've always been a pretty tenacious female - aggressive, stubborn, driven, all things others have chosen to call me over the years. When I was on Instagram one night back in 2016, I saw a "nude" themed outfit I wanted to mimic but quickly realized purchasing the same products I saw would result in it simply being a tan outfit on me, not a skin-tone one. There were so few options for my dark complexion and I found myself having to search "nude for dark skin," "black girl nude," and other ridiculous iterations to find products it was clear were not available in my shade. I decided in that moment not to wait around and hope someone else would recognize the problem but to fix it myself. That's how Kahmune was born!
"I decided in that moment not to wait around and hope someone else would recognize the problem, but to fix it myself."
When you initially launched Kahmune, what did you hope the response would be?
I think in the beginning I just wanted people to get it - to understand where I was coming from and to be just as passionate as I was about filling the gap in the market. I knew there were a lot of women out there, particularly women of color, that would resonate with the brand's mission, but I also wanted women in general, of all skin-tones, to take a second and think about the term "nude."
Why does a word that's intended to imply naked have a designated shade? How come only a fraction of women out there have skin tones that match said shade? Why hasn't this been an issue that's been tackled already? Do we not all deserve to have our skin tones acknowledged?
It's been great to see comments on social media and get emails like, "I never realised this but so true" or "I've been saying this for years." It's a concept that seems so simple to me. If the beauty and fashion industries are making skin tone accessories then they should be making options for all skin tones, no? I'm humbled that the brand was so well-received, and the response was so positive. Women want true nudes!
Are there any future plans in the works to expand your product range to include different shoe designs?
Yes, of course! If I had it my way, I'd already be offering 10-15 designs but I recognize that I have to start small. We currently offer four styles. I will be introducing one more style, a suede slide, this spring. The pump is currently available in two heel heights, and I hope to introduce a third more work friendly one this spring. At the moment, all styles can be pre-ordered for up to 30% off as I am currently crowdfunding to raise funds for the next round of production. Those who order the heeled sandals will have the power to decide what it looks like at the end of the campaign. As much as this is my brand, I think it's important to listen to my customers and I make a note of all of the feedback I receive regarding designs.
Additionally, I'm offering limited edition leather credit card holders and tote bags available exclusively through the campaign. What woman doesn't love a good bag to go with her shoes? The campaign runs until May 3 and we hope to start shipping out orders end of May/Early June. (Those interested can reserve their pair at bit.ly/KahmuneDiscounts.)
What can we expect from Kahmune throughout the rest of 2018 and beyond?
2018 will be the year of Kahmune In Real Life. What I mean by that is I want to give as many members of "The Kahmunity" as possible the opportunity to see, try, and match the shoes in person. I recently returned to the U.S. to host a series of launch parties for the brand and will be spending the remainder of 2018 here working on spreading the word about our nudes. We completed a successful launch in New York City and have plans for Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Atlanta. Always open for suggestions for new cities as well! I also hope to launch our first pop-up shops this year and am very much looking forward to introducing some new styles for the fall. I'm starting with shoes for now but who knows what products I'll introduce in the future! I'm not limiting myself to anything. If we hit our crowdfunding goal, I plan on introducing limited edition bodysuits. If those go over well, they may become something we offer all year round. I want Kahmune to grow to become the number one destination for skin tone garments and accessories for ALL women, regardless of skin tone or body type. Dark or Fair, it's time we all had the opportunity to celebrate our skin tones and it's my hope that women all over the globe will support Kahmune so that we can make it happen.
"I want Kahmune to grow to become the number one destination for skin tone garments and accessories for ALL women, regardless of skin tone or body type."
We are totally down for this representation of #BlackGirlMagic and can't wait to fill our closets with some nude shoes that perfectly enhance our melanin!
For more Kahmune, follow the brand on Instagram. Also if you are interested in helping this self-funded brand reach their profit goal, check out their Indiegogo campaign.
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- Fashion Brand To Know: Kahmune - Inspired in the City ›
Danielle Jennings is an Atlanta-based Style Writer/Editor, Tastemaker, Girl About Town, Fashion & Music Obsessed Long-Lost Huxtable Kid who is coming for everything they told her she couldn't have...one article at a time. Twitter: @daniellej416 IG: @prettyaries16
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
How Your Rising Sign Is The Key To Unlocking More Financial Abundance In Your Life
Abundance is a mindset and it's one you can obtain more effortlessly by knowing your birth chart. Your birth chart in Astrology reflects your cosmic blueprint for this lifetime and maps out things for you like your purpose, destiny, and financial potential. There are key ways to earn income or increase your finances and Astrology helps you dive into that. By knowing your financial strengths, weaknesses, and gifts, you can enhance the abundance surrounding you and align yourself more with what resonates.
In Astrology, there are a few areas of your birth chart that signify what your financial world looks like and have the potential to look at as well. Your 2nd house, rules your finances, personal income, and values, your 8th house rules your shared finances and the money you receive from partnerships or through marriage, and your 11th house rules your hopes and dreams, manifestations, and what you have accumulated through your career or business. The sign Venus also represents finances and luxury, and the placement of this planet is key to understanding your financial purpose as well.
We each come into this life with specific skill sets and perspectives that have the potential to help us live the life of our dreams and fulfill our intentions. By understanding where you tend to naturally thrive in life, you open the door to financial freedom and empowerment. What the stars say about your financial potential is the inspiration you need to walk through that door.
Read for your rising sign below to see how to unlock your key to abundance.
How Your Rising Sign Unlocks Abundance
ARIES RISING
Your key to unlocking abundance involves creating concrete, long-term, financial plans. With Taurus in the 2nd house, you have a natural gift for money and you know how to build something from the ground up. You create beauty, love, and stability in the world, and your ability to make people feel comfortable will help you financially succeed. Taurus in the 2nd house are collectors as well, and you have a good eye.
With Scorpio in your 8th house, the partnerships and connections you form help you increase your income and earnings. It’s not about overly relying on others financially, but knowing there is support there for you when you need it. Your financial potential overall involves how much you are dedicating yourself to your dreams and doing things that will provide stability and security in your life.
TAURUS RISING
As a Taurus Rising, you have Gemini in the 2nd house, and there are a lot of different avenues in which you can earn an income. You will most likely have multiple streams of income in fact, and your capacity to learn, grow, and expand financially is endless.
You thrive in communication, publication, and collaborative worlds, and your networking abilities will help you succeed in life.
By educating yourself and expanding your mind, you can use this knowledge to help you connect, sell, and raise awareness to others. With Pisces in the 11th house, you have lucky Jupiter helping you make your dreams come true and creating miracles in your life. No one sees things the way you do, use this to your advantage when it comes to your finances and goals here.
GEMINI RISING
For you, you are more emotionally tied to your finances and sense of stability than most. With Cancer in your 2nd house, you have a strong intuition regarding money matters, but you may also feel like things fluctuate a lot for you here. Your key to unlocking your personal abundance comes by finding the things that you hold value in, thinking about your purpose and the legacy you want to leave behind, and owning your nurturing abilities.
You are a natural caregiver, creator, and protector, and can thrive in roles such as these. Cancer in the 2nd house also shows an ability to earn through real estate, antiques, or investments. With Capricorn in the 8th house, your logic will help you execute your plans and goals, and you are always thinking one step ahead. People may underestimate you often, use this to your advantage.
CANCER RISING
As a Cancer Rising, you thrive when you are able to take charge and lead your creative efforts. With Leo in the 2nd house, you are a charismatic soul and you are meant to take center stage in life. Your creativity, confidence, and courage will set you apart from others, and you will financially succeed in roles where you have some type of authority or can express yourself freely.
With Aquarius in the 8th house, you may also find your financial power when it comes to technology or social media. You are a natural influencer and people want to know what you think about things and what your current obsessions are. You are the star of the show, remembering that is your key to unlocking your abundance in this lifetime.
LEO RISING
You have Virgo in the 2nd house, and unlocking your key to abundance involves getting organized, sticking to a routine, and doing things that benefit others or society in some way. You are typically found in roles that involve being of service and you also have a gift with your words. Careers such as writing, speaking, publishing, health roles, and healing treatments all serve you well.
With Gemini in the 11th house as well, you have a gift for networking, communication, building a group or a team, and succeeding in your collaborative efforts. Don’t let your need for perfection take you away from your potential regarding your ability to connect with others and build something inspiring. Your vision, partnerships, selfless attitude, and creativity will help you financially succeed.
VIRGO RISING
As a Virgo Rising, you are a hard worker and have a lot of beauty and wisdom to share with the world. You have Libra in the 2nd house, signifying a creative soul and someone who can earn an income through art, interior design, fashion, or therapeutic and beauty practices.
You have a gift when it comes to creating things appealing to the eye, and you resonate with the more luxurious spheres of life.
Aries in the 8th house signifies a drive to succeed, and you financially move through a lot of transformations in this lifetime that lead you closer to your dreams. Creating a business that you are passionate about or being a part of a legacy that creates something beautiful for the world, helps you financially succeed in life.
LIBRA RISING
Financially, you evolve over time. The key here for you with Scorpio in the 2nd house, is to trust your intuition when it comes to what to invest in and what to spend your time and energy on. Know that with any setback you may encounter financially, you will rise above more abundantly and successfully. You have a unique way of understanding the undercurrents and concept of money, use this to your advantage.
With Leo in the 11th house, you succeed when you are confident, standing out from the crowd, and doing things that feel authentic and natural for you. You are meant to shine and inspire others through your charisma, personality, and strong intuition.
SCORPIO RISING
With a Scorpio Rising, you have Sagittarius in the 2nd, and financial freedom is very important to you in this lifetime. You are working towards building a legacy for yourself through your wisdom, knowledge, and quest for understanding. You inspire others in your own unique way, and this is a placement for many teachers or guides in this world.
Virgo in the 11th house reminds you to get clear on the things you want for yourself and the plans or dedication it will take to get there. Your intelligence and your capacity to see all perspectives and express yourself in a grounded way is what is going to unlock your key to abundance.
SAGITTARIUS RISING
Financially, you have a lot of potential to succeed in this lifetime. With Capricorn in your 2nd house of income, you are business-savvy and have a knack for money. You know what the world needs more of, and you are the one to provide it. Through your work ethic and need to succeed, you are someone who can be found in higher positions within a business or company.
Cancer in the 8th house also shows that you find financial empowerment by dedicating yourself to a cause or career that holds deep importance for you and your heart. The people you meet along the way are also key to recognizing your dreams and financial abundance.
CAPRICORN RISING
As a Capricorn Rising, you have Aquarius in the 2nd house which shows a gift in community, networking, and social media. You are a trendsetter and are ahead of time when it comes to trends, fashion, and ideals. You have a unique vision and ability to succeed in this lifetime through your manifestation potential.
With Scorpio in the 11th house, you can build a team or an organization and lead yourself and others to success. Your acquaintances and friendships throughout life will help you meet the right people and get the right opportunities. You always need to be thinking big when it comes to your finances, and know that you have what it takes to succeed.
AQUARIUS RISING
For you, financial success comes from your imagination and your hope for it all. With Pisces in the 2nd house, you view your financial world through a spiritual and creative lens, and the opportunities for you in this lifetime are vast. You need a lot of freedom within your career and you need to be doing things that allow you to express your creativity.
With Sagittarius in the 11th house of your hopes and dreams, you will succeed when you are stepping out of your comfort zone, traveling, and exploring new things. Your knowledge combined with lucky Jupiter, makes you someone who is more lucky than most when it comes to making your financial dreams come true. Remain positive and know your path to abundance won’t look like everyone else's.
PISCES RISING
You have Aries in the 2nd house, and financially you feel empowered when you are going after your individual dreams and intentions and are in leadership roles. Entrepreneurship inspires you, and you know how to lead a team. Taking initiative when it comes to your financial world is key here, and you need a certain sense of freedom when it comes to your career and working life.
Libra in the 8th house signifies abundance through your love life, marriage, business partnerships, or commitments and people are more willing to lend you a helping hand than most, use this to your advantage. Overall, your key to abundance is taking initiative, creating things never seen before, and using your charming personality to attract the support you need to succeed.
Love is cute and all, but building an empire together? That’s the real flex. Tap into our new series Making Cents to see what financial compatibility really looks like when love and legacy go hand in hand.
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Featured image by Igor Alecsander/Getty Images
Originally published on February 6, 2025