Growing up, I had extremely irregular periods. I would go months without having a period and then, all of a sudden, have a day when my period would come. I was left sick, depleted, and hating my period.
Back in the winter of 2023, my energy levels were at an all-time low. Scouring the internet, I discovered that lack of Vitamin D was causing my low mood and inability to function throughout the day. Then, I came across Mela Vitamins. With capsules featuring essential vitamins like D3, B12, A, K, E, zinc, and my favorite ingredient, Lion’s Mane mushrooms, I gave them a try.
After incorporating Mela into my routine, I felt my energy levels rise. My focus sharpened, my brain fog lifted, and I could actually accomplish activities during the dark season. Since then, Mela Vitamins have been a must-have in my daily routine.
Eager to learn about the inspiration behind the vitamins, I spoke to the owner of Mela Vitamins in an exclusive interview. Ahead, read about Ashley Harmon’s health journey.
The Inspiration Behind Mela Vitamins
Mela Vitamins is the brainchild of Ashley Harmon, a founder who created the multivitamins after being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in college. [PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects around 200,000 individuals in the US every year and can lead to infertility, diabetes, and even cancer.]
On a journey to better health, Harmon turned to the expertise of doctors who recommended she begin taking a variety of medications to manage her condition.
“While I respected the doctors’ perspectives, there were times when I didn’t agree,” Harmon tells BrownStyle Magazine exclusively about her health journey and learning to advocate for her own health. “I wasn’t great at it in the beginning, but I learned to ask questions as I went through different doctors’ appointments.”
She continues, “I realized I could switch doctors and find someone who truly cares about my health and well-being. There is a difference between doctors who want to just write a prescription versus doctors who are getting to the root cause.”
After unsuccessful runs with pharmaceuticals, the creator decided to learn about holistic herbs and find recipes to heal her body from the inside and out.
In the first year of developing Mela Vitamins, Harmon says she spent countless hours talking to Black women and other WOC about their health experiences.
“Women, especially Women Of Color, have continuously been left out of the medical and wellness space. By communicating and gathering this information from the community, I realized something important— people were struggling with similar things in their health, like irregular periods, chronic fatigue, and overall feeling unwell,” she reveals.
Using that data, she created vitamins that addressed the exact needs of WOC. “No one else was going to do it. I had a responsibility to make sure we have what we need as Women of Color,” she notes, adding she’s recently added Zeina Mohamad Alkhalaf, PhD, clinical researcher from the NIH and professor at the University of Maryland, to the team.
In addition to expanding the vitamin brand with additional women’s supplements, Harmon has plans to continue building community health and health equity with educational content and free community events.
The Importance Of WOC Speaking Up In Wellness And Health Spaces
The conversation certainly brought about the importance of asking questions and being your biggest health advocate. Harmon advises, “Tell doctors how you feel straight up. Being honest about your health is the top priority. Also, bringing a list of questions has been helpful for me in the past.”
To maintain her health, Harmon turns to daily exercise and surrounds herself with people who uplift and inspire her.
“I enjoy spending an hour walking outside daily and I incorporate a set workout routine boost throughout the week,” she shares about her wellness routine, adding that community is key to living her soft life. “Scheduling a weekly call with one of my besties and my parents keeps me collected throughout my busy weeks. I love spending time with family when I can!”
When it comes to inclusion in the wellness and health space, Harmon hopes to see more media companies and marketing agencies highlighting Black/Brown people hiking, healthy eating, yoga, and putting their health first.
“We deserve to be in spaces of wellness and health,” she insists. “It isn’t a luxury to take care of yourself, but a right.”
To learn more about Ashley Harmon and Mela Vitamins visit melavitamins.com.
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
