Rising Stars: Meet Candice Bondon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candice Bondon. She shares her story with us below.

In 2014, Candice started a small online store, Created by Cocoa Butterfly. The online store made its start selling one-of-a-kind loc jewelry and hair accessories. Candice began crocheting in 2015 after recently moving to Atlanta, Georgia. Created by Cocoa Butterfly expanded to include a growing collection of crochet clothing and crafts, jewelry, and other accessories. Over the next few years, the brand participated in many fashions shows and vending events, offering her one-of-a-kind, handmade crochet apparel.

In 2018, Candice became a proud mother to her son, Mason. Since becoming a mom, play has become an important part of life. Motherhood also brought more awareness to the importance and need for representation, for our children of color, during play. In June 2021, the well-known crochet apparel brand made its debut as a black woman-owned doll and toy company, Melanated Hands Doll & Toy Company.

In the future, Candice plans to continue exploring her creativity and to expand her growing brand Melanated Hands Co. to offer a wider variety of unique and educational toys for all children of color. And also provide other women of color with jobs and opportunities to explore their own creativity through her brand.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think everyone experiences their own obstacles and/or challenges no matter the path they take. One challenge for me was feeling alone. I did not know anyone who crocheted prior to walking into this gift. Over the years, I have found like-minded individuals, my crochet tribe, and that has been so important for me.

Another huge challenge for me was knowing that my gift was very different and that gift may not be appreciated by everyone. And that’s ok. My gift not being appreciated by all doesn’t make it any less valuable or needed in this world. My gift has a great purpose. I had to learn to stay focused, invest in my gift, follow my heart and trust my creativity, stay encouraged and most importantly, keep going!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Candice Bondon was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Even as a child, she had a special love for art and creating unique things with her hands. As owner and toymaker, Candice proudly handcrafts each and every piece she sells personally, paying special attention to detail, mixing various colors, stitches, patterns, and materials. Melanated Hands Doll & Toy Company LLC sets itself apart from other brands by proudly being 100% Handmade, 100% Black-Owned, and 100% Woman-Owned.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by how many lives I touch and inspire through my creations. I love creating dolls and toys that leave a lasting impact on children of color. Children of color actually “see” themselves in my creations. It allows them to love and accept themselves. It allows them to embrace their own uniqueness and celebrate it. If children do not themselves represented during early learning and play, how will they know they belong in this world?

I hope others with unique gifts and talents see me boldly and authentically being myself while sharing my gifts with the world and are inspired to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.melanatedhandsco.com
• Instagram: @melanatedhandsco

Image Credits
Jack Patterson II, Jack Patterson II Photography (credit only for picture of me and yarn)