Ashley Harmon knows what it’s like to face health issues, so creating a multivitamin specifically formulated for women of color was deeply personal. Forging a partnership with some dynamic women’s basketball players to promote that vitamin felt natural, and she recently teamed up with WNBA champions Azurá Stevens and Dana Evans, to bring awareness to Mela Vitamins.
“When I was in college, I started getting really sick and couldn’t figure out what it was,” said Harmon. “Went to countless doctors, like so many other women in our community have. No one tried to figure out what was wrong.”
After two years of tests and different medications, a Black doctor accurately diagnosed a Vitamin D deficiency. She learned about how many Black women experience Vitamin D deficiency, and Harmon began making her own vitamin supplements. When the pandemic hit in 2020, she worked at a media company that was reporting on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color.
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“It really inspired me to launch Mela Vitamins,” said Harmon. “Beyond the product, I really want to help our communities live healthier. … For me, these professional athletes are the epitome of health. They’re in the best shape of their lives; they’re focused on nutrition. Being able to partner with people that understand health and wellness can help educate our communities around why these things are so important.
“Both Dana and Azurá are very active in partnering with different community organizations that support health equity and wellness programs, so it’s a great fit for us,” she added.
“As an athlete, I’ve seen firsthand how access to the right resources can make all the difference in achieving your full potential,” said Stevens, who is currently taking part in Unrivaled, the new 3×3 league playing in Miami. “Black women deserve wellness solutions designed specifically for them. This partnership is about … advancing health equity.”
Harmon noted that female athletes are demanding a lot from their bodies. Especially when rehabbing an injury, it’s crucial to pay attention to all aspects of recovery.
“Also, immunity wise they’re traveling so much,” said Harmon, who envisions working with more Black female athletes, both professional and college, moving forward. “So many of us are busy all the time, so taking the time and effort to focus on your wellness and self-care is something they understand very well.”
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