She’s sending nudes. Jamela Acheampong is the founder of Kahmune (pronounced com•mune), a nude footwear and accessories line increasing skin-tone inclusivity in fashion one heel at a time. (Pssst: She just dropped a collection with Stitch Fix today, including an exclusive bootie, so you might want to jump on that.)

We spoke to the Ghanaian-American designer about what inspired her brand and how accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness—especially if that help comes from Stitch Fix’s Elevate program, which is geared to help entrepreneurs of color grow their businesses with financial grants and ongoing mentorship. (BTW, Elevate is accepting applications for their next class of talent like right now.)

True or false: All nudes are created equal.
It’s a trick question. With Kahmune, yes. In general, no. I think it should read, “All nudes should be created equal,” and then it would be true.

What motivated you to launch your brand?
I saw a picture of a celebrity wearing a full nude outfit. I felt very inspired to copy her, but after searching for hours, I couldn’t find the right pieces [because] nude products have a tan and beige shade attached to them. I was like, “If there aren’t products on the market, I’m going to create them.” I bought a pair of white pumps, painted them to match my skin, and that’s how I got my first nude pair. Putting them on and looking in the mirror, and that feeling of joy, pride, and satisfaction, that’s when I was like, “Alright, I’m running with this.”

Has it been difficult finding support as a BIPOC designer?
What has been really hard as a Black designer is finding capital and funding. We’re just not getting the same amount of attention. [To start off], I got a business loan and bootstrapped. I put everything I could from my paychecks towards the business. But I have been very fortunate since then to receive a few grants, have angel investors, and have support from customers willing to pre-order.

How did you link up with Stitch Fix?
I saw a post on social media and I was like, “Why not?” I made it to the finals and got chosen! So now we’re partners and they can’t get rid of me. [Laughing.] The amount of attention, dedication, and respect that has been put into this program from the jump is so telling. They thought of everything. We were able to meet with people [from] different specialties, and they’re so accessible. You talk to them and they’re like, “If you have any questions, email me. It’s not a big [deal].” A lot of times, other programs make you feel like a nuisance. But Stitch Fix has made me feel really important, so I’m in good hands.

Have you noticed a change in your brand exposure since teaming up with Stitch Fix?
Just [by] sharing my brand, our followers have increased and the feedback has been incredible. People take the time to DM us, “I just found out about your brand from Stitch Fix. I love what you’re doing.” Stitch Fix stylists DM us and are like, “I’m so excited to have a brand like yours being carried by us.”

What’s the most valuable skill you’ve learned from this experience?
It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to get help. In my personal life, I’m super independent. But you cannot build a successful brand on your own. Being able to accept help for the last 8 months has been awesome. Looking back, I see times when maybe I should’ve gotten help—not only to mitigate the impact on my mental health, but on the brand itself. I’m 1 person, there’s only so much I can do. To any entrepreneurs: if there’s an opportunity to get help, do it.

What does it take to manage a successful label (besides having cute products)?
Thick skin and integrity. And you always have to know your “why.” You can post a viral photo and reel in the comments and new followers, but when you don’t have any pictures going viral, when your bank account’s low, when your customers are giving you hell, you have to know why you’re doing it. That’s what’s going to get you through the valleys rather than the peaks.

Where do you see Kahmune 5 years from now?
We’re going global, baby! I would love to have seasonal popups in all the cities and regions our shades are named after, [like Rio or Singapore]. I want to be a household name, like, “Oh look, she has her Kahmunes on!”

What’s the best way to wear nudes?
I love bright colors, so a nice bright blazer and jeans and my nude flats? I love that. It’s so classic and chic. Lately, I’m loving a statement dress or a pattern, because it takes your focus to both things. With the pattern, you’re going to look at the outfit, but then you’re going to look at the shoe when you see it’s a nude. But obviously, nudes go with everything, so any outfit!

Psst: Kahmune’s full Elevate collection is available now on Stitch Fix, so click here to tie off your next au naturel look.*