Representation is at the heart of everything Chef Carlotta Michele creates. As the visionary founder of Santa University™, she’s redefining what the holidays look and feel like by infusing them with HBCU pride, Black joy, and the warmth of authentic storytelling. From Mrs. Claus’ Bakery to the Gingerbread Spice Sorority™, her creations celebrate culture, community, and creativity in ways that make every home feel seen. Through Santa University™, Chef Carlotta isn’t just designing festive collections—she’s building a legacy that reminds us that representation matters, especially during the most magical time of the year.
SwagHer Magazine caught up with Chef Carlotta to learn more about the inspiration behind Santa University™, her creative process, and how she’s turning holiday traditions into a lasting legacy of culture, community, and representation.
Celebrating Black Joy Through The Holidays
Fancy: What inspired you to create Santa University™, and how did your vision for blending Christmas traditions with HBCU culture first come to life?
Carlotta: Santa University™ was born out of a desire to see myself, my family, and our culture reflected in holiday traditions. I’ve always loved Christmas; it’s that time when food, family, and faith come together. But I noticed something was missing—us. I would paint our Santas and Nutcrackers or design our own t-shirts. There wasn’t enough representation of Black joy, pride, or the way we truly celebrate the holidays. I originally designed a completely different line, and my kids told me it was terrible. I laughed and said, “Well, maybe next year again,” and went to bed. I woke up the next morning with the blessing of Santa University™—a magical HBCU at the North Pole where Santa and Mrs. Claus are rooted in our rhythm, flavor, and history. That’s how Santa University came to life—through the heart of culture, community, and creativity.
Defining the Mission
Fancy: Your work beautifully showcases that Black culture belongs everywhere—especially at the holiday table. How would you describe the heart and mission behind Santa University in your own words?
Carlotta: At its core, Santa University is about representation, celebration, and belonging. I want every Black family to see themselves in Christmas culture, not as a trend but as a tradition. Our mission is to blend the spirit of HBCUs—legacy, pride, and excellence—with the magic of the holidays. It’s about saying we belong here too. Our stories are joyful, and our culture is worth celebrating all season long.
Building a Legacy Brand
Fancy: As a chef, creative, and entrepreneur, how have your personal experiences as a Black woman shaped the way you built this brand and its storytelling?
Carlotta: As a Black woman, chef, and creative, everything I build comes from experience and heart. I know what it feels like to create something from nothing, to juggle family, business, and faith while chasing a dream. That’s why Santa University isn’t just a brand; it’s a legacy. It’s storytelling through design, food, music, and campus culture. I wanted to build something my grandkids could see and say, “My Grandma built that.” It’s purpose wrapped in creativity.
Cultural Representation in Action
Fancy: Why is authentic cultural representation in holiday traditions so important, and how do you hope Santa University impacts future generations?
Carlotta: Representation shapes imagination. When kids see themselves in stories, they believe they belong in those spaces. I want the next generation to see Santa University and know that our culture is powerful, beautiful, and timeless. The holidays should feel like home for everyone, and home for us includes soul food, laughter, gospel, hip-hop, and that HBCU energy. That’s what I want to pass on.
The Magic Behind the Collections
Fancy: From Mrs. Claus’ Bakery to Gingerbread Spice Sorority™, each product has a unique vibe. What’s your creative process like when bringing these ideas to life?
Carlotta: Every collection starts with a story. I think of the campus, the students, and what life at Santa U would feel like. Mrs. Claus’ Bakery came from my own love for baking and gathering people around sweets. The Gingerbread Spice Sorority™ represents sisterhood and legacy. Nick the Reindeer embodies that cool, confident mascot energy you see at HBCUs—modeled and named after my son. I mix humor, nostalgia, and fashion with a touch of North Pole magic. My process is a little bit of chef, a little bit of storyteller, and a whole lot of heart. I personally designed every graphic; the only designer is myself.
Wearing Many Hats
Fancy: You’re a wife, mother, grandmother, and visionary entrepreneur. How do you balance family life with building something as big and meaningful as Santa University?
Carlotta: Balancing it all isn’t easy, but it’s real. I’m a wife, mom, and grandmother before I’m anything else, and my family is what keeps me grounded. I involve them in my ideas, from photo shoots to product testing. Santa University is bigger than me; it’s our family’s legacy. I’ve learned to give myself grace and remember that balance doesn’t mean perfect—it means purpose.
Advice for Dreamers
Fancy: What advice would you give to other Black women who want to turn their creativity and cultural pride into successful, legacy-building brands?
Carlotta: Start where you are, use what you have, and stay true to your voice. Don’t wait for validation—create it. Every great idea started as a dream that someone refused to give up on. Build with integrity, protect your vision, and understand that your culture is not a limitation—it’s your superpower. We need more of us creating brands that tell our stories unapologetically.
Defining Your SwagHer
Fancy: How would you describe your “SwagHer”? What makes Carlotta Michele, Carlotta Michele?
Carlotta: My “SwagHer” is that mix of confidence, creativity, and faith that I carry into everything I do. It’s a true charm-meets-North-Pole hustle. It’s the chef apron, corporate girl by day, and the CEO mindset of my own brand. I’m real, resilient, and rooted in purpose. I make the holidays feel like home with a little extra seasoning because it’s what I felt was missing when I was a kid.
