We were lucky to catch up with Amber Makupson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today
I would have gone to manufacturing sooner. It is extremely difficult to go to manufacturing once you already have a product in the market.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
“Meraki is a non-toxic holistic hair care brand. Our products are formulated with nutrient-rich organic, and fair-trade Ayurvedic ingredients. Each product is intentionally infused with gemstones and crystals inside each bottle, creating a high vibrational, high performing, deeply nourishing elevated experience.”
Our products are formulated with nutrient rich Ayurvedic ingredients and vitamins that are vital for maintaining the hydration and strength your hair needs to become healthy. Feeding your hair Meraki products will add the vitamins and nourishment it needs to maintain healthy, beautiful, luxurious hair.
With our advanced technology, natural hair expertise and our custom formulations our products are “The Evolution of Hair Care”.
The word “Meraki” means to do something with love, soul, and creativity and to put the essence of yourself into your work. “Your soul’s purpose”. While following my dream and passion I pray Meraki will inspire others to be fearless and follow their dreams.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe that creating an innovative product that is also high performing has helped me build my reputation in the beauty space! Meraki is the first brand to infuse raw Crystals and Gemstones into hair care products. My brand gained traction (during the Pandemic and post pandemic) at a time when people were searching for more from their personal care and beauty routines.
At Meraki we focus on wellness, self care and inclusivity at our core. We believe in a holistic approach to beauty, one that elevates the essence of your pure authentic beauty. Our products are free from parabens, sulfates, formaldehydes, phthalates, DEA, petrochemical, byproducts, artificial dyes and synthetic fragrance. We believe making the switch to plant-based products as much as possible, is ultimately more environmentally sustainable, better for human health and produces superior beauty results. We are committed to Vegan & Cruelty-Free ingredients and formulas. We never test on animals or make use of animal byproducts. We contribute to the growth and empowerment of women and marginalized communities by the use of Fairtrade ingredients. We support organic farmers all over the world. Organic farming restores the topsoil, preserves human and ecological health and minimizes bee colony disruption. All of this is critical to maintaining our food supply in the best possible way. Our product packaging is recyclable and reusable and we are committed to Carbon neutral shipping which reduces our carbon footprint when we ship to you!
As a whole people are shifting more towards. cleaner safer ingredients in our beauty and personal care products which is so refreshing. We provide education on social media as well as our blog around toxic ingredients, Ayurvedic healing and self care.
We aspire for Meraki to become a brand that people love and trust for high performing products that are formulated with clean, safe ingredients and sustainable for the environment.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I initially bootstrapped my business while working my corporate job when I started in 2019. Once I launched with Anthropologie I did a friends and family round. I am currently fundraising to support the next chapter of growth for my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.shopmerakiorganics.com
- Instagram: @merakiorganics_
- Facebook: Merakihaircare
- Linkedin: Merakihaircare
- Twitter: Merakihaircare_
- Youtube: Merakihaircare
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/MerakiHaircare/
Image Credits
Photos: Meraki International Brands Inc