We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kernesha Weatherly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kernesha below.

Kernesha, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

An affirmation opens the door. It’s a direct pathway to your subconscious, there to remind you of all the things you may have forgotten along the way. ——-

Gift giving has always been one of the top tier ways to show people they matter. However, we saw a gap in the industry and created what we wanted to see. In so many instances, we have practically begged to be included instead of CREATING.

With more than 40 designs to choose from, we are the LARGEST retailer of Black inspired gift wrap and gift bags. 🎁🎉

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Makena Prints is a stationery boutique committed to representing THE Culture.

From WrappingPaper to gift bags, wax seal stamps and more, We aim to fill a gap that has been present far too long.

And it isn’t just holiday wrap. From birthdays, to baby showers and graduations, we have something for every occasion.

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Why is this important?
Because exposure is key.
Because Representation Matters

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

By far, it’s been word of mouth. When I first started this business, I shared it with my friends for their honest feedback.

That turned into them sending gifts that required the recipient to return the gift wrap. That turned into conversations of the quality, durability, as well as the amount of paper on each roll.

That sparked an entire movement and we’ve enjoyed every moment of it.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

This started as an idea I’d wanted to dabble in for years. During the onset of COVID, I knew I needed to take my aspirations to the next level.

This required capital that I did not have. However, this idea would not leave me therefore I reached out to my bank and applied for a business loan.

That allowed me to front load my needs to include design and production. Going that route isn’t for everyone, but it worked very well for me. It took the burden away of trying to figure it all out. I can thankfully say I’ve paid all those loans off and have been able to keep this business afloat with no issues.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MakenaPrints.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/makenaprints
• Facebook: Facebook.com/makenaprints
• Twitter: Twitter.com/makenaprints

Image Credits
I have full ownership of these photos