Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Makupson.
Hi Amber, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was motivated to start Meraki after experiencing 2nd-degree chemical burns on my face from an over the counter beauty product. I was fed up with the toxic ingredients in my personal care and cosmetic products so I decided to start formulating my own line of non-toxic holistic Hair Care products in 2019 in my kitchen. Each product is intentionally infused with gemstones and crystals inside each bottle, creating a high vibrational, high-performing, deeply nourishing elevated experience.
Meraki for me was created around the idea of self-love, finding my passion for life and being fearless in the pursuit of the things that set your soul on fire. The word “MERAKI” is a Greek word that means to do something with love, soul and creativity; to put the essence of yourself in your work. Essentially my brand is rooted in haircare, wellness, and spirituality to nourish your mind, body, hair and soul.
My brand gained traction during the pandemic as people were craving a more elevated and holistic approach to their hair care routines while being quarantined at home in 2020.
Meraki was spotlighted during the racial injustice and Black Lives Matter movement as people were craving and supporting more smaller black-owned founder-led black-owned brands. My brand has been featured in over 40 national publications including Oprah Magazine, Harper Bazaar, Women’s Health and Forbes.
To date, my brand has won three awards Best conditioner; Women’s Health Magazine, Best Vegan Hair Care Line: Eluxe Magazine UK, Top Black Owned Non-Toxic Hair Care brand by the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics.
My full product line is now available at Anthropologie.com! We have exciting partnerships and new products on the calendar for 2023.
It has been an exciting and eventful two years since my last interview with you all! Thank you for allowing my the opportunity to catch up!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Adjusting to scaling my company during the pandemic was extremely challenging. I had to focus on efficient strategies, lean into my strengths and shift quickly.
I had a huge pandemic sales surge while also preparing to scale and launch my products into major retail while moving my production from in-house into major manufacturing. My products were selling out faster than I could them. Not to mention the supply chain delays on ingredients, raw materials and components I had to make key pivots, lean on my network, maintain multiple sourcing options to keep up with the demand.
On top of all the business obstacles my mom passed away unexpectedly in 2021. I had to double down on my self-care healing, and wellness practices.
As you know, we’re big fans of Meraki Hair Care. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
“Meraki is an award-winning 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.”
“Botanical Hair Care Elevated”
Any big plans?
Continue to innovate and elevate within the clean haircare/beauty space. We have some very exciting partnerships and new products on the calendar for 2023.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopmerakihaircare.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merakihaircare_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merakihaircare/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Merakihaircare_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUkF5fYWBhT0VhYGqx7ZsHQ
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/merakihaircare/
