What is Makeena?
Makeena is a free and easy-to-use mobile shopping app that helps you discover better-for-you, better-for-the-planet products, then rewards you for your purchases, anywhere you shop—even online.
Makeena is part of a larger movement—a movement to build better businesses. We believe small choices impact the world big time. We’re a certified B corporation. Being B-Certified means we’re socially responsible and committed to being the change we wish to see in the world. We also give back to environmental non-profits as a member of 1% for the Planet and partner with other conscious companies and brands.
Where did the idea for Makeena come from?
Karen, our founder, has always been passionate about taking care of our planet. She grew up across the street from a cornfield that was sprayed with pesticides, so from an early age, she was very aware of the environmental impacts on what we put in and on our bodies. As a child, she was also very concerned about people who didn’t have access to healthy food and was always looking for ways to help. Ultimately, when Karen went vegan in the 1980s she became even more aware of how difficult it can be to find brands that prioritize sustainability and make healthier products.
These experiences motivated Karen to launch Makeena so that everyone on this big, beautiful planet of ours can easily find and afford healthier food and eco-friendly products.
We chose the name Makeena because it means “happiness” in Swahili and “abundance” in Hawaiian. From our headquarters in Colorado, we like to say Makeena also means empowerment. It puts the power of shopping for good directly into the hands of mindful consumers.
How did you start and launch the app?
We’ve been fortunate in that we’ve been selected to participate in a couple of accelerator programs with really smart mentors and advisors who have helped us refine our platform and build out our strategy. Along the way we’ve been able to stay true to our core purpose and vision—which is making the world a better place through our technology and community that rewards the discovery and purchase of better-for-you, better-for-the-planet brands, and products. We’re super excited about Makeena and the future!
What have been some of your biggest hurdles?
Like most businesses, the last few months have been difficult to navigate. We were in the middle of setting up a booth at a trade show for one of our industry’s largest events when COVID restrictions forced a rapid change in plans. For us, the ability to be nimble and responsive, while sometimes painful, also teaches lessons in patience and resiliency. Ultimately, every hurdle you face in business can either be a curse or blessing—it is all in the mindset you choose.
What have been some of your biggest successes?
We’re really excited by all 2020 has brought us so far! We earned our Certified B Corporation status in January, and are launching a new website, new functionality in our app, a new newsletter, a new community, and added some great people to our team. The best part is, we still have half a year left to go! Truly, we believe the best days are ahead for Team Makeena!
What are your best recommendations for someone new to the app?
First off, thank you for downloading Makeena! We are excited to have you in our community.
Second, start scrolling through our brand partners on Makeena and “unlock” experiences. Take the time to check out brands you already know and love, and those you haven’t yet tried! Be sure you engage with all the brands on social media, opt-in for their newsletters, and add items you want to try to your shopping list. Best of all, you can shop at your favorite store or online, anytime. Once you’re done shopping, scan the UPC codes for the Makeena products you’ve purchased, and take a photo of the receipt and upload it through the app. You’ll then get cashback through your PayPal or Venmo account.
Finally, don’t forget to visit the Makeena Rebates page. You might find a fruit, vegetable, or even an organic household product that you haven’t used in a while that you can earn a little cash back on as well.
Using the Makeena app is a fun way to explore something new and engage with great products that are truly better for you and better for the environment. How’s that for a win-win?!?
Previously published on Boodywear Blogs
