HER STORY ⟡ Makuyo of SIIKA Herb + Honey Co.
Today, we are meeting Makuyo, Creator of SIIKA Herb + Honey Co!
Tell us about you and your background!
I’m Makuyo, Creator of SIIKA Herb + Honey Co. Makuyo is a traditional Krobo name, part of the Ga ethnic group. “Sika” translates to ‘wealth, luxury or riches’ in the Ga language. I chose the name SIIKA as an homage to wealth in terms of culture, tradition and self-. Through their sweet, attractive, and healing qualities, the use of raw honey and organic herbs intrinsically honors the connection to both femininity and to nature.
I named the four SIIKA herb-infused honey’s in honor of my family matriarchs: my mother, my paternal and maternal grandmothers, and my maternal great-grandmother. I can trace working with plants and herbs directly through these women.
I am also a Senior Systems Engineer with over 15 years experience in corporate America – not counting the combined six years of schooling to obtain my degrees. So, as a feminine woman in a career field and world dominated by the masculine, I know it can be a struggle to maintain harmony – not balance- between these energies, both personally and professionally.
Tell us about your business and why you started it!
Uniting femininity and nature, SIIKA herb and honey infusions were created as an invitation to experience the more sensual side of life and to find joy in the moment. Our motto is, “Healing Can Be So Sweet”, as SIIKA Herb + Honey Co. aims to remind our consumers that healing can be found in our self-care routines, in taking a break from the demands of the day and embracing the goodness of nature.
What do you love about being a business owner?
I love the evolution of building a business. Having an idea or vision, making it come to life, tweaking it, then restarting the process over! I also enjoy networking and collaborating with other business owners. Business is not linear, it is ever evolving and I love the growth in it all!
What type of impact do you hope to make on those you meet and/or who receive your services?
SIIKA really is about finding sweetness in things we do everyday. I hope people take the time to enjoy SIIKA, to be creative with how they use the honeys, and to let that creativity and joy of exploration spread throughout their lives.
What advice would you give yourself from 5 years ago OR your past self just starting your business?
I would tell myself to always trust myself without doubt. I know what’s for me and my business over anyone else.
What does BEAUTY mean to you?
To me Beauty is standing out. We are each beautiful in our own unique way and it is our confidence and vitality that makes us powerful. The more we own, accept, and honor who we are, the more beautiful and powerful we become.
Who or what inspires you?
I don’t know that there’s a specific who or what that inspires me other than the cyclical nature of life: the ebbs and flows, ups and downs, wins and lessons of it all. There’s so much room for growth, that is what inspires me.
What would you like our Beauty Boost members to know?
You are beautiful and sweet in your own unique way! Embrace and enjoy who you are meant to be.
Anything else you would like to share!
Sure, I’d love to connect! I can be reached on IG at @siikaherbandhoneyco as well as @xomakuyo. In addition to siikaherbandhoney.com, I also have a skin care and self-care blog at withlovemakuyo.com.
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