Amber Makupson, Advancing Safer Beauty Through Brand, Science, And Policy.

A woman with straight black hair and light makeup wears a pink blazer over a white top, sitting against a pink background.

“Beauty should never come at the cost of health. My work, through brand building, advocacy, and policy, is focused on creating safer standards for people and future generations.”

Founder of Meraki Hair Wellness and the Clean Beauty Coalition. Host of Clean Beauty Conversations.

Beauty is more than aesthetic, it reflects the values behind the products we create and the standards we choose to uphold. Through Meraki Hair Wellness and the Clean Beauty Coalition, Amber works to advance ingredient integrity, transparency, and stronger protections for consumers. Her work bridges brand leadership with public-health advocacy, helping move the beauty industry toward safer and more accountable practices.

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Brands Media & Advocacy

Building the Future of Beauty

  • Clean Beauty Coalition

    Clean Beauty Coalition — A national nonprofit advancing safer beauty through education, advocacy, and policy reform. The coalition works to promote ingredient transparency, strengthen consumer protections, and advance policies that support a healthier and more sustainable beauty industry.

  • Bottle of Meraki Rose Quartz shampoo with pink label and gold cap, placed on a white surface next to a piece of rose quartz crystal.

    Meraki Hair Wellness - A certified B Corporation hair wellness brand creating high-performance products rooted in ingredient integrity, scalp health, and holistic care. Through botanical science and intentional formulation, Meraki helps consumers care for their hair without compromising wellness.

  • Clean Beauty Conversations — A podcast exploring the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of beauty. Hosted by Amber Makupson, each episode features founders, scientists, advocates, and industry leaders advancing a safer, healthier, and more sustainable beauty industry.

  • Beauty Bylines by Amber Makupson

    The Safer Beauty Brief- A founder-led publication exploring beauty, wellness, public health, and policy. Through analysis, commentary, and industry insights, Amber examines the ideas, regulations, and innovations shaping the future of beauty.

Amber Makupson

A woman with long black hair and light makeup, wearing a light pink blazer over a purple top, holding a black microphone, sitting against a pink wall with a large green plant in the background.

Founder, advocate, and podcast host advancing safer beauty through brand, science, and policy.

Amber Makupson is the founder of Meraki Hair Wellness, founder and executive director of the Clean Beauty Coalition, and host of Clean Beauty Conversations. Through entrepreneurship, advocacy, and education, she works to advance ingredient transparency, safer beauty standards, and greater accountability across the beauty industry.

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In The Press

  • “Makupson is among Black business owners in the beauty sector navigating one of the fastest-growing retail segments—balancing supply-chain pressures while continuing to innovate and lead.”

    — Forbes

  • “Gemstones aren’t just for face tools. Meraki founder Amber Makupson used her background as an esthetician to launch a holistic haircare collection infused with gemstone extracts and natural ingredients to soothe the scalp and deeply hydrate.”

    -HARPER’S BAZAAR

  • “Founder Amber Makupson has infused each bottle with actual gemstones to enhance intuition and protect energy—creating haircare that operates on an entirely different plane.”

    — O, The Oprah Magazine

  • “One brand that masterfully fuses beauty and wellness through the use of gemstones is Meraki. Founder Amber Makupson, a licensed esthetician, believes deeply in the benefits of gemstone-infused beauty rituals.”

    — Hype Hair

  • “After suffering a chemical burn from an over-the-counter beauty product, Amber Makupson built Meraki as her solution—a non-toxic, vegan beauty brand infused with gemstones to nourish hair, body, and soul.”

    — ELLE

  • “Buzzwords like ‘green’ and ‘eco-friendly’ are often vague and misleading. Brands have a responsibility to clearly articulate their sustainability commitments and educate consumers with transparency.”

    -Beauty Independent

The Safer Beauty Brief

Perspectives on beauty, public health, wellness, policy,

and the future of the beauty.

The Safer Beauty Brief
New York Wins an NBA Championship, But Drops the Ball on Beauty Justice
New York Wins an NBA Championship, But Drops the Ball on Beauty Justice
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The NY Beauty Justice Act: What It Is and Why It Matters
The NY Beauty Justice Act: What It Is and Why It Matters
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What New Hair Dye Testing Reveals About Product Safety—and Why It Matters
What New Hair Dye Testing Reveals About Product Safety—and Why It Matters
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THE SAFER BEAUTY BILL PACKAGE: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
THE SAFER BEAUTY BILL PACKAGE: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
Read more →
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Conversations & Convenings

Where beauty, health, and culture intersect.

Amber brings together founders, scientists, advocates, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore the future of beauty. Through her podcast, speaking engagements, roundtables, and community conversations, she creates spaces where ideas become action and meaningful change takes shape.

Upcoming Events
Listen to the Podcast
book Amber to Speak

Featured In

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