Amber Makupson-Founder advancing safer beauty standards 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.”

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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Current Work

Beauty. Wellness. Purpose

  • 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- An award-winning non-toxic hair wellness brand rooted in ingredient integrity, scalp health, and holistic care. Meraki blends botanical science with ritual-based beauty to create high-performance formulas that nourish hair while prioritizing wellness.

  • A logo with a purple flower and the text 'Clean Beauty Coalition EST. 2024' above two hands holding each other against a beige background.

    Clean Beauty Coalition- A national advocacy organization advancing safer cosmetic standards through education, scientific collaboration, and policy reform. The coalition works with scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders to strengthen ingredient transparency and modernize beauty safety regulations.

  • The Safer Beauty Brief

    The Safer Beauty Brief - A policy-focused newsletter examining cosmetic regulation, ingredient transparency, and emerging legislation shaping the future of beauty safety. The Brief provides timely analysis and commentary on the public health and regulatory issues influencing the beauty industry.

  • Beauty Bylines by Amber Makupson

    Beauty Founder Bylines- A founder-led editorial platform exploring clean beauty, entrepreneurship, and intentional leadership. Through essays and commentary, Amber shares insights on building values-driven brands and shaping the future of beauty.

  • Cover page of a guide titled "The Clean Beauty Edit" from the Clean Beauty Coalition, with a purple background and white text.

    The Clean Beauty Edit-The editorial platform of the Clean Beauty Coalition, serving as a media hub for research, commentary, and insights on cosmetic safety, ingredient transparency, and the evolving regulatory landscape of the beauty industry.

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.

Beauty founder, wellness entrepreneur, and advocate working at the intersection of beauty and public health.

Amber Makupson is the founder of Meraki Hair Wellness and the Clean Beauty Coalition. Through brand leadership and advocacy, she works to advance ingredient transparency, safer beauty standards, and greater accountability across the beauty industry..

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In The Press

  • “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

  • “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

  • “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

Beauty Founder Bylines

Founder essays on clean beauty, intentional self-care, and building values-led institutions.

Beauty Founder Bylines
Certified B Corporation. A higher standard for safer haircare—and the future of beauty.
Certified B Corporation. A higher standard for safer haircare—and the future of beauty.
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Depth to Vision
Depth to Vision

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Why Meraki Hair Wellness Became A Public Benefit Company
Why Meraki Hair Wellness Became A Public Benefit Company
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Toxic Exposure in Beauty & Personal Care Products
Toxic Exposure in Beauty & Personal Care Products
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Close-up of white, soft, flowing fabric with gentle folds and curves.

Conversations & Convenings

Where beauty, health, and culture intersect.

Amber convenes conversations and public forums exploring the intersection of beauty, health, culture, and policy. These gatherings bring together founders, scientists, advocates, and industry leaders shaping the future of safer beauty.

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Featured In

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