By: Monica Stevens
Jenniffer Gearheart-Tang is the mastermind behind the sensational new app Makeke, which has taken the concept of ‘shoppertainment’ to a whole new level. Her infectious enthusiasm is palpable as she shares the insights of an idea that germinated out of a concern for the vanishing local retail scene.
Jenniffer begins by laying out a stark reality, “Time is running out to save these independent retailers from extinction.” But fear not, she assures that there’s a hero in this tale, and it could be anyone. All that’s required is for individuals to let their shopping do the talking.
Makeke, an ingenious blend of Etsy’s craft-centered marketplace and TikTok’s engaging content, isn’t just another shopping app—it’s a lifeline for the local independent retailers who are an essential thread in the fabric of communities. More than a platform, Makeke Ltd is a personal endeavor to vitalize local economies and cultivate sustainable futures through conscious consumerism.
“Imagine if 1 in 10 people in the UK bought an item from an independent shop every day. The impact would be revolutionary,” she explains. That’s the kind of social change Makeke envisions—and it’s gaining traction. Since its launch in November 2023, the app is live in 12 cities across the Southeast of England, and the community is growing.
The premise of the app is delightfully simple: Discover Local, Shop Local. This isn’t just a catchy tagline; it’s Jenniffer’s rallying cry and the foundational principle that fuels Makeke’s vision. By empowering shoppers to find and purchase from local retailers effortlessly, Makeke makes supporting the community’s heartbeat a seamless experience. “With every purchase, Makeke shoppers become change makers,” Jenniffer states emphatically.
What sets Makeke apart from the crowd, Jenniffer shares, is its hyperlocal approach. Shoppers can select the exact location in the UK where they’d like to shop from, making it personal, impactful, and incredibly relevant. “Every city has its unique charm and local offerings. We make sure you’re connected directly to the source of this charm,” Jenniffer adds with a smile.
Jenniffer’s eyes light up with passion as we discuss how Makeke integrates entertainment into the shopping experience. “We are here to elevate the narrative for each independent retailer, showcasing their craft and story in a way that resonates with Gen Z and Millennials.”
The promise of Makeke is more than just economic; it’s deeply rooted in social and environmental sustainability. When asked about the responsibility she feels towards the environment, Jenniffer’s response is reflective. “Every decision we make, every feature we incorporate into the app, is a step towards that better, brighter future we envision—a world where shopping local isn’t just an option; it’s the preferred choice.”
Makeke is more than a marketplace; it’s a movement. As Jenniffer puts it, “This is our David versus Goliath story, where Makeke is the sling that independent retailers can use to win their battle against the retail industry giants.”
For those eager to join the crusade, Jenniffer encourages everyone to follow #makekelocal across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, and X/Twitter, and connect with @Makeke on LinkedIn. With a community of conscious consumers banding together, there’s no limit to the positive impact they can create.
It’s clear that Jenniffer Gearheart-Tang isn’t just an advocate for change; she’s the visionary behind a platform that could redefine retail. Buoyed by the optimism and drive Jenniffer exudes, shopping, indeed, just got a whole lot more entertaining, and meaningful.
Published By: Aize Perez
