Success is never a straight road. For Makeba Griffin, founder of Makeba Design & Prints, the journey to building a thriving business was built on a mission to celebrate diversity and empower young minds. Her products—ranging from puzzles and coloring books to apparel and accessories—were inspired by a simple yet powerful belief: representation matters. Yet, like many entrepreneurs, she found herself at a crossroads. Then came her encounter with Bigger Than Food, and everything changed.
Makeba Design & Prints: Empowering the Next Generation
At Makeba Design & Prints, every product is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the power of imagination. From vibrant puzzles to empowering apparel, Makeba’s creations invite kids to learn, dream, and explore with confidence.
But more than that, Makeba Designs is a reminder that representation matters—and that every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the world around them.
The Crossroads: A Mission in Need of Momentum
At the heart of Makeba Design & Prints lies a mission to celebrate diversity, creativity, and the power of imagination. From day one, Makeba envisioned her brand as more than just a product line—it was a movement.
“Our goal has always been to inspire kids to explore the world with confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of self,” Makeba explains. “Through art and STREAM, we want every child to see themselves in the world around them.”
Every product Makeba offers—from her educational puzzles to her vibrant apparel—reflects a commitment to helping children feel seen, valued, and inspired. Yet, despite the heart behind her mission, Makeba struggled to reach a wider audience.
“We knew our mission mattered,” she says. “But I felt like we weren’t breaking through. How could we connect with more families, more kids, and share our message with the world?”
That’s when she found the Bigger Than Food Foundation and its founder, Apollo Woods.
A Bigger Vision: Guidance from Bigger Than Food
Meeting Apollo Woods was a turning point for Makeba. Known for his ability to blend strategic marketing with heartfelt storytelling, Apollo immediately connected with Makeba’s vision for Makeba Design & Prints.
“He didn’t just see a business—he saw our mission,” Makeba says. “He showed me how to align our messaging and sales strategy with the heart of what we do: empowering kids through representation.”
Apollo’s approach was rooted in actionable steps. Together, they refined Makeba’s marketing messaging to better reflect her mission and vision. They reimagined how her products were presented, with a focus on the unique value they offered to families seeking diverse, educational, and inspiring items for their children.
One of the biggest changes was how Makeba communicated her core belief: representation matters. Apollo helped her highlight the vibrant, diverse characters in her products and the stories behind them.
“He reminded me to lean into our ‘why,’” Makeba recalls. “Our belief that every kid deserves to see themselves reflected in the world around them. That became the foundation of everything we did moving forward.”
Product Spotlight: Where Art Meets STREAM
One of the standout features of Makeba Design & Prints is how seamlessly the brand integrates STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) into its product line.
Take, for example, the Diverse Heroes Puzzle Series, which features characters of different ethnicities excelling in STEM careers. From a Black female astronaut to a young Latino engineer, these puzzles are designed not just to entertain but to educate and inspire.
“Kids see themselves in these characters,” Makeba explains. “When they put these puzzles together, they’re building confidence and seeing endless possibilities for their own futures.”
Another favorite is the Empower Me Coloring Book, which combines art with affirmations. Each page showcases diverse children with positive messages like “I am brave,” “I am curious,” and “I am a trailblazer.” It’s more than just a coloring book—it’s a tool for building self-esteem.
“Our products aren’t just about fun,” Makeba says. “They’re about creating moments where kids feel valued, celebrated, and inspired to dream big.”
Holiday Breakthrough: A 120% Increase in Sales
Makeba put Apollo’s guidance into action just in time for the holiday season. She launched a campaign that celebrated the joy, imagination, and empowerment her products bring to children.
The results were astounding. Makeba Design & Prints saw a 120% increase in holiday sales compared to the previous year.
“It was incredible,” Makeba says. “Not just the numbers but seeing how people responded to our message. Families reached out to say how much our products meant to them. It was everything I had hoped for and more.”
The Bigger Connection: Shared Values in Action
The success Makeba achieved was built on a shared foundation of values between her company and Bigger Than Food. Apollo Woods’ philosophy—that business success is about more than profit—perfectly complemented Makeba’s belief that representation and inclusion are essential.
“Working with Apollo wasn’t just about learning how to sell more,” Makeba shares. “It was about understanding how to communicate our mission authentically and powerfully.”
For Apollo, helping businesses like Makeba Design & Prints is part of his larger vision to create a ripple effect of positive change.
“Bigger Than Food is about building businesses that nourish communities,” Apollo says. “When we help entrepreneurs like Makeba succeed, we’re creating opportunities for kids and families to thrive in ways that go far beyond the bottom line.”
Makeba wholeheartedly agrees. “Bigger Than Food helped me see that our work is part of something much larger. When we empower kids through representation, we’re shaping the future—and that’s priceless.”
What’s Next for Makeba Design & Prints?
With the momentum from her holiday success, Makeba is already looking ahead. She’s planning to expand her product line, incorporating new STREAM-based items that continue to blend art and education.
“We’re dreaming big,” Makeba says. “We want to keep inspiring kids to learn, dream, and feel seen in everything they do.”
She’s also exploring opportunities to collaborate with other creators and host workshops for young artists and inventors. “It’s about giving back,” she says. “Empowering the next generation to embrace their unique stories and see endless possibilities in themselves.”
A Message to Entrepreneurs: Representation and Resilience
Makeba’s journey is a powerful reminder to entrepreneurs everywhere: your mission matters, and the right guidance can help you bring it to life.
“I’ll always be grateful to Bigger Than Food for showing me the way,” she says. “Their support helped me see what was possible, and now, I’m ready to take our mission even further.”
For anyone doubting their potential, Makeba’s advice is clear:
“Dream big, tell your story, and remember that your voice matters. And if you need help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. Trust me when I say, it’s definitely BIGGER than FOOD.”
