Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Schnitker.
Hi Megan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ
Cante’ waste’ nape ciyuzapi ksto Ta Wa paha Ota Win emaciyapi ksto, ematanhan Ta Asanpi Oyanke ksto.
My relatives, I greet you with a good heart and a handshake. My name is Many War Bonnets Woman. I am from Milks Camp (South Dakota). I grew up in South Central South Dakota and spent the majority of my life living in South Dakota. My parents are Charles Wayne and Marla Bull Bear. My parents have always been a strong foundation for me by providing me with Lakota teachings and traditions. They worked and went to school to provide for my younger brothers and me. My mom has had her own grassroots 501c3 since I could remember. My dad was a tribal game warden, a tribal police officer, and a town officer for the Winner Police Department. My dad is a hereditary Chief Bull Bear of the Kiyaksa Band of Oglala of Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Dad comes from a long line of traditional spiritual leaders and teachers. I am proud and humbled to be a part of a conventional family.
After a push from my husband, I made the jump to create Lakota Made LLC from products I have used and made for my family for years. Lakota Made started in my home and has since moved to a bigger space, employing 10 staff members. Plant medicine has been a passion of mine since I was a young kid, wandering around on my grandma’s farm. I listened to old stories from my elders, researched a lot, and grew my knowledge of products made by Unci Maka. Unci Maka has provided us with food and medicines for thousands of years. Lakota Made is an Indigenous woman-owned small business; my husband and I harvest and process plants. My children help label and create products. Our products are small batches made with knowledge handed down through cultural stories. We use all of the products in our home which are safe for children of all ages. They are made with ingredients you can pronounce, and there are no by-products, fillers, or unnecessary dyes and perfumes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Operating a small business presents a myriad of challenges. We rely on daily sales to keep our operations running smoothly. As a Native business, we navigate unique considerations related to our business structure. Like many small businesses, we face the everyday hurdles of managing customers, finances, and the ongoing learning curve of running a successful enterprise.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Lakota Made LLC?
Our products are crafted in-house at our Mankato, MN location; we don’t white label. Sustainability is at the core of our practices, and we strive to harvest plants whenever possible locally. We’re proud to source our honey and beeswax from Honey Lodge, a non-profit founded by my mother. Our commitment to quality means our products are effective and affordable, reflecting fair market prices. Our offerings continue to expand, encompassing everything from personal care items to herbal plant medicine.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
I wish I had known of more resources to help new business owners. I wish I had known more about how to run Facebook ads and website editing. I also wish to know the importance of working with my local small business development center.
Pricing:
- Personal Care products range $5-$25
- Medicinal Remedies range $5-$45
Contact Info:
- Website: lakotamade.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakota.made/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakotaMadeLLC/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lakota-made-mankato-3
Image Credits
All photos by Jesse Yeakle
