Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Bull Bear
Hi Megan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Lakota Made LLC was founded by Megan L. Bull Bear in 2017, rooted in her deep knowledge of traditional Lakota plant medicine. Growing up in the Milks Camp Community of the Sicangu Oyate (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), she was raised with strong Lakota teachings and developed an early fascination with plants, nurtured by her uncle and great-grandmother. After overcoming personal struggles in her youth, she reconnected with her cultural roots and dedicated herself to Indigenous medicine.
Megan started Lakota Made as a way to share traditional plant-based remedies while promoting sustainability and Indigenous entrepreneurship. What began as a small, home-based business quickly grew due to her dedication, quality products, and strong community support. By reinvesting in the business and leveraging online sales, Megan expanded operations, moving into a larger retail and manufacturing space in Mankato, Minnesota.
Despite challenges, including construction-related drops in foot traffic and financial setbacks from past bookkeeping issues, Lakota Made has thrived. The company now generates over a million dollars in annual revenue, serves a growing online customer base, and is expanding into farm-based production to increase sustainability and scale operations. Megan’s vision continues to focus on regenerative agriculture, community impact, and preserving Indigenous knowledge for future generations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. Building Lakota Made has been a journey filled with challenges, but every struggle has pushed me to grow stronger and more determined.
One of the biggest hurdles has been access to traditional banking and funding. As an Indigenous woman-owned business with a model that doesn’t fit the standard mold, I’ve faced a lot of roadblocks. Banks and financial institutions don’t always know how to work with businesses like mine—ones rooted in sustainability, cultural preservation, and a direct-to-customer approach that doesn’t rely on wholesale or large corporate accounts. I’ve had to bootstrap my way up, relying on high-interest short-term loans like Shopify Capital and PayPal Working Capital, which helped keep us going but also created financial strain.
Another major struggle was dealing with a CPA who mismanaged my bookkeeping and taxes. That one mistake set us back significantly and made securing funding even harder. Because of those past tax issues, banks see risk instead of a thriving, million-dollar business. Even though we have strong sales, inventory, and a loyal customer base, it’s been difficult to access the financial support needed to expand.
And of course, there’s the challenge of being an Indigenous woman entrepreneur in a space that’s not always welcoming. Lakota Made doesn’t just sell products—we educate, disrupt harmful consumer habits, and challenge the way people think about medicine and sustainability. That makes some people uncomfortable. I’ve had to fight against stereotypes, prove my legitimacy over and over again, and constantly advocate for the value of traditional Indigenous knowledge in business.
But through all of it, I’ve never backed down. We’ve built something incredible despite the struggles, and we’re still growing, still pushing forward. Every obstacle just reinforces why this work is so important.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lakota Made LLC?
Lakota Made LLC is more than just a business—it’s a movement centered around Indigenous knowledge, sustainability, and decolonizing personal care. We specialize in natural, plant-based remedies and eco-friendly personal care products rooted in traditional Indigenous medicine. Every product is handcrafted using wild-harvested, locally sourced, and sustainably grown ingredients, staying true to our commitment to environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
What sets us apart is our deep connection to Indigenous knowledge and our dedication to education. We don’t just sell products—we teach people about traditional plant medicine, sustainable living, and the importance of reclaiming ancestral wisdom. Our customers aren’t just buying soap or salves; they’re supporting an Indigenous-owned business that prioritizes ethical sourcing, zero-waste packaging, and community impact.
I’m incredibly proud that Lakota Made has grown into a brand that not only thrives in the marketplace but also uplifts Indigenous entrepreneurship and sustainability. We’ve built a loyal customer base that values our authenticity and the integrity behind our products. Seeing people reconnect with natural remedies and move away from synthetic, chemical-laden alternatives is one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey.
For readers who are new to Lakota Made, I want them to know that every product has a purpose. Whether it’s healing salves, herbal teas, or eco-friendly personal care items, everything we create is made with intention, respect for the land, and a commitment to traditional knowledge. Our offerings aren’t just about self-care—they’re about reconnecting to the earth and supporting a brand that values people, planet, and culture.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories? Definitely summers at my grandma’s farm. I’d spend all day running around barefoot, chasing cows and horses, jumping on hay bales. The smell of lilacs in her yard was everywhere—it’s one of those scents that instantly takes me back.
I remember following my grandma to the garden, watching her work, and probably getting in the way more than helping. She had this laugh that just made you feel safe, like everything was right in the world. I’d spend hours playing in the creek, listening to the birds, just completely lost in nature. It was the kind of childhood where you were free, wild, and connected to everything around you. Those moments shaped me in ways I don’t think I fully understood until I was older.
Pricing:
- Under $50.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lakotamade.com
- Instagram: Lakota.Made
- Facebook: LakotaMadeLLC
