Lakota Made
Mankato, Minnesota
Heritage As Inspiration
What began as a mother’s effort to stretch “milk and diaper money” has blossomed into one of Minnesota’s most celebrated Indigenous-owned businesses. Lakota Made, founded by Megan Bull Bear in Mankato, is a powerful example of entrepreneurship rooted in heritage, resilience, and community impact.
Raised with deep Lakota cultural teachings, Megan was surrounded by traditional knowledge of plants, healing, and sustainable living. That foundation guided her as she began making herbal and plant-based products in her home — initially for her family — and eventually for a much broader audience. What started as a way to support her household soon gained momentum, resonating with customers seeking natural, eco-conscious, and culturally grounded personal care products.
Before launching Lakota Made as a business, Megan worked in the nonprofit world. When the company outgrew its original nonprofit structure due to its success, she faced a critical decision — one that would reshape the future of her business. “A trusted SBDC consultant helped me understand why it was time to shift from nonprofit to for-profit,” she said. “That was one of the most important business decisions I’ve made.”
Asking For Help
Megan discovered the South Central Minnesota SBDC through a Google search. What she found was more than answers — she found a team that stood beside her as trusted advisors. “The SBDC became my go-to for everything,” she shared. “Business planning, financial projections, e-commerce, hiring, marketing, website guidance — they were there at every step.”
Lakota Made has experienced rapid and meaningful growth with the help of the SBDC. Megan secured multiple grants, including funding from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, expanded into a retail location, hired a growing team, and developed a strong online presence. The support she received helped her stay aligned with her mission while navigating the complexities of scaling a business.
Early on, sourcing packaging materials was a major hurdle. “I used to buy out every jar and container I could find at local stores just to fill orders,” she recalled. With persistence and advisor support, Megan built a sustainable supply chain and gained confidence in managing operations more strategically.
Throughout her journey, Megan has maintained a clear sense of purpose. Lakota Made is not just a brand—it’s a living expression of her identity, culture, and values. Her work educates customers about traditional plant medicine, supports sustainable practices, and contributes to the visibility of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
“Other entrepreneurs aren’t competition — they’re allies. There’s enough for everyone, and when we share knowledge and resources, we all win.”
Collaboration Over Competition
Megan believes strongly in collaboration over competition. “Other entrepreneurs aren’t competition — they’re allies,” she said. “There’s enough for everyone, and when we share knowledge and resources, we all win.”
For Megan, being a business owner in South Central Minnesota means having access to the kind of support and community that wasn’t available where she grew up. “The entrepreneurial ecosystem here is incredible,” she said. “There are people and organizations like the SBDC that truly want to see you succeed.”
Looking to the future, Megan envisions growing the business further, strengthening its financial foundation, and eventually buying a farm where Lakota Made can deepen its relationship with the land that inspires its products.
What began as a kitchen-table venture has transformed into a movement — one that honors heritage, fosters wellness, and proves that traditional knowledge can fuel modern business success. With the continued support of the SBDC, Megan Bull Bear is building something lasting — for her family, for her culture, and for her community.
