From Cardboard to Creativity: Paul Justin’s Journey with Makedo and their selling journey in the Amazon Store
Isabel Chen
Content Marketing Manager
We sat down with Paul Justin to ask him about the inspiration behind starting Makedo, a brand dedicated to its mission of "play today, make tomorrow."
Makedo is all about empowering kids to transform everyday materials into imaginative creations with a range of innovative tools. By focusing on fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, Makedo makes it easier for children and educators alike to dive into the world of creative construction and play.
Can you describe the initial concept or idea behind your business?
Inspired by my kids' creativity and playfulness, I embarked on a design adventure in 2008. With my background in toy design, I was determined to create something that wouldn't end up in a landfill—something that would elevate children's imaginations and nurture their natural inclination to play.
Watching my kids have a blast with a simple cardboard box rekindled memories of my own childhood adventures. It highlighted the potential and value of this humble, everyday material. That was the "aha" moment I'd been seeking. And so Makedo was born: Tools. For kids. For cardboard.
Watching my kids have a blast with a simple cardboard box rekindled memories of my own childhood adventures. It highlighted the potential and value of this humble, everyday material. That was the "aha" moment I'd been seeking. And so Makedo was born: Tools. For kids. For cardboard.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting out?
Despite the simplicity of Makedo's core idea, finding the right market fit proved challenging. In our early years, many industry partners pushed for a more closed-ended system with specific creative outcomes, believing it would offer a clearer value proposition to customers. But with a focus on staying true to our ideals, we returned to our original open-ended concept, and by collaborating with our incredible creative community, we've been able to experience and showcase Makedo's infinite possibilities.
How has selling in the Amazon Store supported the growth of our business?
Amazon’s strength as a store has been instrumental to our growth, as it is widely trusted by customers around the world. We believe this trust translates as increased visibility and credibility for our products.
Additionally, Amazon’s vast reach has allowed us to meet customer expectations wherever they happen to reside. The exposure to a global audience has been crucial in expanding our customer base and driving sales. Overall, Amazon’s robust infrastructure and established reputation have provided a solid foundation for our business to grow and thrive.
Additionally, Amazon’s vast reach has allowed us to meet customer expectations wherever they happen to reside. The exposure to a global audience has been crucial in expanding our customer base and driving sales. Overall, Amazon’s robust infrastructure and established reputation have provided a solid foundation for our business to grow and thrive.
Location
Australia
Category
Toys & Games
Amazon launch
2024
