Unveiling Meraki Co.: Giana Jarrah's Venture Within Lehigh's Entrepreneurial Network
**Lehigh University Alumna Tackles Women's Health with Mission-Driven Startup**
Giana Jarrah '22, a first-generation Syrian American, is making waves in the women's health industry with her startup, With Meraki Co. The company, which focuses on producing wellness products for vaginal and urinary tract health, has seen significant success since its inception.
Jarrah's entrepreneurial journey began during her time at Lehigh University's P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Her work, initially a senior capstone project, was nurtured and supported by the university's thriving entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
One of the key components of Lehigh's innovation ecosystem is the Technical Entrepreneurship (TE) Program. This interdisciplinary program offers real-world product development experiences, spring internships with startups via Lehigh@Nasdaq, and engagement with accredited investors.
With Meraki Co.'s flagship product, With Clarity, a probiotic-prebiotic supplement, has sold over 10,000 units and generated six figures in revenue. The company's success has not gone unnoticed, with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania seeding the startup with a $100,000 investment.
In addition to the financial support, With Meraki Co. was granted a residency at Ben Franklin Technology Ventures in Bethlehem. Jarrah credits the Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) for providing grants and tax credits that further supported her startup.
Jarrah's personal experiences have been instrumental in driving her entrepreneurial spirit. Her mother's diagnosis with aggressive pre-cervical cancer sparked a commitment to destigmatize women's wellness. Jarrah won an additional $20,000 at Startup Lehigh Valley and a $5,000 Ben Franklin Technology Ventures assistance award, further propelling her mission.
With Meraki Co. has built a loyal community base, with over 150k followers on TikTok. The company is currently expanding sales into Canada and aims to grow globally.
Jarrah is not only committed to her mission but also to empowering young women. She is dedicated to hiring interns, especially young women of colour, and introducing them to the world of startups.
In addition to With Clarity, Jarrah has launched several other products, including With Harmony, targeting hormonal balance and microbiome health, an immune boosting supplement, gut health powder supplement, and a vaginal health guidebook. Jarrah's work highlights the underserved nature of vaginal health and her dedication to addressing this gap.
While specific details about Jarrah and With Meraki Co.'s involvement with Lehigh University's innovation ecosystem are not available, it is clear that the university provides a comprehensive environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This ecosystem offers experiential learning opportunities, access to resources, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship, all of which can aid in the development and launch of new ventures.
- Giana Jarrah '22, an alumna of Lehigh University, is utilizing her education in engineering to tackle women's health issues through her startup, With Meraki Co.
- The startup, which specializes in producing wellness products for vaginal and urinary tract health, has seen significant success since its commencement.
- Jarrah's work on health-and-wellness products, initially a senior capstone project, was nurtured and supported by Lehigh University's entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
- Lehigh University's Technical Entrepreneurship (TE) Program, a key component of the innovation ecosystem, provided real-world product development experiences and engagement with accredited investors.
- With Meraki Co.'s flagship product, With Clarity, a probiotic-prebiotic supplement, has sold over 10,000 units and generated six figures in revenue.
- The finance from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, along with a residency at Ben Franklin Technology Ventures in Bethlehem, further supported Jarrah's entrepreneurship and small-business.
- Jarrah's personal experiences, including her mother's health struggles, have fueled her mission to destigmatize women's wellness and promote womens-health products.
- In addition to With Clarity, Jarrah has launched several other projects, such as With Harmony, targeting hormonal balance and microbiome health, expanding her entrepreneurial reach in the science and technology sectors.
