Giana Jarrah Embarks on Her Venture Through Lehigh's Entrepreneurial Network with Meraki Co. as Her Launching Point
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In the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem at Lehigh University, one student has made a significant impact in the realm of women's health. Giana Jarrah '22, a first-generation Syrian American from Allentown, has seen her startup, With Meraki Co., flourish and receive recognition both locally and globally.
Jarrah enrolled at the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, where she was immersed in a supportive environment that fostered her entrepreneurial spirit. The college's Technical Entrepreneurship (TE) program provided her with mentors, resources, and experiential learning opportunities that helped her translate her mission-driven concept into a viable product.
With Meraki Co. launched its first product and has since expanded its offerings to include With Harmony, targeting hormonal balance and microbiome health, as well as an immune boosting supplement, gut health powder supplement, and a vaginal health guidebook. The company's commitment to science-backed solutions has resonated with its growing community, with over 150k followers on TikTok.
Jarrah's personal experiences played a crucial role in the inception of With Meraki Co. She faced recurrent UTIs and antibiotic resistance during her time at Lehigh, and her mother was diagnosed with aggressive pre-cervical cancer. These challenges inspired Jarrah to address the lack of attention to vaginal health and create real solutions for women.
With Meraki Co. has achieved impressive milestones, selling over 10,000 units and generating six figures in revenue. The startup's success has not gone unnoticed, as it was awarded a $5,000 prize, $10,000 in seed funding, and a $20,000 grand prize. Furthermore, it is set to receive a second round of six-figure funding from Ben Franklin Technology Partners at a seven-figure valuation.
Jarrah is not only focused on growing her business but also on giving back to the Lehigh community. She welcomes students into her office to share what she's learned as a woman entrepreneur and is committed to hiring interns, especially young women of color, and introducing them to the world of startups.
Lehigh University equips its students not just to graduate with degrees but to develop entrepreneurial mindsets, launch companies, movements, and missions. The university's ecosystem for entrepreneurs includes academic integration, hands-on venture launch support, community connection, mentorship, and funding pipelines. This comprehensive approach has created fertile ground for entrepreneurs like Jarrah to advance innovative health technologies and ventures aligned with their social mission.
With Meraki Co. has already expanded sales into Canada and is actively working on expanding to other countries globally. As Jarrah continues to scale her operations while staying true to her core mission, she is poised to make an even greater impact in the world of women's health.
[1] Lehigh University. (n.d.). Technical Entrepreneurship (TE) Program. Retrieved from https://www.lehigh.edu/rossin/te-program [4] Lehigh University. (n.d.). Entrepreneurship at Lehigh. Retrieved from https://www.lehigh.edu/rossin/entrepreneurship-at-lehigh
- Giana Jarrah, an alumnus of Lehigh University, has proved an exceptional entrepreneur in the health-and-wellness sector, particularly focusing on women's health.
- With Meraki Co., Jarrah's startup, has garnered both local and global recognition for its science-backed solutions to women's health issues.
- Jarrah's business ventures include With Harmony, aimed at hormonal balance and microbiome health, an immune boosting supplement, a gut health powder supplement, and a vaginal health guidebook.
- The company's commitment to innovation and technology in the health sector has resonated with its growing community, boasting over 150k followers on TikTok.
- With Meraki Co. has generated six figures in revenue, selling over 10,000 units and receiving significant funding, including $20,000 from Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
- Jarrah is not only interested in the financial success of her business but also in giving back to the Lehigh community, providing mentorship and opportunities for young women of color.
- Lehigh University's ecosystem supports students in launching startups and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, with programs like the Technical Entrepreneurship (TE) program.
- With Meraki Co. is expanding internationally, planning to extend its sales into more countries globally while maintaining its focus on women's health and wellness.
