Inspiring Conversations with Jill Ross & Kendall Bazan of Makemake Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Ross & Kendall Bazan

Hi Jill Ross & Kendall Bazan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Kendall and I first worked together at a real estate startup in downtown Cleveland, where I quickly saw how our different perspectives made us a strong team. We both loved looking at the bigger picture and brainstorming creative, results-driven strategies. The idea of starting our own agency kept popping into my head, and eventually, I couldn’t ignore it. So, I pitched Kendall on the vision of a marketing agency that would cut through all the fluff and focus on what truly matters for clients. We had been on the receiving end of agencies pitching us opaque, buzzword-filled services, and so it’s been extremely important for us to be transparent, value-driven, and jargon-free.

We’re both passionate about supporting small, local businesses, and there’s something special about doing this work right here in Cleveland. We’re now several months in, growing steadily, and excited to make a positive impact in our community. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Jill: One of the toughest challenges has been believing in myself—trusting that I have the passion and drive to build something meaningful. Self-doubt and “imposter syndrome” are constant companions. It takes courage to step outside the norm, but I know it’s worth it to pursue a vision I truly believe in.

Kendall: Jill is the ultimate motivator, so getting started was much easier than I anticipated! However, it’s been an exciting challenge to learn to trust myself and also reject perfection in pursuit of great work that’s actually delivered.

As you know, we’re big fans of Makemake Collective. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Makemake, we’re all about helping brands tell their stories in a way that’s impactful and authentic. We specialize in crafting custom marketing strategies, compelling content, and designs that truly resonate. Our focus is on building connections—whether it’s through strategic social media campaigns, distinctive branding (with a cosmic twist), or thoughtful gifting solutions.

We’re passionate about supporting solopreneurs and small businesses because we understand the unique challenges and opportunities they face. What sets us apart is our personalized approach. We’re not just a service provider; we’re a partner, invested in your success. We take the time to understand your goals, audience, and what makes your brand unique, so we can create something that feels as authentic as it is effective.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the relationships we build with our clients and the creative solutions we bring to the table. We want your audience to not just see your brand but to feel connected to it in the way that reflects you the best.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that this process is a two-way interview—just as clients are evaluating us, we need to ensure we’re a good fit for each other. It’s not about taking every opportunity that comes our way; the work has to make sense for both parties. Sometimes we’ll be approached by clients who are looking for very deep expertise in, say, performance marketing for a very particular channel or tactic. While we may be able to deliver results, it could be more costly to the client than finding, say, a deep subject-matter expert in that channel. Often we’ll recommend people in our network who are a better fit, because if it doesn’t align, that’s perfectly okay! Finding mutual compatibility is key to a successful partnership.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.letsmakemake.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsmakemake/