OUR INSPIRATION

Makenzi Marie Ridley is the inspiration and driving force behind Orange Hearts 4 Makenzi. Makenzi was an entrepreneur at heart, embarking on several business ventures, MakMarie Boutique and MakBaby Lashes, serving the apparel and cosmetic industries. She demonstrated her drive to be a successful leader and commitment to serve by pouring into her community. She curated events for her peers to showcase their talents and businesses to the community, which garnered hundreds of patrons and supporters. She was an influencer, motivator, and connector in the community. Most importantly, she was LOVED.
Makenzi’s legacy will continue to live on through Orange Hearts For Makenzi. We vow to serve the community and support young entrepreneurs as they strive for a better future.

On June 24, 2021, Makenzi was enjoying a community water gun party at a recreation center on the far east side of Columbus. There with her friends, she was enjoying herself when reckless gang members opened fire on the crowd. Tragically, Makenzi was hit. The bullet ended her life, but not her spirit.
Makenzi’s spirit lives on in the Orange Hearts for Makenzi Organization. Makenzi’s motto was “YOLO (You Only Live Once), so go for it!” Taking that saying to heart, her mother, Seneca Turner, founded the Orange Hearts organization in 2021 to provide opportunities for young, disadvantaged, entrepreneurs of color to “go for it.” The foundation provides scholarships, resources, training, and technical support to help these budding entrepreneurs realize their dreams of owning their own businesses. Orange Hearts for Makenzi seeks to support these young people in exactly the way Makenzi herself would have supported her friends.

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Orange embodies the essence of Makenzi….
The color orange radiates warmth and happiness, combining the physical energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow.
Orange offers emotional strength in difficult times. It helps us to bounce back from disappointments and despair, assisting in recovery from grief.
The color psychology of orange is optimistic and uplifting, rejuvenating our spirit. In fact, orange is so optimistic and uplifting that we should all find ways to use it in our everyday life, even if it is just an orange colored pen.
Orange brings spontaneity and a positive outlook on life and is a great color to use during economic times, keeping us motivated and helping us to look on the bright side of life.

August 21, 2003 – June 24, 2021