Tana Makmanee
SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter
Toronto, ON · Member since Aug 2012
3,463Published Articles
22.1MArticle Views
A graduate from the University of Toronto, I've learned that you really have to go after what you love to do, not what people 'think' you should do. I love to spend time with friends and family and absolutely love people with a sense of humor. I have an affinity for reality TV and can watch TikTok videos for hours on end.
I'm currently the SVP of Research Services here at Trend Hunter and I get to work with some of the world's top leading brands and help them in their innovation processes.
I'm currently the SVP of Research Services here at Trend Hunter and I get to work with some of the world's top leading brands and help them in their innovation processes.
Featured Ideas
Patriotic Pup Collars
The Camoflag Dog Collar from Wolfgang Man & Beast is Ideal for Memorial DayAmerican-Made Pet Products — The trend towards American-made pet products presents opportunities for brands to capture the unique bond between pets and owners.
Refreshing DIY Fruit Bowls
This Lovely Painted Watermelon Bowl is Perfect for Summer FestivitiesDIY Fruit Bowl Designs — Opportunity to create unique and vibrant designs for kitchenware pieces using materials such as wood, acrylic colors, and paint brushes.
Pop-Up Paper Plants
The 'Port-A-Plant' Eliminates the Hassle of Watering & Providing SunlightPop-Up Paper Plants — The 'Port-A-Plant' eliminates the hassle of caring for real plants.
Colorful Cake-Shaped Lip Balms
The Chic Patisserie Scented Macaron Lip Gloss Set Resembles TreatsColorful Cake-Shaped Lip Balms — Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Creating unique and visually appealing lip balm designs to attract customers who value aesthetics.
Modular Feline Playgrounds
The CatsPlay Modular Playground Can Expand to Accommodate Any SpaceModular Pet Playgrounds — Adaptable pet play structures allow pet owners to customize and expand according to their preferences and spaces.
Upcycled Car Scrap Benches
The Tailgate Bench Utilizes Iconic Automobile PartsUpcycling — Businesses in the furniture industry can innovate by creating unique and sustainable pieces using upcycled materials like old car parts.
Wheely Avian Feeders
The Swing Time Bird Feeder Humorously Resembles a Car TireHumorous Bird Feeders — The Swing Time Bird Feeder demonstrates the trend of incorporating humor and playful elements into traditional bird feeders, creating a unique and entertaining experience for bird enthusiasts.
Sleek Robotic Pool Cleaners
The iRobot Mirra 530 Tackles Your Pool’s Dirt and GrimeRobotic Pool Cleaning — The rise of robotic pool cleaners presents an opportunity for suppliers to offer better, more efficient pool maintenance options to customers.
Modern Geometric Accessories
This Collection by Matter Matters Showcases Architectural InfluencesGeometric Accessories — The trend of incorporating bold and graphic geometric shapes into accessories is disrupting the fashion industry.
Dashingly Retro Menswear Styles
The Harrods May 2013 Mens Photo Shoot is Influenced by the 1930sRetro-themed Apparel — Opportunity for designers to create modern interpretations of vintage clothing styles.
Collaborative Smartphone Shells
Tim Lahan Draws Musical Inspiration for a Limited Edition CaseLimited Edition Design Collaborations — Collaborating with artists or musicians could lead to unique limited edition designs for tech accessories.
Portable Pizza Ovens
The Uuni Pizza Oven Bakes Wood-Fired Pizza in the Comfort of Your HomePortable Pizza Ovens — The Uuni Pizza Oven offers the convenience of making wood-fired pizza at home, opening opportunities for portable pizza oven manufacturers and retailers.Q&A with Tana
What is unique that's not in your bio?
I have a Specialist Degree in Philosophy and Political Science from the University of Toronto.
What's your favorite accomplishment?
Getting the chance to work with some of the biggest brands out there to help push their innovation strategy and prototype new ideas.
How do you define cool?
Elements that are on the fringe.
What is your secret to uncovering trends?
Looking outside the bubble. Diving into adjacent industries or looking at categories no one else is looking at is often the best bet for finding ideas that are new and emerging.
What do you enjoy most about Trend Hunter?
The community. Working at Trend Hunter not only allowed me to enhance my skills in writing and client communication, but it also allowed me the opportunity to interact with the most creative people around!
What is your favorite trend?
The use of NFTs and Metaverse expansion in marketing and branding initiatives.
What are your tips for writing a juicy post?
A bit of humor goes a long way.
How do you reset to be creative?
A good cup of coffee always gets me on track :)
What inspires or excites you?
Inspiration can come from anywhere or anyone.
Author Categories
Celeb-Styled Vaporizers
Creating the Dream Island Experience
The Beach Bar Experience
The Rock Star Experience
The Dream Island Experience
Conveniently Zippered Scarves
Dual-Purpose Piggy Banks
Experiential Cookware Devices
Cacao-Blended Sugar
Uninspirational Stationery Sets
Brew-Scented Candles
Prehistoric Kid Brushes
Sci-Fi Feline Beds
Connected Earplug Devices
Card-Ejecting Wallets
Practical Party Jackets
Instant Bottle Cap Removers
Adaptable Party Platters
Retro Gamer Jumpers
Alternative Confectionary Garlands
Internet Meme Earmuffs
Customizable Superhero Sets
Retro Music Player Mugs
Crafty Biscuit Recipes
Embellished Heel Accents
Stylishly Lightweight Headphones
Festive Couple Costumes
Felt Feline Shelters
Faux Brick Decals
Pre-Packaged Jello Shots
Fruity Campfire Treats
Slim-Fitting Robot Costumes
Open Jaw Skull Chairs
Turtle Knuckle Rings
Fantasy Movie Dresses
