Makena was born the only child of parents who owned a small store and lived in a flat above. When Makena was very young, her mother was murdered and her father began raising her as a single parent. During her childhood, Makena would help her father in the store between playing on the streets with neighbourhood children.

During her teenage years, Makena's father became ill and Makena took on many odd jobs to help pay for his treatment. However, the money she was able to raise was not enough and Makena eventually turned to sex work in an attempt to earn more, keeping the details of her work a secret from her father. During her time as a sex worker in the Downtown area of The City, Makena met Lars Henderson and the two became unlikely friends.

In 1984, after Makena helped Lars overcome a drug addiction, Makena was gifted a large sum of money from Lars which she uses to finally pay for her father's ongoing medical treatment. Makena then returned to run her father's store full-time while keeping in contact with Lars.

Over a decade later, in 1995, Lars approached Makena with a message from Malcom Moore. Makena is offered protection from thieves and business security for a small fraction of her profits. Makena agreed, fearing the consequences of refusal.