For today’s interview, we had the chance to connect with the founders of My Hemp Benefits, an amazing CBD company with a compelling story.
We are so happy you’ve joined us today to speak about your company and your passions in the CBD industry. Can you introduce our readers to you and your company?
I’m Brigette, one of the three founders of My Hemp Benefits. We are not a large corporation but are proud to be a small, independent, woman-owned company. My Hemp Benefits was started when I learned that cannabis was being accepted under the hemp pilot program of 2014. While looking at labels of different CBD products for my own consumption, I began reading competitors labels. I just couldn’t comprehend how something so healthy and potentially life changing was being made with chemicals such as artificial flavors and sweeteners.
That was truly the moment because I could see there was a need for a really pure high quality CBD oil. I have always felt that God has provided everything we need to survive on Earth, but it is up to us to use it. It was at that time that I consulted with Co-founders Melisaa and Dana, to work together and provide people with a superior high quality, full spectrum hemp derived CBD oil.
Can you tell us what inspired or motivated you to start a business in the CBD industry?
Melissa, Dana and I all believe in whole health. Cannabis research for healing dates back thousands of years all over the world. The three of us all have experience connecting with and helping people and saw an opportunity to make a difference with something we believe in.
With all of the effort it takes to start a “hemp-pire”, what did you do to navigate and overcome any obstacles?
From financial, to labels, to advertising, the obstacles change on a daily basis, so we are very good at pivoting. In an industry that is not regulated, we really do our best to stay focused on why we are doing this.
What did the initial process of starting up your company, your prototyping, and manufacturing looking like?
The process was definitely fun and exciting. We knew that all we wanted in our finished product was a CBD oil that could be as close as the whole plant as we could, without compromising the integrity of the plant. That led us to use terpenes and the finished product tasted great!
One of the hardest parts was probably naming our business and choosing our logo. We wanted to make sure our image was portrayed from a medicinal and health viewpoint and not part of negative stigma that often goes with cannabis.
We would love to know what makes your brand or CBD product unique or what you are most proud to share about your products?
Our uniqueness lies in our packaging, purity, and pleasant taste. We chose a spray top for easy sublingual administration. We feel that a dropper could be difficult for people with shaky hands to hold and properly measure. This allows us to know exactly how much CBD is being delivered per spray. We also add terpenes to enhance taste but also because of the added medicinal value that terpenes provide.
Our tinctures do not have sweeteners or added flavors – no training wheels here! As a result, we use a true full spectrum oil and we don’t cut it with Isolate and market it as a full spectrum. Most people are very unaware of what they are really taking and we pride ourselves on being very transparent.
We assume you likely encountered stigma around CBD. If so, how have you addressed any of those concerns or opinions?
Absolutely! We understand the mindset that is involved with cannabis use and the reality is health care providers are not taught about cannabis in medical school. We view this is an opportunity to educate the public and cite research to change mindsets.
What would you say is your target demographic or audience for your products?
Our target market is generally individuals over 45 years old. However, we have all different ages successfully using our oils from age two years and up.
How do you attract, educate, and retain your customer base?
We want to gain trust in the marketplace and so we created a web page called School of Hemp to help answer some basic questions someone may have when visiting our website. Of course we offer discounts, rewards, post on social media. We do anything we can to make someone comfortable about using CBD while understanding CBD oils, as they are not all created equal. We love to get out, talk to people, and build relationships. Golden rule customer service all the way!
So, let’s talk a bit about the business side of things. What have you found to be the most helpful tools or processes to keep your business running smoothly?
Yes! As a result of all the challenges we have had to overcome we continue to do everything organically, relying only on each other and our faith. This industry is unpredictable and out of our control. Social media platform advertising has posed a problem since the beginning and most likely will for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the relationships we have with our retail owners, networking, and referrals are priceless.
How has the experience been of hearing what your customers think of your products? Can you share some of the helpful or positive feedback you’ve received from your consumers?
It has been fabulous! We have had all positive feedback with a zero return rate and we are excitedly growing a loyal customer base. Most people love the sprayer instead of the dropper and the pleasant taste of the terpenes. People seem to be surprised that the CBD oil actually works and often express their gratitude for it.
Can you tell us about some of your best-selling products and the benefits they provide?
Our best selling tinctures are the 1000 and 3000 mg formulas, probably because of their higher dosage and the overall medicinal benefits they provide when used both topically and orally (as you can see in these pictures). Another top seller is our sleep spray formula,which is a proprietary blend of herbs and low dose CBD. It allows users to fall asleep peacefully and wake up feeling great and free of grogginess.
Are your products third party lab tested by batch? If so, are you willing to attach and share your lab results?
Yes. Every batch, every time, and it is posted on our website with each product.
How have the laws and regulations surrounding the hemp industry impacted your business?
Well, we use a manufacturer monitored by the Department of Agriculture and the FDA, so we stay within the guidelines they have put forth. Although it can be quite frustrating, we try our best not to let it affect the daily operations of My Hemp Benefits. People are still looking for natural healing alternatives and that is always our focus and our job.
What advice would you give to someone who was wanting to break into the emerging CBD industry?
Get ready and forget about whatever you think you already know! It won’t be easy, but if you are getting in it for the right reasons it it will be worth it.
What do you think is the key to staying relevant and becoming successful in one of the most competitive industries?
Honesty and transparency, because we care about people and believe in what we do.
What do you foresee in the future for CBD-related products and services?
We would love to see hemp make a comeback, both industrial and medicinal. Hopefully soon the research will speak for itself and the public will speak up.
So, what can we look forward to, in terms of exciting next steps for your company?
We have had some great ideas for new products and will be launching a line of beauty products. We think the future looks great and are excited to grow right along with the industry and become a household name that people know they can trust.
