I created LuxCBD because a friend believed in me and gave me the space to start, especially when the job market wasn’t receptive to what I had to offer. I knew cannabis was the future, but the challenge was making it a legal and viable business. I had to address concerns about taste, educate people on its benefits, and prove its effectiveness. My goal was to create positive change, enjoy the plant’s many benefits, and, most importantly, help others. I wanted to support people like me who were in pain, disillusioned by traditional systems, and seeking relief.
One consistent challenge is the demonisation of a plant that can nourish, clothe, and soothe us. Social media platforms are particularly restrictive unless you have substantial funds to spend on advertising. Platforms like Meta, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Google categorise CBD as a prohibited substance, making it difficult to promote our products. Adding to this challenge, some people with ill intentions report our pages, further hindering our social presence. We’re currently fighting to get Instagram to show our posts to our followers, let alone expand our reach. Despite these obstacles, I am incredibly fortunate to have a few dedicated followers who consistently champion our business and support my growth. Competing with social media giants feels daunting, but the encouragement from these loyal supporters keeps me motivated. Their messages, especially when I’m feeling defeated, remind me to persevere, even when I see other companies with fewer ethics and more resources dominating the advertising space.
I was incredibly fortunate to find a community within this space when we began in August 2018. A few people who believed in me and shared my vision that CBD should be accessible, effective, and tasty started spreading the word about our business. Through their support and word of mouth, we’ve created one of my favourite places on the internet. While our community officially numbers in the thousands, I believe the true community is made up of those who actively engage in our comments, send encouraging DMs, consistently share our products, and, of course, those who purchase and use them! I firmly believe that customers become brand champions when they know the product works, tastes great, and is made by good people.
Here are some of my goals and aspirations:
1. Subscription for Good: I want to launch a “subscription for good” program, where each trimester, £5 of each payment will be donated to a local charity in the areas where most of our clients are (currently Liverpool and Glasgow). Subscribers will know that for every £25/month spent on our CBD candies, they are also supporting a local charity. Each charity will be supported for three months, and the recipients will be chosen by our community, ensuring our hard-earned donations go where they’re most needed.
2. Event for Neurodivergent and Queer Communities: I aspire to create an event specifically for neurodivergent and queer individuals to discuss all things cannabis, accessibility, and how to navigate a society that often feels unwelcoming. This event would be a safe space to share experiences, strategies, and support.
3. Hiring Locally: On a more personal note, I aim to reach a financial position where I can hire an employee from my local community. This will require increased sales of our lollipops and candies, but I believe it’s achievable within the next three years. Ideally, I’d like to offer a part-time employee a monthly salary of £900 (approximately £1100 before taxes and benefits). I am also exploring grants and financing options to help make this goal a reality.
Together, I believe we can make these aspirations a reality and continue to grow and support our community.