Zula Essentials is a brand made for women, by women. Photo credit: Zula Essentials.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on women’s mental health. In fact, studies show that people are relying on CBD to help them cope. That in mind, Zula Essentials, a Black-owned CBD brand, stays focused on their goal of championing women’s mental health.
For Carla Joseph, board certified nurse practitioner and founder of Zula Essentials, CBD products help boost her health. She reflects on her first time using CBD; “I was Introduced to the hemp CBD in 2018. I used it to help me with my anxiety,” she adds. “It immediately made me feel more balanced and calmer and I had some of the best sleep I had in a long time.”
Addressing the Stigma
Joseph admits that before she became a cannabis user, she had some misguided views about hemp and cannabis.
“I had to deal with my own stigma of how I perceived the use of cannabis, CBD, etc.,” she explains. “I remember when my cousin would use cannabis, I felt some type of way about it. I thought It wasn’t appropriate and pretty much something to shake my head at and pass judgement.”
Joseph is not alone. While the majority of Americans believe cannabis should be legal at the federal level; many remain unaware of the plant’s potential benefits.
In fact, a survey by the Consumer Brands Association shows that consumers experience confusion over CBD products. For example, while more than six-in-10 Americans have heard about CBD, 39% are still uncertain or mistaken about what CBD actually is.
Additionally, the study found, 51% are uncertain about its purpose and if products made with CBD are safe for consumption.
Spreading the Positivity and Knowledge
Overtime, Joseph’s views toward cannabis became positive.
“I now realize how misguided that was and I had a lot of unlearning to do,” she adds. “This is why at Zula Essentials, one of our main pillars Is education and teaching people about the benefits of CBD and how It helps our bodies achieve maximum wellness and balance.”
Post from @zulaessentials on Instagram.
One of the ways that Zula Essentials strives to educate their consumer base is through online discussions and their Instagram wellness series.
For example, the company teaches its followers about the benefits of the ingredients in their products, including CBD, and how they promote a healthier lifestyle.
Zula Essentials also encourages discussions through their frequently asked questions page which allows customers to directly reach out to a member of their team.
“Harmony, Education, Equilibrium and Authenticity”
Joseph’s daughters, Zuri and Kamila, inspired the name “Zula.” It is a combination of their names.
“It was really Important to include them in the narrative as this brand was primarily founded with women in mind,” she explains. “I want them to embody all of the qualities that Zula represents — harmony, education, equilibrium and authenticity.”
Post from @zulaessentials on Instagram.
From their gummies, CBD tinctures and creams, every product that they create starts with all-natural and proprietary strains of hemp that are high in CBD. Products are made locally as 100% of the hemp that they use is grown in nutrient-rich soil in the U.S.
“Customers can expect that when they purchase Zula Essentials CBD products that they are getting the highest quality, premium products,” she tells Emerald.
“We are proud that all of our CBD tinctures, gummies and cream are third-party lab tested for purity, and manufactured using the highest standards in the industry,” Joseph explains.
“Giving Back to the Community”
Throughout her life, Joseph has encountered women of color who have faced challenges with mental health. Consequently, she realizes the importance of advocating for access to mental health resources for minority women.
Accordingly, Zula Essentials contributes to community and charitable organizations that support equal access to health resources for disenfranchised groups.
One program that is important to Joseph is the Loveland Therapy Foundation. The foundation seeks to provide therapy for Black women and girls. A portion of Zula Essential’s revenue goes directly to this non-profit organization.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to support this effort as the foundation continues to bring opportunity, access, validation and healing to marginalized people,” she says. “Every time someone buys Zula Essentials, they know that we are giving back to the community and are committed to making mental health services accessible to everyone.”
CBD and Mental health
Joseph believes that CBD optimizes one’s mental health.
“CBD absolutely does wonders for anyone suffering with anxiety, insomnia, PTSD and a myriad of other mental health related challenges,” she says. “CBD brings balance and harmony to the body because it specifically interacts with the receptors of the body’s Endocannabinoid system (ECS).”
Post from @zulaessentials on Instagram.
For example, a study published by the Journal of Cannabis Research highlighted that CBD may reduce symptoms of mental illnesses. More specifically, it may reduce symptoms of disorders including schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD when recommended moderately.
Additionally, cased on preliminary research in the Current Psychiatry Reports Journal, CBD may be a treatment for insomnia.
Joseph explained that more people have been gravitating towards CBD products to cope with their anxiety during the pandemic.
“Since the start of the pandemic, I have definitely noticed that more people are conscious about their health and are seeking out more natural alternatives to healing,” she states. “In addition, more people are using our CBD products to cope with anxiety that has increased with the uncertainty of the pandemic and how our lives were impacted.”
For instance, a study by research group OnePoll reported that roughly 40% of the 2,000 Americans surveyed say CBD provided relief during the pandemic. This usage rate is much higher than the 14% found by Gallup just one year prior.
Furthermore, when asked why they use CBD, respondents said it helps with stress (24%); anxiety (22%); sleep (19%); and pain management (14%).
Hope for the Future
As her company grows, Joseph plans to extend Zula Essentials’ line of products. Foe example, she explains, “we are working on releasing new products including CBD bath bombs as the ultimate, soothing treat which will help you relax and unwind.”
She has high hopes for her company as it continues to pave its own path in the CBD market.
“My vision for Zula Essentials is to be a world class brand for holistic wellness. As the CBD and cannabis market continues to expand, I would love for Zula Essentials to continue to make an impact on people all over the world,” Joseph shares.
The doctor is in the house. We might find some synergies if we talk. Below is my website and can reach through it. Please and thank you Dr. Eric I. Mitchell