Feelz: The Functional Gummies Brand Redefining Wellness

Photo Courtesy of Feelz

When passion meets purpose, great things happen—and that’s exactly how Feelz was born. The company’s founders Yesenia Garcia and Stephanie Kronen brought their experience in alternative medicine and their passion for natural healing together to create their holistic wellness brand.

Feelz blends functional mushrooms, Kanna—a succulent native to South Africa—and botanicals to enhance mood, focus, relaxation, and energy. But what makes these ingredients so powerful? We caught up with the founders to dive deeper into their journey, their mission, and how they’re redefining wellness—one gummy at a time.

Emerald Magazine: What drew each of you to the cannabis industry, and how did your career paths intersect?

Yesenia Garcia (YG): I was raised on “cosimientos”—traditional home remedies my mother would concoct for every ailment. Those early teachings of plant medicine became not just a personal practice but a professional passion. They shaped my approach to holistic health and driving me to explore plant-based remedies. Plant medicine was culturally ingrained from a young age, becoming a permanent fixture in my personal life. This eventually expanded into my professional path.

Stephanie Kronen (SK): My wellness journey began as a tennis prodigy until a career-ending injury and multiple surgeries exposed me to the harsh effects of pharmaceuticals. My awareness of natural healing deepened when my cousin, after 19 back surgeries and battling depression from prescription medications, found life-changing relief through medical cannabis. That pivotal moment inspired my mission to help others live their best lives through natural, plant-based remedies.

Emerald: What inspired the idea for Feelz?

YG: Working together in medical cannabis sparked a shared vision as we saw the potential to fill a gap in natural wellness with products that not only make people feel their best but seamlessly fit into everyday life. We dreamed of plant-based solutions free from grogginess, impairment, travel restrictions, or employment concerns. With over a decade of experience in alternative medicine, we knew it was time to bring that vision to life. Born from passion and a belief in nature’s power, Feelz was created with a commitment to the highest quality.

Emerald: What does it mean to offer “functional gummies”?

SK: Functional gummies are more than just a tasty treat—they’re wellness-focused supplements designed to deliver targeted benefits beyond basic nutrition. 

Our gummies are carefully crafted to provide a convenient, enjoyable, and effective way for users to experience the synergistic benefits of mushrooms, kanna, and botanicals for optimal health and wellness.

Emerald: How are Feelz gummies, and other kanna gummies, different from edibles?

YG: Feelz gummies and cannabis-infused gummies both support well-being but differ significantly in their ingredients, effects, and usage. Feelz gummies are non-psychoactive, appeal to a broad audience, and can be enjoyed daily without any legal restrictions. In contrast, cannabis-infused gummies are infused with cannabinoids like THC and/or CBD, which can provide therapeutic benefits or psychoactive effects depending on the formulation.

However, cannabis is not legal everywhere, and products containing THC cannot be transported across state lines, making them less accessible for some consumers. Feelz gummies offer a versatile and accessible alternative for those seeking natural wellness solutions without legal or travel limitations. Kanna is not psychoactive in the traditional sense (like THC or psilocybin). However, it is mood-enhancing and euphoric due to its effects on serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

Emerald: How do you combine these ingredients to target specific wellness needs?

SK: Through extensive research and development, we identified how each ingredient’s natural properties could work synergistically to enhance mood, focus, relaxation, and energy. The formulator’s expertise allowed us to create precise blends that deliver optimal benefits while maintaining a consistent, delicious, and enjoyable experience. This science-backed approach ensures our gummies are not only effective but also thoughtfully designed to support your unique wellness journey.

Emerald: What challenges did you face when launching your own brand, and how did you overcome them?

YG: Launching Feelz has been an exciting yet challenging journey. From navigating a competitive market and ensuring regulatory compliance to building a strong brand identity and earning customer trust, every step required determination and adaptability. Funding the brand ourselves added an extra layer of responsibility, requiring us to make strategic, thoughtful decisions and prioritize spending wisely to maximize our resources. The best ways to overcome these challenges include staying true to our mission of creating high-quality, effective products, leveraging feedback to continuously improve, and fostering genuine connections with our customers. By maintaining a clear vision, embracing innovation, and having a fantastic partner, we’ve turned obstacles into opportunities and are excited for what lies ahead.

Emerald: How do you ensure that Feelz products deliver consistent and reliable effects?

SK: This begins with meticulously sourcing high-quality ingredients, including our proprietary kanna blends, functional mushrooms, and carefully selected botanicals. Every batch undergoes rigorous quality control and third-party testing. Unlike other proprietary blends, we do not alter our quantities based on ingredient costs and or availability. For product consistency, each ingredient allocation is the same batch after batch.

Additionally, we gather and incorporate customer feedback to refine our products and maintain the highest standards. This thorough process allows us to provide consumers with a trusted, predictable experience every time they use Feelz.

Emerald: What role does education play in your company, especially for consumers new to functional gummies?

YG: To bridge this knowledge gap, we focus on transparent communication, offering resources that explain the unique benefits, sourcing, and science behind Kanna and its distinction from cannabis. By empowering consumers with knowledge—through detailed product descriptions and blog articles—we ensure they feel confident in their choices. This approach not only builds trust but also fosters an informed community that understands the potential of functional gummies to support wellness in a safe, legal, and effective way.

Emerald: What advice would you give to other women looking to start their own business?

SK: Starting a business as a woman can feel intimidating. But fear is often the biggest obstacle standing in the way of success. It’s natural to feel hesitant. But don’t let it hold you back. Do your research to ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions. Seek out mentors who can offer valuable guidance, and connect with others in your industry to build a supportive network. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can inspire you and provide crucial insights. If you truly believe in your idea, leap—bet on yourself and your vision. The journey may be challenging. But it will be worth it in the end. Trust your instincts and know that every step you take will bring you closer to realizing your dream.

Emerald: Does Feelz support any social equity-focused initiatives or causes?

YG: We are committed to being a conscious brand that supports our communities in meaningful ways. While we are still in startup mode, we prioritize sourcing from ethical vendors, including our Kanna supplier, who created benefit-sharing agreements that allocate 3% of all sales to the local community. As we grow, we plan to expand our efforts in ways that align with our values—fostering wellness, sustainability, and community impact. We look forward to building initiatives that allow us to give back in a thoughtful and impactful way.