In The Writer's Den w/Aashir Jabbar

The climate for new business ventures has taken a dive.  People are hesitant to invest and indulge in projects and passions that perhaps won't provide a guaranteed return.  The CBD business, however, is booming, and Aashir Jabbar has decided to get his piece of the pie with his entry into this highly lucrative world.  His positivity, drive, and infectious spirit make you stand up and take notice.   Without further adieu let's hear from Mr. Jabbar, and learn more about his business, while educating our minds, bodies, and spirits!  

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◆ How are you doing on this amazing day? 
First, I would like to say thank you for this wonderful opportunity and I’m well on this amazing day. Thank you for asking. 

◆ You recently launched your online CBD store called Pure Canna Wellness.  First of all, congrats on starting your business, and I wish you much success!  When did the idea to start this business turn into the passion and drive to ultimately just go for it?
​I’m originally from Texas. I met Dr. Sebi’s son in 2010 through a mutual friend who happened to be living in Dallas as well at the time. We immediately bonded and became close friends. One day, we were entertaining the idea of partnering up and selling herb formulas he learned from his father and creating a business together.

​At that same time, I was going through a hard time in my life.  Our mutual friend who spent time in Hawaii mentioned the experience of living there many times and suggested at that time, that I should consider living there if I had the opportunity to do so. After a week of thinking about the possibility of living on an Island, I decided to make it a reality. I quit my job in 2010 and moved to Big Island Hawaii. We started a business called Go Green Leaf. With Sebi’s son, Asami, his wife at the time Lateefah, and myself, we started creating formulas of herbal supplements & salves and began vending at local spots around the community of Pahoa Hawaii. Long story short, I moved back to the mainland in 2014, worldly things consumed my life for about 5 years but the desire still remained. My father passed in 2019 and soon after, on Christmas Eve of 2020, my mother passed and spiraled me into unhealthy habits. CBD helped to curve those unhealthy habits and that’s when the light was reignited. 

◆ The CBD business is booming right now with no signs of slowing down.  Business forecasters estimate the revenue from sales to reach billions by 2025.  Are you ready to join the ranks and get a piece of the pie?  
Yes, I am. There’s still so so much to learn regarding the cannabis industry so I’m still trying to stay in the know with laws & regulations and what’s next.

◆ Are your products locally sourced and how involved are you in the selection process of what is sold on your online store? 
So, one of my suppliers is local. Shout out to ATLRx. My other suppliers are sourced within the US, 3rd party lab tested with known results when used daily. Currently, I am the only person involved in the product selections.  I’m learning my demographic, so supplies have changed since starting. I’m active on social media and I vend on the weekends so knowing what ppl purchase most and what customers are asking for is key.  

◆ According to your website, the business is family-owned which can have its perks.  Do you enjoy being in business with family? 
It’s still hard, lol. I enjoy my partner's help and input in ideas that I share with her but at the end of the day, I’d like to have a team that is essentially family to help move our business to greatness! ​

◆ Tell us more about you.  Where are you from, what do you do in your spare time, and is this your first venture as an entrepreneur?
​Well, as you already know, I’m originally from Texas. I’m an only child with a college degree in communications from The University of Hawai’i at Hilo, prior service military. I’m a spiritual man currently learning Ifa and just trying to accept all things life has to offer. In my spare time I “TRY” to work out at least 3Xs per week. And really lately, the business with just myself and my partner's assistance, I’m creating content and marketing ideas daily.  That includes concerts, vending on the weekends as well as networking. I’m currently enrolled in The Atlanta Georgia Academy of Cannabis Science to further solidify my passion. It’s exciting and boring at the same time because it’s definitely time-consuming. This is my first full-on push into an idea venture made into fruition.

◆ I've heard many people say they use alternative methods for certain ailments & health purposes.  What are the benefits of the products you sell?
In general, CBD is used for many benefits such as better sleep, anxiety, inflammation, increase in appetite, and increase in libido. The list goes on! CBD is currently being used to help treat military veterans with PTSD and also with Autism of all ages.  

◆ Have you faced obstacles and challenges as a new business owner?
Oh God yes! Everything from finding a website platform that allows CBD products to be sold, to the banks that will open up a Cannabis banking account, to the whole shipping process, from the online shopping experience to the customer's home; and most importantly again, the marketing aspect.   

◆ I'm a newbie to this CBD world of yours. There are quite a few options available on your website, but I really don't know what to try.  What would you recommend for someone like me who is a true lightweight?
​CBD gives no psychoactive effect to the body so no need to worry and from there, it truly depends on what the customer is wanting to get from CBD. I will need to know what it is that you are seeking in order to recommend the right product, however, we believe our website provides a lot of information that will help to determine what’s best for the individual seeking alternative medicines such as CBD.

​◆ What is the difference between CBD & THC?
Though similar in look and what they may help treat, the most important difference is that THC will cause a person to experience a high while CBD will not.  

◆ Are there any plans in the future to open a storefront?
Most definitely! I’d love to have a brick-and-mortar that focuses on Health and Wellness from the products I currently sell as well as other CBD health and wellness products such as drinks, a variety of edible options, to skin and beauty products with CBD in mind. 

◆ You seem to have a positive spirit and calm vibe, where does that come from?
Thanks, I truly appreciate that. My mother. She has been a very important person in my life and I’ve learned a lot from her. The other part comes from me just simply knowing myself and being ok with who I am. I will be 40 this November so I’ve experienced a lot thus far and I’d like to consider myself an old soul who’s been here before, ya dig! lol 

​◆ In closing, is there anything else you would like to say?
​Yes, I am truly honored you took out the time to allow me to share with you a passion of mine that I humbly want others in our community to know about. Mental Health is real in ALL walks of life, however, as a person of color in America, I feel we are mostly ignored and sometimes uneducated about the resources available to make the change. How can we talk about a transfer of wealth and not address a transfer of health? Do we have the capability to handle a transfer of wealth if we are mentally, physically, or spiritually unhealthy? I’m just here to share/offer a small piece of that equation. I believe in the long relationship this plant has had in human life and she (Cannabis) wants to be freed of the negative social stereotype associated with it, and offer the many positive and beneficial aspects she has to offer, a wonderful plant medicine vs pharmaceuticals. Sounds familiar? Optimal Health & Wellness is my journey and I ask you to take a walk with me.  

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You can find us at purecannawellness.shop and also on IG at purecannawellness.  Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity!

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I am truly enlightened and ready to take that walk with Pure Canna Wellness.  This has been a true pleasure and I look forward to the growth of your business and educating myself on the amazing products you have to offer!  

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For a feature 'In The Writer's Den', contact me - [email protected]

​~AJ 💫