Zula Essentials is a wellness brand created for women of color by a woman of color. Their goal is to help black women lead a more harmonious life through the use of CBD. A portion of the revenue goes to a non-profit organization that supports Black Mental Health and Self Care.Â
The founder Carla Joseph is a Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness space. She is an advocate of mental health being the foundation of your self-care routine. Inspired through her usage of CBD (cannabidiol) oil and her desire to help other women of color enhance the quality of their lives, Zula Essentials was created.Â
A portion of the revenue goes to a non-profit organization that supports Black Mental Health and Self Care. Carla is very passionate about shifting the stigma associated with mental health in the Black community as it relates to women.
In her personal and professional life, she has encountered women of color who have battled with their mental health. As a result of these experiences, she understands the importance of having access to mental health resources and how essential mental health services are in moving past traumatic life experiences.Â
Fancy: Your new CBD line, Zula Essentials, launches today. Congratulations! What inspired the brand?
Carla: Thank you so much! So I am a family nurse practitioner and I was introduced to CBD and used it for its wonderful calming effects. Once I saw how amazing it was, I started to tell my patients about it. So then I thought to myself, this is something that we need, especially women who look like me. I became inspired to launch the Zula Essential CBD online and dedicate it to the well-being of black women. The name “Zula†was inspired by my two daughters Zuri and Kamila. It was important for me to include them in this narrative as I am raising them to be Black women who embody all of the qualities that Zula represents- Harmony, Education, Equilibrium and Authenticity.
Fancy: Are you doing anything special for your launch?
Carla: Yes! We will have a virtual launch party on IG Live and Facebook Live! Special offers and discounts code will be available to those who tune in to the lives. We are excited to also have cool product demos and answer any questions about our CBD products.
Fancy: What are some of the health benefits of CBD?
Carla: The benefits are vast and are still being studied as more research is being done. The body naturally has receptors for cannabidiol (CBD) as part of something called the endocannabinoid system. When those receptors are activated, CBD can do wonders in the body. One of the most important benefits to note is that it helps to relieve symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. Some other benefits are that it can support healthy sleep patterns by reducing insomnia, relieves pain by reducing inflammation, helps support healthy neurological and heart health, etc.
Fancy: So what type of products do you offer?
Carla: We currently offer CBD oil tinctures that can be taken orally. They come in a Tranquil Mint Flavor, 500 mg or 1000mg. We will eventually offer additional flavors of the CBD oil as well as offers CBD soft gels, CBD gummies, and CBD creams.
Fancy: What do you think makes Zula Essentials unique?
Carla: Zula Essentials is the first CBD wellness brand curated for black women by a black woman. We are leading the forefront in helping black women lead a more harmonious life through the use of CBD. All of our products are crafted with love for us by us.
Fancy: What are some of your personal favorite products so far and why?
Carla: My favorite product is the 1000mg CBD mint tincture. It tastes delicious and really has a calming effect on me. This is especially true when I take it before a big event or presentation. I can feel the difference in myself when I take it and when I don’t. For this reason, the CBD mint tincture has become a daily staple for me.
Fancy: Can you share the name of the non-profit you will be donating to?
Carla: Yes, absolutely. Zula Essentials is proud to be donating to the Loveland Therapy Foundation founded by Rachel Cargyle, which provides access to therapy for black women and girls. We want to support these efforts as the foundation continues to bring opportunity, access, validation, and healing to marginalized people. Â In my personal and professional life, I have encountered women who have battled with their mental health. As a result of these experiences, I understand the importance of having access to mental health resources and how essential mental health services are in moving past traumatic life experiences.
Fancy: Why is mental health important to you?
Carla: Mental wellness is at the core of our being. You absolutely cannot have harmony and equilibrium in your life, if your mental health is not up to par. With that being said, it is vital that we focus on achieving health in all aspects, with mental health leading the way. There are so many broken people who in turn lead broken lives, which in my opinion, is largely due to poor mental health. It is important that we continue to elevate the conversation so that our mental state is at the center of our wellness journeys.
Fancy: Where do you hope to see the brand in five years?
Carla: At Zula Essentials, we are building a community of women who prioritize self-care and mental wellness through the use of CBD. My hope is that we continue to expand the reach of our community on a global scale. When you think of Zula Essentials, I want it to be synonymous with a world-class name that is the go-to CBD brand for black women.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Carla, Carla?
Carla: Ahhhh, good question. My swagher has evolved over time. Definitely right now, I would describe it as being consistent and confident. I know what I want and I take the necessary action to get there. That’s the lesson I’ve learned in recent years.
Connect with Carla and Zula Essentials below.
Website: www.zulaessentials.com.
Use code SwagHer20 for 20% off your purchase.
Instagram:@zulaessentials
Facebook: @zulaessentials
