We were lucky to catch up with Jabrelle Herbin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jabrelle, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
Maybe about 5 years ago I purchased a cannabis ointment/balm for back pain I was experiencing. At the time I was working a corporate job and felt a great deal of stress that would lead to physical pain sometimes. My back pain would flair up at the most random times so I carried the balm in my purse. One day I ran out of lipgloss at work. I can’t remember if I had actually ran out or if I just misplaced it. Either way, I decided to pull out my cannabis balm and use it temporarily. Because it wasn’t meant to be used as a lip balm, it would absorb very quickly and I would have to apply it often throughout the day. I used the balm in this way for about a week. I remember standing in line for lunch one day and I noticed that my eyes felt a bit tight and I had a subtle euphoric feeling. These are things typically associated with the effects of THC. I said to myself ” dang am I high?!”. I wasn’t an avid cannabis user at the time. I was a mother and what I knew of cannabis just didn’t fit my life style. But, the feeling I got from that application was subtle and relaxing. None the less I didn’t think much of it after that.
A couple of years later I was having a phone conversation with my brother and I told him the cannabis balm story. I was headed for divorce, I was busier than ever with the kids and work. I needed a makeover and a chill pill but I didn’t have time for either lol. So, I say to my brother “wouldn’t it be dope if you could consume cannabis and do everyday activities at the same time? something as simple as putting on lotion because I have to do that anyway. My brother goes, why don’t you make some?! The idea of that caught me off guard because I was really just venting and complaining about all I had going on and was reminiscing about the euphoric feeling I had from the balm lip application. But he said it again, it would be dope, you should make some. I just simply replied, BET, I WILL! I never really considered the journey it would set me on.
My birthday was coming up and my little sister stayed in Colorado. I decided to drag my brother on a road trip. I went from dispensary to dispensary searching for similar products and writing down their active ingredients. I didn’t know where else to start, Im a chemist. Surprisingly the bud tenders were very helpful and excited for the idea of my product. There wasn’t really anything on the market like it. Once I gathered a list of ingredients I began to research their properties and effects. That was 2 years ago now. I’ve gone through several iterations of my formula. I found that it was difficult to get “high” topically. Most cannabis topicals are not transdermal and so you don’t feel the affects of the THC as you would if you consumed it in other capacities. I had multiple people tell me that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish making a truly transdermal topical. But, Im excited to say that I did! I created a transdermal system that allows THC to be used both medicinally and recreationally. My formula just came back from compliance testing and passed with flying colors. I have a number of testimonials from clients and we are ready to not only launch and change the cannabis game, but change the lives of so many people along the way!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
what type of products/services/creative works you provide:
I formulated a transdermal cannabis topical. Shake. is infused with THC specifically. My topical is designed to be absorbed through the skin, delivering the therapeutic effects of THC directly into the bloodstream. It’s often used for localized pain relief, muscle relaxation, anxiety relief and potentially other therapeutic and recreational purposes.
what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others: Convenience, odor, stigmatization, pain relief, stress relief,
Because my topical is transdermal it provides great relief for people suffering through chronic pain brought on by things like fibermialgia, multiple sclerosis, and even temporary muscle pain from working out or mild joint pain. One of the main reasons I created it was to relieve stress and anxiety for myself. The transdermal properties are a crucial benefit that allows users to experience the full medicinal effects as well as the euphoric feeling you get from THC. This is something you can apply during your selfcare routine or just keep on hand to apply throughout the day when needed. It was created with discretion in mind. You can treat yourself on the go without the smell and time it takes to consume in other ways. The goal is to help them feel good so that they look good. Help them get back to being them!
What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
I’m most proud of the personal accomplishments I’ve made while creating and ultimately preparing to luanch this product that I know will help so many people. It literally started as a random thought and a flippet suggestion. I thank God for the vision and the opportunity to serve in such a way. I want my customers/patrons/clients to know that my goal is to provide an amazing product that makes their lives easier. It’s not just a money grab for me. I believe in the power of cannabis, Im passoinate about the education of proper usage and I’m excited to educate them.
You didn’t ask, but I’m mostexcited for the opportunity to connect with people and reintroduce them to cannabis. Im hype to educate them on the plant, it’s benefits, finding their dose and showing them all the cool ways you can consume cannabis nowdays. I think that my topical is DOPE!! But, when it comes to health and wellness and beauty, the trick is in finding what works for you. I’m here to help them explore the possibilties.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
It’s funny but so far my biggest thing I’ve had to unlearn is downplaying myself and my work. I’m learning to stand tall and appreciate my own accomplishments. I’m becoming ok with the idea of my creation being a big deal at some point (not just yet lol). The work I’m doing and pushing to do is necessary, its innovation, and it hasn’t been easy. I thank God for the vision and the wisdom its taken to create the base of what I hope my brand will become. And because I’m grateful, I’m going to stand on every good thing that comes with it
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
So, I got started in my kitchen at home. We are in the process of moving to a commercial facility for mass production, but yeah I started in my kitchen. I absolutely did not know how to manufacture my product prior to doing tons of research. I literally started by researching ingredients I found on similar products and testing out recipes until I found the formula that worked. I do have vendors for ingredients, but sourcing has probably been the largest hurdle next to funding. Thought this journey I’ve learned to KEEP TRACK OF EVERYTHING! I’ve gone through so many iterations of my topical and it is crucial to notate measurements and ingredients for each batch. Trust me that will save you so much heartache and money along the way.
