Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jordan Ohara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jordan, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

In the landscape of my industry, a notable misconception perpetuated by Corporate America, social media platforms, and the broader public revolves around the confusion between medicinal adaptogens like CBD and functional mushrooms, and their recreational or illegal counterparts.

It’s intriguing to observe how various social media platforms maintain policies against the promotion of illicit drugs and related paraphernalia, a stance that aligns with sensible guidelines. However, what remains perplexing is the tendency to extend this prohibition to CBD, a compound extracted from industrial hemp. It’s important to clarify that CBD is both federally legal and permissible across all 50 states. Unlike THC, the psychoactive element accountable for the euphoric effects of marijuana, CBD doesn’t induce a high and emerges from distinct strains of the cannabis plant.

This categorization of both CBD and THC as “unsafe substances” due to their botanical origin misconstrues the reality and unjustly taints the reputation of CBD, which boasts various beneficial properties. This situation underscores a disservice to legitimate American small-business owners who dedicate themselves to crafting reputable, safe, and domestically-produced wellness alternatives that cater to a thriving market demand.

Compounding my concerns is the experience of encountering misleading advertisements on platforms like Instagram, where an alluring product leads to a purchase, only to unveil a mismatched and subpar item arriving from an obscure Chinese entity. This prevalent deceit and questionable business practices tarnish the credibility of online marketplaces, making it especially challenging for entities like my own – a veteran-owned American business channeling proceeds toward disabled veteran support – to fully harness these platforms for genuine engagement.

Ultimately, the gravity of this issue lies in its potential to project an erroneous message to consumers, implying that CBD and adaptogen brands engage in dubious dealings linked to illegal and intoxicating substances. This misperception starkly contrasts with the truth. What many Americans truly yearn for are functional, natural products cultivated within the nation’s borders, curated by dedicated experts in the field. Although influencing Corporate America’s policies might remain beyond our immediate reach, the endeavor to enlighten the public about the safety, legality, and efficacy of these compounds becomes ever more crucial.

Jordan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello there, I’m Jordan OHara, a Naval Special Operations veteran, and I’ve embarked on a journey to craft natural holistic wellness products that elevate daily rituals and cultivate a sense of vitality. I’m the driving force behind WindanSea, a brand that’s deeply invested in the healing journey of our customers.

WindanSea’s narrative is fundamentally about individuals navigating their paths to healing and growth. We stand beside those who are overburdened and undervalued, those who bear scars – both seen and unseen. Our focus is on offering a pathway to resilience, serenity, and the playful spirit that defines our human essence.
The WindanSea journey is divided into distinct chapters:

Part 1: Life’s trials and tribulations are enduring, transcending our modern technological advancements. These challenges are universal, resonating profoundly with veterans as they transition back to civilian life, grappling with both physical and emotional healing.

Part 2: WindanSea emerges as a sanctuary where minds find clarity, bodies mend, and souls rejuvenate. It embodies a mindset akin to the fluidity of water, mirroring the ethos of a surfer.

Part 3: Our offerings are centered around sumptuous brews of coffee, tea, and powdered drinks infused with potent plant medicines. These elixirs have been proven to alleviate chronic pain, diminish inflammation, alleviate anxiety and depression, promote restful sleep, and assist in overcoming addiction.

Part 4: WindanSea finds its roots in my own personal journey – a coffee aficionado and a military veteran who embraced the transformative potential of plant medicines and surf therapy during my healing odyssey and reintegration into civilian life.

Part 5: A “WindanSea day” epitomizes a seamless, harmonious day. It’s a day characterized by an easygoing perspective that allows us to navigate life’s currents without being swept away. This state of being feels grounded, vibrant, interconnected, and energized by the flow of endorphins.

What I am most proud of is the profound impact that WindanSea has had on countless lives. We’re not just offering products; we’re extending a hand to guide people toward holistic wellness. I invite potential clients, followers, and supporters to recognize that WindanSea is more than a brand – it’s a companion on your journey to rediscover the joy and vitality within. Our commitment lies in transforming lives, one WindanSea day at a time.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Starting and growing a business requires strong resilience, creativity, and a solid belief in the mission. I’ve faced moments of doubt, questioning my ability to reach goals, expand without outside help, and whether the market was ready for our new products. But each time, I found the courage to push forward because our mission is greater than my own needs. In entrepreneurship, giving up is the only true failure. It’s okay to adapt and learn from mistakes. Success rarely follows a straight path; it’s about persevering when things get tough.

This journey reminded me of my days in special forces training. Mornings were tough, filled with doubt and pain. I’d set small goals like “just survive till lunch” and focused on what was right in front of me. It’s the same approach that’s guided me in building WindanSea. Resilience means adapting and moving forward, regardless of the odds. As both a service member and an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that success comes from setting achievable goals, even when challenges arise. This spirit continues to guide WindanSea, reminding me that an entrepreneur’s journey is much like a warrior’s – strong, adaptable, and determined.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Securing the initial capital for my business was an exercise in resilience and resourcefulness. My journey began with a medical retirement from the military due to a training injury that abruptly halted my career. While this setback initially disheartened me, I realized I had a choice – I could either let this obstacle consume me or transform it into a catalyst for growth. I opted for the latter, viewing this challenge as an opportunity to evolve beyond my previous self.

Turning adversity into an advantage, I enrolled in graduate school and capitalized on my GI Bill benefits, earning a Master’s degree in business. Amidst my studies, a unique window of opportunity presented itself – a chance to initiate a business. Armed with the determination to bring my vision to life, I channeled the housing allowance I received as a full-time student into my nascent venture. Every ounce of available funds was directed towards nurturing my fledgling enterprise.

When the pandemic struck, it posed both challenges and unforeseen opportunities. Recognizing the potential for growth in the digital sphere, I harnessed pandemic-related assistance to amplify our online presence and bring talented individuals into our fold. Every grant and loan available to small businesses became fuel for WindanSea’s growth.

While my specific path might not be universally replicable, the core principle remains relevant. As an entrepreneur, it’s imperative to reframe weaknesses as strengths. Every closed door signifies the opening of another, and it’s crucial not to be engulfed by setbacks such that you are blind to the opportunities which they conceal. The truth is, each of us is dealt a unique hand, but we all possess the capacity to leverage our strengths and reconfigure our limitations as platforms for progress.

In this journey, creativity reigns supreme. Don’t shy away from rolling up your sleeves and embracing unconventional sources of funding. Humility is key – accept support from whatever source it emerges. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship thrives on seizing prospects, even if they appear in unexpected forms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://windanseacoffee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/windanseacoffee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/windanseacoffee/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4o_FetLmodVZcs7A4M-7rw