We were lucky to catch up with Barbara Sharpe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Barbara, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
As the founder of a Black-owned hemp brand based in Southwest Georgia, finding my purpose was a journey that was deeply rooted in my personal experiences, convictions, and a strong connection to my community. As a brand, our path to discovering our purpose can be summarized by:
Personal Experiences: Our journey began with personal experiences that exposed us to the benefits of hemp and its potential to transform lives. I witnessed firsthand how hemp-based products could alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. These experiences ignited my passion for exploring the potential of farming our own hemp.
Community Needs: Black people, historically, have faced a unique set of challenges, including economic disparities, limited access to healthcare, and a lack of sustainable agricultural opportunities. Recognizing these issues within our community, we saw an opportunity to address them through the cultivation and use of hemp. Hemp has the potential to create economic opportunities, provide alternative healthcare options, and contribute to sustainability.
Research and Education: Finding our purpose required extensive research and education. We delved into the science behind hemp, studied its history, and learned about the legal and regulatory landscape. That knowledge was essential in shaping our brand’s mission and ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Building Connections: Establishing connections with like-minded individuals and organizations played a pivotal role in our journey. Collaborating with local farmers, community leaders, and hemp enthusiasts allowed us to strengthen the brand’s foundation and foster a sense of purpose within a broader network.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a true southern girl, born and raised in Georgia.I am a Wife, Mom, Grandmother, Daughter, the middle child of five sisters, a serial entrepreneur and now a “Farmer”. The majority of my professional career has been in the areas of Finance and Technology. During my down time I enjoy traveling, seeking out new foodie experiences and reading.
As it relates to this point in my life I see myself as a visionary leader on an exciting journey of choosing to transition from Silicon Valley’s fast-paced world of tech regulatory compliance to being at the forefront of the emerging hemp industry here in Georgia. With a passion for
innovation, sustainability, and a deep commitment to wellness, this has allowed me the opportunity to carve out a unique path that bridges the gap between two seemingly disparate worlds – the tech industry and the earthy, nature-connected realm of hemp farming.
As a Compliance Manager in Silicon Valley, I was able to hone my skills in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and ensuring that companies adhered to ever-evolving legal frameworks. This experience provided a strong foundation for my transition into the hemp industry, where regulatory compliance is equally critical, but the focus shifts towards harnessing the potential of nature to improve lives.
In 2020, we as a family took the bold step of founding Rebel-Garden’s, a boldly defiant hemp company dedicated to producing high-quality, sustainable hemp products, intending to provide an alternative to big pharma’s drug monopoly. With my husband, Michael, and two sons (Nathaniel and Jecoby) in tow, the company has become a successful family effort.
Rebel-Gardens stands out for its commitment to sustainable farming practices, ethical sourcing, and cutting-edge research in hemp cultivation and product development which is achieved through the process of controlling the logistics pipe-line. Thus, allowing us to proudly say we provide quality products from “Seed to Sale”.
As CEO, I firmly believe in the potential of hemp to revolutionize industries ranging from wellness and healthcare to textiles and construction materials. Based on what we have learned this plant has the ability to encompass a greener, healthier society.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on our journey there are three qualities that have been particularly impactful.
Resilience: The cannabis industry as a whole can be challenging to navigate, particularly for independently owned Black businesses in the Southern United States. Resilience has been essential in the face of regulatory hurdles, market fluctuations, and the e-commerce landscape. My advice to those early in their journey is to build a strong support network, stay persistent, and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who can provide guidance and encouragement when times get tough or you need a referral – your network is key!
Industry Knowledge: Understanding the nuances of the hemp industry, from cultivation and processing to regulations and market trends, is crucial. Knowledge is power, and it’s essential to stay informed and up-to-date. To develop this knowledge, I recommend attending industry events, joining trade associations, and constantly educating yourself through books, online resources, and courses. Collaborating with experts in the field and seeking out partnerships with established businesses can also help bridge knowledge gaps.
Learn to Work With Your Hands: My decision to transition from tech to hemp farming was not merely a career change; it was also a lifestyle transformation. As Tech professionals making this switch we often cite our reasons as; a desire to work with our hands, to contribute to environmental sustainability, and to be part of a burgeoning industry that holds promise for a more eco-friendly future. As this was an industry not in my wheel-house, I attended conferences, classes and a new farmers organization for women-only to help me navigate this journey. This helped me to acquire knowledge of agricultural practices, provide awareness of the agricultural market dynamics but also provided a place for me not only being new to farming but the nuisances often experienced by a woman in a male dominated field.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Our ideal client is someone who values holistic well-being, seeks natural alternatives to conventional treatments, and supports local, Black-owned as well as Small businesses. We cater to individuals who are looking for effective and natural solutions to manage pain, insomnia, anxiety and the symptoms of PTSD. Our customers are: Health-conscious: Our ideal client prioritizes their health and well-being, seeking natural remedies to address their physical and mental health concerns.
Open to holistic approaches: They are open-minded and receptive to the idea of using hemp-derived products as a holistic approach to manage various health issues.
Sustainability-minded: They care about the environment and appreciate that our products are produced sustainably and responsibly.
Local supporters: Ideal clients are conscious of supporting local businesses, particularly Black-owned enterprises, and understand the importance of investing in their community.
Seeking pain relief: They may be dealing with chronic pain, inflammation, or discomfort and are searching for a natural way to alleviate these issues.
Informed consumers: They take the time to educate themselves about the benefits of hemp-derived products and are looking for high-quality, third-party lab-tested items.
Committed to long-term well-being: Our ideal client understands that achieving and maintaining health and well-being is an ongoing journey and is committed to incorporating our products into their daily routine.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rebel-gardens.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebel.gardens/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRebelGardens?syclid=cl00nqutuops73bnka7g&utm_campaign=emailmarketing_140189728944&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebel-gardens/
Image Credits
@jecobyandcompany
