Austin-based mother of three Marissa Davis was seeking an all-natural remedy for postpartum depression, insomnia, and anxiety. With a knack for investigative work, Marissa dug into the current CBD market and discovered the deceptive practices of current providers. Understanding the quality of CBD products available was extraordinarily subpar, she set out to develop her own CBD company built on a foundation of integrity, safety, quality, and community. Fam Organics offers USDA Certified Organic CBD products and CBD education so consumers can feel confident about supporting their health.

Can you tell our readers about your background? 

I grew up with parents who were entrepreneurs so I always knew I wanted to have an organic brand but I never knew what it would be. After graduating from Saint Edwards University in Austin I made a living as an actor. I ended up stepping away from acting to be a stay at home mom for 10 years and really missed working. I decided to jump back into my acting career shortly after having my youngest daughter while still suffering from postpartum depression (which I had after every delivery…yay).  What I realized was, I was so numb from my medication I was struggling to connect to my characters. I decided to SAFELY get off my anxiety/depression medication and replace it with CBD. I had no idea at the time it would lead me into owning a CBD brand but I believe everything happens for a reason and that I was put on this earth to help people. 

What inspired you to start your business? 

Fam Organics was born from the frustration of not being able to find safe and effective CBD for my family and myself. I truly got to a point where I thought “f*** it, if I can’t find something that meets my standards, I will just do it myself”. There wasn’t a moment where I thought “I’m going to start a CBD brand.” It just sort of happened organically from the desire to protect and keep people safe.

Where is your business based?

We are based in Austin, TX but we can be found in stores nationwide and on our e-commerce store https://famorganics.com/

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

I always say that this sort of happened to me and not me happen to it. My husband jokes that I never even said I was starting Fam Organics, I just was already in. My investigation into the industry had me jumping in headfirst to make a change and the next thing I knew I had a company. I spent months talking to manufacturers and farms. About 8 months into my research, I found a farm that grew certified organic hemp and I knew I wanted to partner with them. Over several months I was able to formulate our product line. It took me a while because I am a huge perfectionist but it was worth it because the response has been incredible!

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

Sharing our story in the community as well as on Instagram has really helped bring brand awareness. I can relate to people who are new to CBD because I started as a consumer who was desperate for help. The CBD industry as a whole can be VERY overwhelming and it is hard to know where to start and what to trust. I wanted to eliminate that as much possible for people. Not just say what we are but show it in our lab results and certifications. Finding CBD shouldn’t be causing additional anxiety! 

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

There are very strict guidelines when it comes to what you can say about CBD. It can be frustrating to not be able to shout from the rooftops all the benefits CBD offers. We have had to get very creative when explaining CBD benefits and providing CBD education.

How do you stay focused?

I think with any business you have to have a strong desire to help people and to make a positive change. Reminding myself of that when things become challenging helps me hone back in.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

Coming from a consumer perspective I saw a HUGE lack of care in the quality of CBD on the market. I knew I couldn’t have been the only person desperately searching for something natural that wasn’t toxic. Something I could trust. Something I felt confident in recommending to the people I cared most about in my life. The anxiety of trying to find a CBD to help me with my anxiety felt ironic. I wanted to alleviate that stress for people.

Most CBD is sourced from biomass facilitates that use hemp from hundreds of unregulated farms from all over the world. They all claim to be organic with ZERO proof. I know this because I did over a year's worth of investigative work on the CBD industry. These manufacturers simply slap thousands of different labels on subpar products and sell them to trusting consumers. It drove me nuts and I was determined to change things. I partnered with 1 farm in Colorado that grows USDA Certified Organic hemp. Every batch we make has 6 full panel third-party tests run from seed to bottle (most companies don’t even run one test, sadly). Our high standards and quality are what set us apart. 

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

Our referrals are incredible!! We have strong community support and I think people ultimately want to protect themselves and their friends and family. Knowing that we offer CBD that is Certified Organic and run 6 full panel third-party lab tests really gives them that peace of mind when trying Fam Organics for the first time and then as they see results, it makes it easy to recommend. 

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs? 

Stay focused, dig deep, and keep remembering your “WHY”. I think distraction can easily kill a company before it has even truly started. If you constantly remember you WHY then it will drive through even the most difficult moments. 

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

As a mom of 3 and a CEO, I am constantly on the go and don’t always have time to sit down and read a book so Audible is my best friend! I LOVE this app! I am currently listening to Untamed by Glennon Doyle and it is life-changing! I also love anything by Rachel Hollis, Donald Miller, and Seth Godin. I am inspired by people who are trying to get the most out of their lives and passions. 

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I love Instagram and the way I get to personally connect with our followers. Also, as a person who loves to find a good deal and save money, I wanted to make sure we offered opportunities to our customers! We have some amazing ways to save on our website through our subscription and rewards program! We have chosen to utilize those tools as a way to show our appreciation to our customers. 

Who is your business role model? Why? 

I truly admire anyone that has the balls to go after what they want. Starting a company is not for the faint of heart. Nothing is more beautiful than the journey to believe you can make a difference in this world, creating it, and then watching it become a reality! I have respect and admiration for anyone that can do that!

How do you balance work and life? 

Getting to work from home and set my own hours really helps keep me balanced. I get up early and try to get as much done before my kids are up too. It’s not always easy but at the end of the day, I want to be a strong role model for my daughters and show them how to balance work and family life. Also, staying organized and mastering time management has helped me fit as much in as possible in a way that doesn’t leave me feeling completely drained. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

Family movie night with my kids and husband is one of my favorite things to do to keep myself feeling balanced.  I also love a night out with my girlfriends! Dinner, drinks, and a ton of laughs. What can beat that?!?  If I am just needing a little solo time I usually go for a spa day. Reset. Recharge. Return home feeling weightless. 

What do you have planned for the next six months? 

We are going to be launching several new products and will be continuing to spread the message that there is CBD that is SAFE and EFFECTIVE! Consumers deserve better and they know it. We are offering a ton of CBD education so that everyone can feel confident when choosing CBD for themselves and those they love. 

How can our readers connect with you?

Our website www.famorganics.com is the best way to find us and CBD education. We can also be found on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Youtube! We love connecting with our customers and seeing inspirational photos of them living their lives without limits.