Keep Calm and Carry On with Gianne Chan
How this Chika started and managed her own CBD business.
Calmed & Co. founder Gianne Chan is no stranger to self-love. Since 2013, Chan has been seeking help from professionals and gone through different treatments to take care of some mental issues. But her world was changed when she was introduced to CBD products while travelling in LA.
Chan wanted to bring CBD to Hong Kong to promote self-love and help people ease anxieties using a more natural way, so she founded Calmed & Co. The entire Calmed & Co. collection is 100% free from THC and GMO. Using the highest quality CBD ingredients, the whole product line is formulated to focus on improving wellbeing.
Read on to discover more about Chan’s journey of becoming an entrepreneur.
What were you doing before Calmed & Co?
Before Calmed & Co., I was working full-time. After having this business, I actually still have a full-time job, just a change of fields! But luckily, my boss supports me and I still managed to own a side business. I simply think that there is still a lot to learn and I don’t want to give up my full-time job yet!
Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur?
Yes, I’ve always wanted to create a brand on my own since I was young. Perhaps because my dad owns a restaurant business, my cousin owns her bakery shop, and my uncle is a business man! Growing up in this family, they inspired me to find my passion and start a business!
What are the biggest challenges of being an entrepreneur?
Everyone struggles when they start their first business. Honestly anything you’ve never dealt with could be a challenge. When I started Calmed & Co., there weren't a lot of people selling CBD at that moment. It wasn’t THAT competitive. This industry just started thriving in 2021. At the very beginning, I felt like it was a threat to me, but I reminded myself that my mission is to share my story and inspire others, not simply to make money out of this. Competition was not a threat – more competition meant more awareness on this topic. Right now, I could say we are doing quite well among the industry!
Calmed & Co’s CBD soft gels (Photo: Courtesy of Calmed & Co)
What are your most rewarding moments as an entrepreneur?
Definitely the chances and opportunities brought to me. I can’t believe that I made a TONS of connections from the brand. As a brand-owner, I got to know so many different people from different sectors, clients/vendors/other brand owners, etc. I’m truly thankful that people really are so supportive, especially within the wellness industry!
What’s the inspiration behind Calmed & Co?
I personally sustained emotional distress before. Having encountered CBD products on a trip to the US, my psychological health has greatly improved. After coming back to Hong Kong for half a year, I observed that mental issues and emotional health problems were not uncommon in the city, especially during COVID. I feel like it was a calling to found my very own CBD business to support those who are in the same position as I was.
Why did you opt for CBD over other treatments?
When I was struggling with emotional distress, I figured I needed to stop relying on taking any medication. I tried looking for natural solutions instead of medicine. CBD was my way out of insomnia and really helped me a lot with depression and anxiety. Of course I also reached out to my therapist for sessions and put meditation into practice. I would say it really takes time to find your inner calm, but there is definitely a way out.
What’s one accessory every woman must have?
Confidence. I think confidence is something that I wear every day, whether I am in meetings or pitching to clients. Confidence really empowers me as a woman and also gives me clear-mindedness and clarity.
What’s your favourite female-owned brand(s) at the moment?
Luuna. I met their founder recently and learnt about their brand. They are not only selling tampons or pads, but also promoting the awareness of the importance of menstruation. We women bleed every month but we are unaware of using bleached pads or inserting chemical-tampons inside our vaginas. As a woman, we often neglect how important it is to take care of our body especially when it comes to period and bleeding. I do appreciate what their brand is doing.
What advice would you give to anyone who’s looking to start their own business?
Just do it. You have to believe in yourself. If you feel like there is a calling for you to start your own business, I don’t see why you should stop yourself with second-thoughts. Honestly, there are so many resources online now for entrepreneurs, I’m not an expert here but I can tell you, networking is huge! You will have guidance along the way, you will be able to achieve it.
“Confidence really empowers me as a woman and also gives me clear-mindedness and clarity.”
Who’s your Chika?
Olivia Chan, the founder of Sugarcoat. She is actually my cousin. When I was young, I already noticed that she has a passion for baking. At an early age, she travelled to the UK alone and got a job at the famous Peggy Porschen Cakes Store, slowly grooming her skills and building a network, following her dream and passion. Right now, she is one of the best cake decorators in Asia, and she owns her own business as well!
