Melanated Mogul

At Melanated Mogul, our Mogul of the Week feature is designed to shine a light not only on Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs but also on women-owned businesses and other marginally represented entrepreneurs. We are committed to amplifying the voices of businesses that create space to serve diverse communities and incorporate inclusivity into their business models. Each week, we receive submissions from incredible businesses, and we are thrilled to share their stories with our readers. This week, we’re proud to highlight the journey of Adrienne Ferguson, the founder of Flower Powered Products, LLC, a wellness brand that provides innovative, family-friendly ways to relieve stress through CBD-infused products.

Before we introduce Ms. Ferguson and her business, Flower Powered Products, LLC, let’s take a moment to understand the industry she is thriving in—the CBD wellness industry. In recent years, the global CBD market has experienced tremendous growth, driven by increasing consumer interest in natural and holistic wellness solutions. As of 2023, the global CBD market was valued at approximately $5.18 billion, with expectations to reach $11 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2% (Grand View Research, 2023). This surge is fueled by rising awareness of the health benefits of CBD, which has been linked to relief from anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, among other issues.

In the U.S. alone, consumer spending on CBD products increased by 14% from 2022 to 2023, particularly in categories like edibles, beverages, and personal care products (Statista, 2023). The wellness industry, in particular, has seen a significant shift as more individuals seek out plant-based alternatives, leading to the expansion of CBD-infused products such as teas, oils, and topicals. Consumer preferences are shifting towards natural, family-friendly solutions that don’t require smoking, making products like CBD-infused teas and edibles, such as those offered by Flower Powered Products, LLC, highly appealing.

For entrepreneurs, the CBD business presents opportunities for significant profitability. Despite regulatory challenges, the industry has seen an influx of small to medium-sized businesses establishing themselves as leaders in the wellness space. Innovative brands that cater to diverse, underrepresented communities have been especially successful, as inclusivity becomes a key value for modern consumers. This is the landscape in which Adrienne Ferguson has not only launched but excelled with Flower Powered Products, LLC, making her a standout innovator in the thriving CBD wellness industry.

This week on Melanated Mogul, we are excited to feature Adrienne Ferguson, the dynamic founder of Flower Powered Products, LLC, a family-owned wellness brand offering stress-relief solutions through CBD-infused teas, juices, and cooking essentials. Born out of Adrienne’s personal journey during the pandemic, Flower Powered Products aims to provide non-smoking alternatives for relaxation and well-being. Adrienne, a seasoned entrepreneur with her first business featured in major publications like the Los Angeles Times and Cosmopolitan, has turned her experience into a thriving company recognized as one of the Best Black-Owned Businesses in Los Angeles. Her mission extends beyond products, as she’s committed to uplifting underrepresented communities, providing mentorship, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

Interview with Adrienne Ferguson

MM: What inspired you to start Flower Powered Products, LLC?

Adrienne: As a woman of a certain age in 2021, I was dealing with the combined stress of a global pandemic and the hormonal chaos brought on by menopause. Covid-19 had me anxious and struggling with insomnia. A close friend suggested I try CBD, but smoking it didn’t appeal to me. I started researching and experimenting with different ways to enjoy the benefits of CBD without smoking. My first attempt was brewing CBD tea, which immediately helped me get a good night’s rest. From there, I began creating CBD-infused lemonades, juices, and even cooking essentials like butter and olive oil. Soon, my friends and family became regular customers, and before I knew it, I had built a family-run business that even my 92-year-old grandmother loves!

MM: It’s incredible to see how personal your journey has been in starting your business. What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?

Adrienne: Running a family-owned business is rewarding but also comes with challenges. You can’t just treat family members like regular employees. We’ve had disagreements, but at the end of the day, we’re family, and we love and support each other unconditionally. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to always make decisions based on logic and research, not emotions. That mindset has helped me navigate the tough times.

MM: Speaking of lessons, what are the top three takeaways you’ve gained from your entrepreneurial journey?

Adrienne: First, stay focused on the end goal, not the obstacles in your way. Second, develop a plan for everything, but be ready to pivot if something doesn’t work out. Finally, it’s always going to cost more than you think—so be prepared for that!

MM: That’s excellent advice for any entrepreneur. For those just starting out, what would you say is the most important thing to keep in mind?

Adrienne: You can’t do everything by yourself. Slowly build a team that complements your skill set and fills in the gaps where you might not have expertise. Also, remember to take criticism with a grain of salt, and don’t let others’ disbelief define your reality. Shock them all and succeed despite the naysayers!

MM: Looking ahead, where do you see Flower Powered Products in the next five years?

Adrienne: In the next five years, we’re looking to expand our certifications to include Veteran-Owned status alongside our Woman & Minority-Owned certifications. This will allow us to provide our products in VA hospitals and hospices. We also want to employ underrepresented groups, such as minorities and the formerly incarcerated, and continue to give back to our community in meaningful ways.

MM: It’s clear that your business is grounded in giving back. How do you balance your dedication to Flower Powered Products with your personal life?

Adrienne: It’s important to schedule time for things that have nothing to do with business. Travel, spend time with family, and be grateful for the journey. Entrepreneurship can be consuming, but it’s essential to enjoy the fruits of your labor and live in the moment.

MM: That’s great advice for anyone balancing multiple responsibilities. What keeps you motivated, especially when times get tough?

Adrienne: Hearing from friends and family that I inspire them to do more—whether it’s going back to school or starting their own businesses—gives me the motivation to keep pushing. I also surround myself with like-minded people who are chasing success, which keeps me accountable and focused.

MM: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your journey or Flower Powered Products?

Adrienne: Yes! We’ll be launching subscription boxes of customized CBD products in time for Black Friday and Christmas. The boxes will include an entirely new beauty line featuring bath bombs, shea body butters, and lip balms. I’m really excited about expanding our product offerings and continuing to provide natural, effective solutions for stress relief.

---

Conclusion

Adrienne Ferguson’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience, passion, and heart required to build something truly meaningful. With Flower Powered Products, LLC, she’s created more than just a business—she’s crafted a haven of support, inspiration, and wellness for those seeking relief from the stresses of everyday life. Adrienne’s commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities and her dedication to giving back set her apart as a true mogul in every sense. If you’re curious about how her unique CBD wellness solutions can help you relax and recharge, be sure to explore Flower Powered Products, LLC.

At Melanated Mogul, being featured as Mogul of the Week is more than just a spotlight—it’s a chance to amplify your business story, connect with a diverse audience, and inspire others through your journey. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, sharing your story can spark new opportunities, build meaningful relationships, and showcase the impact you’re making. Ready to step into the spotlight? We’d love to hear from you! Check out our submission guidelines and take the next step toward sharing your unique journey with the world!

References

Grand View Research. (2023). CBD market size, share & trends analysis report by source (hemp, marijuana), by distribution channel (B2B, B2C), by end use, by region, and segment forecasts, 2023 – 2028. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cannabidiol-cbd-market

Statista. (2023). U.S. consumer spending on CBD by category 2020-2023. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1051525/cbd-consumer-spending-by-product-type-us/