Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelly XiCali.
Hi Chelly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2016 the Brujeria was called up on me when my mom had month long pain that kept her from eating, sleeping, and walking. I was terrified! I cried! After multiple ER visits she was finally diagnosed with Diabetic Nerve Damage. The doctor described it as grabbing an extension and slicing it with a blade. My mom was prescribed morphine and codeine, which made the pain worse.
As soon as I knew her diagnosis, I started researching diabetic nerve damage and inflammation. I was on a mission to help my mom relieve her pain! After several experiments, I had created a pain management formula for my mom, guess what: it had Cannabis in it! She said it worked, she said the opioids the doctor gave her made the pain worse but my CBD remedies actually helped her a lot! I named it Canna Canela.
In 2018 I actually quit my job so I could take care of my mom. I knew in my heart that I couldn’t work for anyone else. Time is something you can’t: save, trade, or buy and it’s important to me to spend my time with my loved ones. I quit my job with nearly nothing in my savings account and started XiCali Products. I had a lot of support from my partner who encouraged me to pursue my bruja y jefa life. Since then, my business has grown out of my mom’s kitchen into a loft in DTLA and is now CBD California Compliance. Our products range from skincare, hygiene, anxiety support, and pain management. I’m making jefa moves!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to be an entrepreneur, so I learned by doing, with that came many challenges. I’m a one woman show, so it can be lonely, a solopreneur if you will. It’s challenging being self-motivated at times or deciding what the next step in my business will be and if that’s a strength of mine or not. Which is why I loved Community Pop Ups because I love being around people. Networking events are so much fun too, it’s great to connect with other jefas. I can’t wait to socialize again! This pandemic has been challenging as a small business owner. Due to Covid-19, I completely shifted my business from Community Pop Ups to E-Commerce. It’s challenging to create content online or learn about email marketing and fulfilling online orders! But now we have our own loft in DTLA where I manufacture products, create content, and fulfill my orders. I have so much to learn, I’m here for the process.
We’ve been impressed with XiCali Products, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
XiCali Products is a Bruja-Made CBD wellness brand. We are vegan, eco-friendly, and handmade. We specialize in 100% natural products and remedies. We are known for our Anxiety and Pain Management CBD products for the Latina who is breaking the generational trauma in her family, who is the first to go to college, the first to be independent in her family. My background is in community organizing, it is my mission to do business with a social justice lens by fundraising and volunteering for grassroots organizations and using sustainable materials. We offer a wide range of products: skincare, anxiety relief, hormonal balance, hygiene, and pain management.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is key for growth of any kind. It’s a lot easier to network when you’re at a business summit, training, or panel. Simply attending events and asking panelist questions is an easy way to network. I make friends with people in line waiting to speak to the panelist, but since covid: group chats take place on the line. A friend I met through a networking event suggested an accelerator program, and through that accelerator program, I now have a mentor. People are friendly and want to help you grow.
Pricing:
- Calmate Tea $17
- Canna Canela $35
- CBD Mellow Out Tincture $55
- Rose Skin Care Kit $70
- Hormonal Balance Kit $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xicaliproducts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xicaliproducts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xicaliproducts1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgyH6bhVdLh35us9ESgQl9w
Image Credits:
For the professional photos with the pick back drop: Director / Set Designer: Zuly Garcia @zulydelarose PA: Salma Glitz @salmaglitz Producer: Carina Reyes @_alma.rebelde_ Photos by @zulydelarose MUA: Cynthia Leal@CTRLCR8 Stylist: Maria Diaz @wednesdayy14
