Jessica Mulligan is the founder of US-based CBD brand, Winged. With a range of hemp-derived oils, soft gels and edible gummies, what sets Winged apart from other CBD brands on the market is that it speaks exclusively to women.
Why? Jess shares that statistically, women experience anxiety, insomnia and depression at twice the rate of men, and having experienced debilitating anxiety herself before discovering the benefits of CBD, this is something that remains at the core of her vision. “Winged is really rooted in good mood,” Jess tells Amodrn. “We believe that when a woman feels good, she is unstoppable.”
Here, we chat to Jess to learn more about her backstory, her favourite products and the most rewarding part that comes from doing what she’s doing.
Can you tell us a little bit more about where your interest in CBD stemmed from?
I became interested in CBD after one of the toughest periods of my life. I had just gone through about a year of chronic anxiety and was desperate for some relief. A friend guided me to CBD, and it was a game-changer for me. I dove into the research and learned how that the body has an endocannabinoid system and by balancing the ESC one could have better stress responses. The relief seemed immediate—I was sleeping through the night for the first time in a year and my general feelings of constantly being overwhelmed became a thing of the past. I felt comfortable in my own skin again, which I hadn’t felt in a long time.
What were you doing prior to Winged?
Prior to Winged, I worked with a Collagen supplement line, NeoCell. It was in the ten years I spent at NeoCell that I became fascinated with natural remedies and how, if we can support the body through nutritional and herbal supplements, we often can heal ourselves.
What was the inspiration behind the brand’s name, Winged?
When a woman wakes up in the morning and doesn’t feel overwhelmed or anxious, she is capable of anything. We want to give her more of those mornings—a solid foundation from which she can take flight. That is Winged.
What are some of your favourite Winged products and why?
That’s a tough one! I really do love each and every formula in our line. Every product in the line has CBD from organically grown hemp extract and Evening Primrose Oil which is great for balancing hormones in women.
I usually take Happiness soft gels in the morning for a mood boost. It’s a stellar way to start the day! The formula is full of good mood ingredients. Happiness doesn’t just balance the endocannabinoid system with CBD (which is great for a general sense of wellbeing), but also includes 5HTP and L-Dopa support production of the brain’s “happy” neurotransmitters—serotonin and dopamine. Plus, black cohosh and chaste tree berry help even out hormonal fluctuations to keep me smiling all day, every day.
I also really love the Relaxation gummies. The gummies are so delicious—it’s really hard to eat just one! They are all natural and packed with relaxation promoting ingredients like CBD, L-Theanine, Lemon Balm and Chamomile. The formula is non-drowsy through so you can really enjoy them any time throughout the day when you need a moment of zen.
What has the response been from women?
I think Winged is really resonating because it is becoming a platform for women to share our struggles and triumphs and empower one another. I think because it was founded on such a personal experience, and one that takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to share, that is, to liberate other women to share their own struggles with anxiety and depression. It really beautiful to see our customers open up and share their own experiences.
For example, I was at a show sampling our gummies and a woman approached our booth. As we began talking and I shared my story with her, she opened up to me and almost burst into tears. She was dealing with a number of issues and I gave her a sample of our Sleepy gummy to take home. The next day she was the first one at our booth and greeted me with a big bear hug and a sparkle in her eyes. She told me it was the first time she slept through the night in 8 years—and finally felt like herself again. She had hope that she could feel good again. It was a life-altering moment, which is something I hope other women will get to experience as well.
Be sure to check out more of Amodrn’s favourite CBD brands including They Call Her Alfie, Hemple and Sagely—and read our exclusive interview with founders of modern cannabis platform, Miss Grass, here.
