We had the good fortune of connecting with Leavery Davidson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Leavery, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to own a business. The opportunity came in the Hemp/Cannabis industry due to my own personal chronic pain from sciatica. After trying CBD and realizing how well it worked for me, I thought about other people who might have similar issues. As an educator in the public school system, I naturally considered the educational approach to this amazing industry. Educational training sessions, workshops, hands-on projects and other opportunities be available, no matter which industry. So, we started the Houston*Sugarland Academy of Cannabis Science. Classes are online due to the pandemic, but still available. In fact, our next course begins March 27, 2021.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our first 5 Week Hemp & Medical Cannabis Course was in August 2018. Since that time, we opened Nu-Wellness CBD store on January 4, 2020, which is located at 11005A Fuqua St. in Houston, Texas. The combination of an educational business and a retail business just made sense. We educate about the benefits of hemp and cannabis, so it was important to ensure that people were able to get high-quality CBD products. There are a lot of substandard products in this industry. Our focus is on superior service in both areas. However, we suffered a 68% loss in revenue due to the pandemic. It was amazing to see sales skyrocket in January and February, it made us very hopeful. Then, in March when everything shut down and people started dying, I was baffled. If, I had known in December of 2019 that COVID-19 was the beast it has proven to be, I would have opened the store strictly online. We live and learn right. My faith is strong and God always provides. We are still open at the Nu-Wellness location and online at www.nu-wellness.com, and the Hemp & Medical Cannabis courses are online. We are forging ahead and praying for the very best in all that we do.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in the city are the Nu-Wellness CBD store and home right now. Seriously, I leave the city spots to my daughters. They are amazing when friends and family come to town. I do know that they like to frequent the Breakfast Klub and several other spots throughout Midtown. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give a proud praiseful shoutout to God, for He is my rock. Then, my daughters-Dionne and Devae’. It was them that constantly insisted that I try CBD for pain. Together we started Houston*Sugarland Academy of Cannabis Science; we currently have a little over 300 Alumni. They desire a shoutout for taking the leap to get the education needed to learn and respect hemp (cannabis) plants.. Special thanks to my Dad for believing in me. And. Lazette for always having my back.
Website: www.houstonacademyofcannabisscience.com
Instagram: @nuwellnesstoday
Other: www.nu-wellnesstoday.com
Image Credits
Dionne Davidson Devae’ Davidson Dr. Leavery Davidson