Our Story
Living with chronic pain stinks. Living with someone in chronic pain is also difficult. I have Fibromyalgia and know that when you are suffering, it can feel lonely and frustrating I realize that today, I am lucky as I am able to manage my symptoms most of the time. I still have my good and not so good days, but I’ve learned to be my own health advocate.
As you read my story, it is important to note that CBD is NOT a cure for anything, and it won’t cure my Fibromyalgia. Rather it’s one piece I incorporate in my whole body health and wellness regime to help with my symptoms.
The Whole Story
Life Before Fibromyalgia
Prior to my illness, I was loving life! I led an active and athletic lifestyle (my passions were running marathons, triathlons, mountain biking, golfing), I loved working out and getting the endorphins going, was a single mom with an awesome daughter, had my own CPA firm, volunteered in my community, presented programs to soldiers before and after deployment, a national and local leader, and a spokesperson in my profession.In early 2009 that all began changing….
My Fibromyalgia Symptoms
I was having excruciating pain that could not be explained by an injury or treated with over the counter medicines. I started journaling what was going on with my body as my health continued to rapidly deteriorate. I’d get up in the morning, then one hour later my day was done. I couldn’t sleep, had no energy, dropped to 115 lbs (I’m 5.8″), in pain constantly, I lost my balance, and became depressed. My body was shutting down on me. I spent over a year sick on the sofa. I lost “me” – body, mind and soul. After extensive testing at the Mayo Clinic, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia and Life Changes
Due to my deteriorated health, I had to sell my company, give up my career, and change my lifestyle and diet. I was prescribed medications as my symptoms were so severe. Although the medications helped me somewhat to manage my fibromyalgia symptoms, the side effects were unpleasant……. and I hated it. However, I wasn’t going to give up. Over the years I learned to accept having Fibromyalgia. I didn’t like it, but I realized it wasn’t going away. I had to accept new changes in my life and started to create a new “Lisa version 2.0”.
Starting CBD
In 2017, while training with master pilates instructors Connie and Carly Borho, they mentioned to look into CBD as a resource to help my symptoms. With the help of my daughter, who worked as a researcher at the National Institute of Health, I began reading NIH research articles to learn and understand how CBD, worked in the body, and if there were potential interactions with my medication. After hundreds of hours researching, I tried CBD oil under my tongue. I kept a journal noting my CBD doses, and the effects on my body and health. I honestly thought it wouldn’t work, and waited for the other shoe to drop. I was wrong.
Our Educational Approach and Philosophy
When I started my CBD journey, it was confusing and scary. Store employees new little to nothing on CBD products, how much to take, or what dose to begin with. After I figured it out for my body, I didn’t want others to have the same experience I did.
We take proactive approach to talk with people one on one at events, in our store and also through our site.
We’ve spoken and educated thousands of people in person, we sponsor several large events such as Grandma’s Marathon, Rugged Maniac Races and Warrior Dash Races. We are approved exhibitor at the elite expos at: Chicago Marathon, Twin Cities Marathon, Indy 500 Festival. We also attend several women’s expos and continue adding to our list.
Trusting Nature’s Gem CBD
Knowing who to trust in this CBD industry is the top concern for our customers. In my career as a CPA, I was a trusted advisor to my customers. That was always the #1 priority for me. At Nature’s Gem, these same values are supported and adhered to through our culture, careful research, analysis, support team and controls. We are passionate about the perks CBD offers our bodies, and want our customers to enhance their health and wellness benefits through our products and education.
Why Choose Us
Quality Assured
Consistently sourced to insure quality. We use the same USDA organic farmers, same fields, same farming practices.
THC Free
THC free ingestible products. World/US Anti-doping compliant. Important for those people requiring drug test.
Authenticity
Developed by founder with Fibromyalgia with intent to help others in their journey to overcome life’s challenges.
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When you read my health journey and story, please know CBD is one tool in my tool box. I watch my diet, exercise, and manage my stress level.