by 1982kontepeters
Founder & CEO of Kurvana, Mehran Moghaddam, has more than twenty years of combined experience in biotech, life sciences, and nutraceuticals, focusing on his longstanding passion for health and wellness. Mehran holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Exercise Science, as well as an MBA, from the University of California, Davis.
Mehran founded Kurvana in 2014 to address the urgent need for professional operators to bring higher quality and safety standards to the research, development, and manufacturing of cannabis and hemp product. Under Mehran’s leadership, Kurvana has established its reputation as a pioneer in the vape space.
Furthermore, Mehran is an advocate in the broader cannabis community. He is an active member on the Advisory Board for the University of California, Irvine’s Center for the Study of Cannabis, which is one of the first multi-disciplinary centers for Cannabis studies. He also maintains active memberships with the National Cannabis Industry Association, the California Cannabis Industry Association, the American Chemical Society, and the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- We love featuring brands here in SoCal. Can you share what makes Kurvana special with our readers?
Kurvana is the nation’s leading premium vape pen and cannabis lifestyle brand. Our focus is to deliver a high-end, quality product to cannabis consumers. We are the leader in high-potency, pure cannabis, and at Kurvana, we define quality as everyone’s responsibility in order to deliver the most natural and safe products that exceed regulatory standards and consumer expectations.
2. Why did you get involved in the cannabis industry?
I have been involved in the industry for over 15 years. I founded Kurvana in 2014.
When I got started in the industry, I realized that it had an urgent need for professional biotech operators to bring higher quality safety standards to the research, development, and manufacturing of medical cannabis, so I decided to make my own brand.
I made it my mission to bring transparency, accountability, and professionalism to the cannabis industry.
3. What is your background?
I come from a background in science and business. I have a B.S. in Biochemistry and Exercise Science as well as an MBA. My passions have always been health, wellness, and science, and I love combining them in the work I do with Kurvana.
4. What kind of products does Kurvana offer?
We remain authentic to being known as a premium vape brand. We currently offer four distinct THC and cannabinoid vape lines, a tincture line, and an assortment of custom vape batteries and hardware.
ASCND is our high-cannabinoid, full-spectrum, single-origin extract line and is available in 16 different strains. These strains are available in half-gram cartridges, full-gram cartridges, and our brand-new All-in-One ready to use devices.
We just launched our terpene and cannaflavin rich Originals line, which includes 7 classic OG strains. These are available in half-gram cartridges, full-gram cartridges, and All-in-One ready to use devices.
Kurvana also has revamped our CBD vape collection, which includes 3 strains with natural botanical ingredients paired with various cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG for the ultimate wellness and therapeutic benefits. These are currently available in our All-in-One ready to use devices; our 510 cartridges will be launched this summer.
Carbon21 is Kurvana’s pinnacle vape line and has carefully curated raw concentrates in our latest vape hardware. We currently offer these small batch creations in 3 strains, available in half-gram cartridges, full-gram cartridges and our All-in-One ready to use devices.
Our Botanicals Tinctures Collection features 4 unique tinctures, utilizing 100% full-spectrum cannabis oils pairing key nootropics, adaptogens, and cannabinoids. Each tincture has specific wellness benefits and may be applied topically or ingested.
To go with our premium vape cartridges, Kurvana also carries custom button and buttonless batteries in a variety of beautiful metallic and soft-touch finishes.
5. What are the benefits of CBD?
Through the vast endocannabinoid system, CBD has many different benefits to suit a variety of consumer needs. It can be used to help with sleep, reduces pain and inflammation, alleviates anxiety, elevates mood and energy levels, and may even help with appetite stimulation. It has also been found to support the body’s immunity and natural defenses. The way I see it, there’s really something for everyone to be found in CBD.
6. Why did you choose to start your brand in Los Angeles?
I started the brand in Orange County where a lot of great original brands started. The area has a lot of cannabis startups and emerging brands so it is an inspirational area to be in as an entrepreneur. Overall, California was the natural choice since it has the best quality of cannabis in the world.
7. Are your products available in other states?
Our THC products may be purchased through licensed retail stores in California, but we do sell our hemp (non-THC products) online to markets that allow it. Those can be purchased at KurvanaCBD.com, as well as select retailers throughout the country. Those locations can also be found on our website.
8. What about SoCal inspires you be it landmarks, food, music etc.?
I think SoCal has an energy about it that’s unlike any other place that I’ve ever been. Especially in the cannabis industry, it’s really become a space of open-mindedness and innovation, and arguably some of the worlds best cannabis. I’m definitely inspired by the creativity I have experienced here as well as the comradery I have found with other leaders in the industry here. It’s an amazing community, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
9. Anything else you want our readers to know about your plans for Kurvana in SoCal? What’s next?
Kurvana is always at the forefront of innovation, and we are constantly striving to find the next best thing for cannabis, hemp, and other natural products. We are currently working on expanding our vape line using the latest in technology, genetics, and the introduction of novel ingredients spanning from mushrooms and adaptogens to many other medicinal plant ingredients.
Find Kurvana and Mehran Moghaddam online:
https://kurvana.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kurvana_official/
https://www.instagram.com/mehraninc/
About Kurvana:
Kurvana is the nation’s leading premium vape pen and cannabis lifestyle brand. Kurvana continually transforms the industry with innovative, high quality products.
Founded in 2014 by Mehran Moghaddam, who has over twenty years of combined experience in biotech, life sciences, and nutraceuticals, focusing on health and wellness. Under Mehran’s leadership, Kurvana has established its reputation as a pioneer in the vape space. Mehran is the rare executive in the cannabis space who has a background in business as well as biochemistry, making him an expert on the science behind the cannabis plant and a thought leader in the industry.
by Dennis Richardson
Last year, the world faced unprecedented changes to a plethora of markets, from food and hospitality, to service providers across the spectrum. There was one market, however, that may have had the most unexpected changes yet: the jewelry market. As retail jewelry sales drastically declined this past year, the direct-to-consumer (DTC) jewelry market thrived, giving way to incredibly notable trendsetters, like Chérie.
What are the benefits of DTC fine jewelry lines, and what are the factors driving the uptick in fine jewelry sales made online?
One benefit Chérie’s strategy is that their pieces are made-to-order. Overproduction, also known as “retail’s dirty little secret,” is one of the fashion industry’s biggest sustainability issues, and one that made-to-order practices help to tackle. One of the most substantial advantages of made-to-order jewelry is waste minimization, which is top-of-mind for today’s conscious consumer.
Another key highlight for Chérie is that they create what are known as “investment pieces.” Put simply, most DTC jewelry brands, including Chérie, design fine collections with longevity in mind — offering timeless, trend-resistant pieces that are investments that won’t depreciate in value (unlike say, a really nice pair of shoes or jeans). By selling directly to the customer and cutting out the middleman, brands are able to offer higher quality pieces for less.
Some of the Chérie’s most popular fine pieces include:
- The Double Diamond Loop Earrings. ($2,100)
The perfect investment piece, due to the detachable bottom hoop, which lets you easily change up the look. A timeless, versatile piece that no jewelry collection is complete without.
- Spiral Pendant Necklace ($1,100)
Made to be noticed, gemstones add a flare of whimsy and joy to any outfit, like the Spiral Pendant Necklace featuring gorgeous blue sapphires.
- Diamond Circular Ring ($810)
It’s true, diamonds really are a girl’s best friend and this ring will without a doubt last the test of time.
Awestruck by the beauty? Can’t say we blame you. Read below to learn more about not just Chérie, but the brand’s creator, Sharon Reuben, who shares her story, and more on what makes this jewelry brand stand out from others.
A Q&A with Chérie’s Founder, Sharon Reuben
Q: Hi Sharon! Let’s dive right in with some of your story. How did you get started in the jewelry business?
I originally went to school for Physical Therapy and did that for years. Upon realizing I wanted to be in a creative field, I then left my job as a Physical Therapist and became an in-house stylist at Theory and later Zadig and Voltaire. I always had trouble finding high-quality and affordable jewelry to complete my clients’ looks and found that the jewelry pieces I wanted, both for everyday and for something special, were missing from the marketplace. I was motivated to design a jewelry line to solve the problem I had as a stylist and created Chérie -a line that offers a balance between high and low jewelry.
Q: How did you try to set yourself and Chérie apart from other jewelry brands, and was DTC something you intended to do from the very beginning?
Chérie is set apart from other brands because we make two different lines. We have a fine jewelry line, made to order in Los Angeles, and a contemporary jewelry line, made overseas. What sets us apart is the fact that these two lines are meant to be worn together. We offer a mix of high-low to complete a variety of looks, specific to each unique individual. DTC was definitely what I wanted to do from the beginning to keep it affordable for my customer, while still launching wearable and unique styles they would love.
Q: Do you find that by being a made-to-order business, that you have some advantages over traditional brands?
Yes, for sure. Since our fine pieces are made-to-order, we’re able to keep our costs down by not having excessive inventory and not having the crazy markups associated with most jewelry brands on the market.
Q: What were some of your biggest challenges to get where you are today?
We actually just launched Chérie during the first COVID-19 quarantine. It’s been a challenge not being able to introduce people to Chérie in-person. It’s been more difficult to connect and share my story virtually.
Q: Personally, what is one of your favorite Chérie pieces?
The Shields of Protection Choker is my all time favorite. It’s the perfect piece for both day and night. It’s classy, sexy, and cool and can also be wrapped on your wrist to wear as a bracelet.
Q: What is the design and creation process like for you and your team?
It usually starts with a shape that I’ve found unique or intriguing. From there, I’m motivated to dive into the history of the form and find its universal or larger meaning. If I feel there is a lack of representation in the industry, I implement it into my designs.
Q: What are some goals you’d like to achieve with Chérie in the next 5 years, and what are some things that consumers can expect to see by the end of 2021? Men’s jewelry, perhaps!?
In the next 5 years, I want to be an aspirational jewelry brand that other new designers look to for inspiration. I want to be able to walk down the street and see people wearing my pieces on every corner. I’m currently working on 3 more collections that should be out by the end of the year! We’re adding in new shapes, like hexagons and baguettes. We’re also excited to launch two-sided jewelry this year. I’d love to get into kids jewelry eventually but, no men’s on the horizon… yet!
by Mia Barnes
Skincare is all the rage right now, and whether you’re brand new to caring for your skin or you’ve had a routine for quite some time, there are so many ways to care for your skin, even beyond the products you use on your face. Namely, the food you eat and the fuel you put into your body can impact your skin’s health and appearance. While, of course, everyone is different and each person’s skin has unique needs, there are certain foods that can brighten, clear up and bring some bounce into your skin.
Self care is highly important, and taking care of your face and body is a part of the act of self care. If you’re thinking about which foods will be best for you to try out, it’s all a matter of your body and how your system reacts. It might take a bit of time to figure out the very best foods for you, especially if you have unique skin concerns and change up your routine frequently. But regardless of your skincare journey, these nine foods each have their own way to help you glow to the heavens. Here are just a few of the foods you can try out for better skin.
Water
Okay, technically this one isn’t a food, but it must be said. Making sure you drink enough water on a daily basis is one of the easiest and most effective ways to care for your skin through your diet. While drinking water alone won’t clear up acne or give you a dewy glow, the hydration can increase elasticity and moisture so you can heal faster and have more even skin.
Avocados
Avocados are a great source of healthy fats and vitamin E, which can be great for skin elasticity, moisture and clarity — not to mention the anti-aging properties. Many people put avocado and avocado oil directly in skincare products, but eating it can also lead to benefits.
Bell Peppers
Specifically, red and yellow bell peppers can be fantastic for skin elasticity and anti-aging, as well as combating dryness. They come with lots of beta carotene, which converts into vitamin A within the body. They’re also full of vitamin C, which can help your body process collagen.
Seafood
Seafood and fish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help with skin elasticity and healing. Not only can this offer hydration and anti-aging properties, but eating fish can even help protect against UV rays from the sun! Of course, you should always wear an SPF when going outside during the day, but a little extra protection can never hurt.
Green Tea
Green tea can help protect your skin from damage and aging. Similar to fish, the antioxidants in green tea can help protect against sun damage, and the catechin compounds can help with elasticity and clarity of the skin. Just make sure to avoid drinking it with milk, which can cause inflammation and lower the beneficial effects of the tea.
Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and other lettuces can be great sources of beta carotene, which can help repair damaged skin and protect skin by converting into vitamin A within the body. They’re also full of antioxidants and hydration.
Berries
Speaking of antioxidants, berries like blueberries, raspberries and strawberries can be great for protecting your skin and offering nutrients. Blueberries can be particularly beneficial for people with dry skin, sensitive skin and redness, as they’re vascular constrictors, which work to combat those symptoms.
Tomatoes
While some people like to use tomatoes and tomato extract directly on their faces, eating tomatoes can also give you amazing benefits for your skin. Specifically, they can help to control oiliness and provide anti-aging benefits.
Oranges
Oranges are high in vitamin C, which is exactly what you should be looking to add to your diet if you want to reduce wrinkles and aging — especially if you tend to have dry or combination skin. While recent skincare developments have seen an increase in direct-to-face vitamin C products like serums and face washes, getting vitamin C straight from the source is still one of the best ways to go. Other citrus fruits and juices can also be a great way to get your vitamin C in.
Foods to Feed Your Skin
Taking care of your skin is just as important as taking care of any other part of your being — and when it’s so intertwined with eating a healthy diet, why not take the plunge? While everybody has their own skin needs and sensitivities, you can find the very best foods for your face. Do you have a food you already love to keep your skin glowing?
