Mendi Co., a women-owned, athlete-developed CBD company is shifting the perception of CBD recovery and how CBD brands work with leagues. From the beginning, they set out to do what no other CBD brand has done and wanted to be completely embedded in a sports league. By investing in the NWSL, they can support the league while the players can attest to the benefits of Mendi’s products.

From co-founders Rachael Rapinoe & Kendra Freeman “We started Mendi out of a genuine need for a trusted cannabis sports brand. Athletes have been using cannabis (blindly) for years, however there hasn't been a company that's owned the sports market. We want to improve all athletes' lives using nature's best tools - plants. Mendi provides safer, healthier and all-natural pain and recovery tools to keep people on top of their game, for longer. We are built by athletes, for athletes from the ground up.”

What was the best piece of advice you received or read when you decided to launch or grow your business?

You can't do everything alone. Find the right people, put them in the right place and get out of their way.

Favorite business book you have read?

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - written by Stephen R. Covey

What is your favorite motto or quote that keeps you inspired?

Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. John F. Kennedy

Who or what was the biggest motivator for you when you started your business?

Kendra Freeman. And my parents.

What has been the biggest highlight running your own company?

Running my own company.

Favorite business tools? (Slack, PicMonkey, Asana, Liveplan, Adobe etc.)

Google Drive, Zoom, Gusto.

What are your top three goals for the this year? How can the LWL Community support you in accomplishing them?

My top goal is for Mendi to be at the forefront of the cannabis sports market. We want to sign a few more high profile athletes, expand our hemp recovery line and rollout a wholesale business by the end of 2020. LFG.

Are there any other favorite women led businesses we should know about?

Re-Inc is disrupting the status quo in art, fashion and tech. They are women-owned, my sister Megan is one of the co-founders. They're doing an amazing job building a brand that truly champions inclusivity and disrupting the current business systems that are in place.

What is one action you want every woman entrepreneur reading this to take this week?

Being an entrepreneur is hard. Being a business leader is hard - especially if you're a woman. But, I truly believe you can do anything you put your mind to. Find the thing that fuels you, roll up your sleeves, and make it happen.

Rachael Rapinoe & Kendra Freeman, Founder of Mendi Co.