Meet Angelique Martinez | Small Business Owner & Full time college student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelique Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angelique, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is that I did not create it for profit, I it started to help people. I feel like our clients have been able to fall in love with Serene Tempest because they know that we genuinely want these products to change their life. In the CBD market I can honestly say I am the youngest. Starting in this market at 19 years old, while still being a full time college student, no business experience, and being a Latinx women I knew that it was going to be challenging. All these factors made me want it even more. I wanted to formulate the best products, have the most creative labels, have the best prices, and most importantly have an honest and good heart running my business. It is so easy to mark up CBD products 10x what their worth and I see other companies do it every single day but if I can help someone in extreme pain afford what will help them manage everyday life, then that’s all that matters to me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets my business apart from others is that it is fully mine. I have created it from beginning to end all by myself. Every product I custom formulated, every label and jar I picked out, to teaching myself how to design and create a website, down to filing all the legal paperwork. I taught myself how to do everything and I think that is what has been the most rewarding. All the while I have been in college full time, being in a sorority, and being a dog mom.

I will not say it was easy because it wasn’t but being able to have full control over what I did made it easier and more rewarding. I think the hardest part was not knowing if I was doing the right thing. On the other hand, quitting was never an option. One thing I have always known about myself is that there is nothing I have said I was going to do that I haven’t done. I finish everything I set my mind to. So when it came to starting Serene Tempest, quitting never crossed my mind. Once, I had all my products ready to sell the real challenges came. I found a lot of people questioning me because of my age. Many people did not believe it was my business and would always question who I was working for. Also, many people would question CBD and my knowledge on it. Given, that is common in the CBD industry but my age would not help. The most surprising to me came when people began to question if my products worked because how could they work I sell them for so cheap. That is why I believe in person connection is most important in running my business. I get to explain my purpose, my products, and my prices.

The most unique part of my business is that although we have 18 products in total, only 14 are for humans. We carry a dog line of 4 products that have been completely branded and names after my dog Miss Weenie. I adopted Miss Weenie only a few months before starting my business so it only felt right to include her in my business. Miss Weenies products have quickly become the most popular and many people have just fallen in love with her and her products. As much as we love helping people, their is just something special about being able to help fur-babies heal and manage their pain.

Along the way I have learn how to deal and communicate with various groups of people. Also I have learned to have confidence in myself and my products because I know what I bring to the table.

I want the world to know that age does not determine what you can and cannot do. Regardless of my age, I know more about CBD and my products than anyone else. Regardless of where you come from or what you know, starting a business is possible. You do not need millions or even hundreds of thousands to start a business. You just need a goal, a plan, and dedication. I want people to see my brand and feel safe. I want it to be seen as something that’s going to help them and make their day better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area I would take them to Disneyland. I would take them to Disneyland because it is my favorite pastime. It is best to go to Disneyland without an itinerary. We get to walk around with no rush, go shopping, try the different foods, and people watch. Outside of Disneyland, I would take them to my favorite place, The Nest, in bellflower because the have the best brunch. I will say I am more of a mellow person who does not go out other than to the beach and Disneyland so I wish my recommendations could be more interesting. Once I get out more and see new places, I’ll get back to you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out my partner Arturo. Without his optimism, genuine spirit, and encouragement my business would not have been possible. I owe much of my success to the countless hours and energy he has put in with me in order to successful run Serene Tempest.

Website: www.serenetempest.com

Instagram: @serenetempest_

Facebook: @serenetempest_