Draft:Carolindica

Carolindica

Company type	Private
Industry	Hemp processing
Founded	2019
Founder	Chris Karazin
Number of employees	20
Website	Carolindica

Carolindica is a hemp processing company based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 2019, it specializes in producing holistic health products derived from locally sourced hemp. The company has grown rapidly, achieving up to 300% annual growth rates over the past four years. With a team of 20 professionals, Carolindica operates two storefronts, a production facility, and serves customers across all 50 states.

History

2019

• Carolindica was founded under Ahven LLC, initially focusing on CBD and CBG tinctures and cartridges under the "Carolindica" brand, while the "Dimension 8" brand catered to Delta-8 products.

2020

• The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a pivot away from in-person sales, leading to the launch of the Carolindica website.
• Dimension 8 merged into Carolindica to expand its product range and target retail wholesalers.

2021

• In May, founder Chris Karazin gained full ownership of Carolindica, allowing for a revamped product line and new investments.
• A production facility opened in August, increasing production capacity by 500%.
• The first storefront launched in South Raleigh in January 2022.

2022

• Implemented full-scale ERP inventory management software in March.
• Developed its best-selling vegan pectin gummies in April, producing over 75,000 weekly.
• Established a sales team in June to expand wholesale distribution.

2023

• Achieved its first distributor account in January, expanding presence across the Southeastern United States.
• Opened a second store in May in Raleigh, cementing its reputation as a top-tier cannabis retailer.

2024

• Underwent a major website overhaul in November, introducing new features and enhancing customer conversions.
• In December, launched its third store in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

Business Model

Carolindica prioritizes quality and safety in its hemp-based products, working closely with third-party labs for rigorous testing. The company operates on a vertically integrated model, manufacturing products in-house to maintain quality and achieve profit margins of up to 80%. It sells through storefronts, a robust online platform, and a nationwide wholesale network.

Customer Demographics

Carolindica primarily serves middle- to upper-class consumers aged 30 to 80. Customers often seek alternatives for various health concerns, ranging from pain relief to mental health support. Strong customer relationships and education underpin its high-ticket sales, averaging $60 per transaction.

Product Applications

Carolindica's products are often used to address a variety of health concerns, including:

• Pain relief
• Inflammation
• Anxiety and Depression
• Sleep issues
• Digestive and cardiovascular health
• Acne and other skin conditions
• Seizures
• Substance abuse recovery

Notable Achievements

• July 2024: Featured in an Atlantic article, generating over $17,000 in sales within hours.
• December 2024: Opened Fuquay-Varina's first cannabis dispensary.

Lore: Spaceman Smiley

In December 2022, the "Spaceman Smiley" character became a whimsical part of Carolindica’s lore. According to company stories, Smiley—a reptilian alien—crashed into the facility and became enamored with Carolindica's Delta-8 gummies, transforming from a fearsome figure into a friendly mascot.

The Story of Spaceman Smiley

One December evening in 2022, a mysterious event occurred when a spaceship crash-landed near Carolindica's production facility. Upon investigating, the staff discovered a reptilian alien named Smiley, who had been left stranded after a failed mission. Fascinated by the Delta-8 gummies, Smiley quickly became part of the Carolindica family, shedding his initially terrifying demeanor in favor of a more playful, fun-loving persona. Smiley now serves as the company's mascot, often featured in advertisements and social media promotions.

Products and Innovations

Carolindica offers a range of hemp-based products, including gummies, capsules, tinctures, topicals, and pre-rolled hemp joints. The company blends cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, CBN, and Delta-8 THC, along with terpenes, to create formulations targeting sleep, pain, and anxiety.

The focus on unique cannabinoids and blending techniques has allowed Carolindica to remain competitive in a saturated market. CEO Chris Karazin has emphasized the importance of adapting to industry shifts by exploring lesser-known hemp compounds.

Industry Impact

Carolindica has significantly impacted the North Carolina hemp industry. By 2023, its products were distributed to over 100 stores across the southeastern United States, including North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

The company is also recognized for adhering to high safety and quality standards, ensuring all products undergo rigorous third-party testing.

Media Coverage

Carolindica has been featured in various media outlets, including:

[The Atlantic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Atlantic), for its role in processing hemp and creating high-quality products.

[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes), highlighting its innovative blending of cannabinoids and terpenes.

[ABC11](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABC11), discussing its growth and expansion across state lines.