AND SOURCE IS SECOND TO NONE,”

Joe confidently expressed. “You can feel it.” The sparkling water has zero calories and sugar, and it has 5 MG of CBD and 5 MG of high-quality Delta-9 THC, both being active components of the hemp plant The ratio can be considered perfect for anyone who wants to dabble in the realm of natural health. The water has no synthetics and is not an intense feel, making it great for new users. The drink is not as carbonated as a typical sparkling water, leaving a better after-taste The water differs from traditional edibles in that it is quick acting Where edibles have more variables such as metabolism and time of effect, the water has no unsettling variables.

“It feels like we’ve been in it for a decade but it's only been a little over a year,” Joe said, believing the drink will accelerate the growth of his business

As for the shop mascot, Joe’s beautiful goldendoodle, he proudly said, “Reba is very appealing and I wouldn't have it any other way.”

Growing up in Lafayette, Joe has always wanted to give back and help his community. He noted the value of learning from others and how that has helped his business grow. Joe believes that he has become a better person just by being around so many others.

Located at 315 Jefferson St., Joe’s plans to open a store downtown fell into place. His original plans did not include a physical location, but through the various connections he has built, both from living here and his previous work in the oil and gas field The brick and mortar allows him to truly learn the ins and outs of the industry as well as get to know his clientele. Joe finds that with the many events and new businesses popping up, downtown has revitalized itself. Festival International de Louisiane occurring during the first quarter of initial opening was substantial for promotions.

Looking out the window at his office desk, Joe wondered how he could do more, how he could get away from the office. His father was a generational geologist, but Joe’s heart was elsewhere. He described it as an “itch” in needing to do more for himself and for his community. Joe thought a natural wellness store would benefit Lafayette, and having experience with the sleep-aiding, pain-numbing substance, he opened Miss Reba’s Greenhouse, laying the foundation for future wellness businesses.

As for Reba Water, Joe initially sought after local sources, but decided to follow his traveler’s heart and looked towards Minnesota for his cannabis. At the time, Minnesota farmers were talking with breweries in northern states, so it felt natural to Joe to seek out the state’s expertise. In looking for quality, Joe said, “ we didn't want to just slap our brand on anything.” Striving to provide for his customers, on the night of April 19, he unloaded 5,000 cans of Reba Water solo

He described his customers as a wide-range of ages but typically low-tolerance users. Many elderly people with various chronic pains and recovering prescription users will choose Miss Reba’s over apothecaries because of the price comparison and the amount of options. Specific licenses and regulations separate apothecaries from shops such as Miss Reba’s because apothecaries sell medical cannabis. Many customers walk into the shop, sharing their stories, and Joe welcomes this. He finds value in the experiences of others and seeks to change the outlook on the work of apothecaries. In creating a calm, comfortable space for his customers, Miss Reba’s is able to provide a true welcoming feel while educating customers about the benefits of the cannabis plant.

Many have benefited from both the product and education Miss Reba’s is providing to Acadiana.

Joe believes as owner of Miss Reba’s it is “important to bridge the gap between different ways of thinking.” Some wouldn’t expect a regular customer to be an elderly woman, yet she has found comfort in his products. Joe regards his work as a responsibility to provide for his customers, whether it be in product or in education As he passionately put it,

CBD offers various aids ranging from sleeping to focusing to relaxing It has been associated with helping in joint and muscle aches as well as helping with opioid addiction and anxiety.

Looking forward, Joe believes if cannabis is legalized recreationally, people should hold less judgment towards the plant In doing so, they may find its many benefits to be helpful.

The wellness shop keeps close tabs on legislation as the business continues to grow.

In order to continue to serve Lafayette, Miss Reba’s Greenhouse must comply with Louisiana law. While he is satisfied with where his business is at, Joe believes legislation is still “in its infancy, at least on the flower side ” When attending state capitol hearings, having learned a lot from the industry himself, Joe is able to quickly spot the legislators who lack knowledge on the topic. Joe is almost as sure that it will be a slow evolution as he is sure that there will be heavy regulations.

The medical side of the industry is not yet where it should be in regards to farmers. Having only two growers, Louisiana State University and Southern University and A&M College, the supply is short of the demand. He expressed frustration over the speed of government proceedings as he knows the plant can help many. In order for the business to be successful, Joe had to learn his customer base Many of his customers were familiar with CBD, so Joe stuck with the same few brands that many other areas provide.

What Joe found to be more important was perfecting the ratio of ingredients in a product. He explained that elderly customers prefer a higher CBD content for various body aches or pains.

Joe seems to adapt well. Promoting heavily on social media, the business has gained sizable support. His website allows customers to “shop by solution” including sleep, focus, joint and muscle or relax.

Joe often tests his own products as well as relies on the opinions of patrons to truly inform customers of the various effects or benefits of the product Miss Reba’s helps customers with arthritis in providing 400 MG CBD tinctures. Ensuring that Miss Reba herself doesn’t miss out, the shop carries dog shampoos and oils as well as various dog treats that help with joint pains and anxiety The shop also sells coffee grounds, and more recently, seltzers. Some smoking accessories are currently being sold for half the price of the maker’s missrebas.com

Miss Reba’s Greenhouse has plans to expand, if all things go well with legislation. Joe described his passion similarly to the one he had for sports when younger He said he had a fire in high school and college and didn’t want to lose it He noticed the people around him running out of fuel, but decided he would continue to seek passion. In continuing to build that passion, Miss Reba’s hopes to expand past Louisiana borders

Written by: Celeste Denova