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

Hi Allison, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’m a total rule follower. And my family had always been connected to the cannabis industry… but CBD wasn’t something I knew much about. My brother was farming CBD at the time and gave me the rundown of what it is, what it does, and why it’s awesome. I felt like because of my own assumptions, I had been missing out on something that would help me in so many ways. I was like, “why am I not using it, and why aren’t all of my mom friends trying it?” It didn’t feel approachable. I didn’t know where to buy it, what to look for in a product, or who to ask.

I felt like there was this stigma around CBD because it’s connected to weed. Funny how mommy wine culture is wildly accepted but a CBD gummy at night can make that same wine drinker nervous. I get it – it’s hard to try something new, especially when you don’t have all the info.

I felt like if there was a product out there that Women trusted AND that could help people, it would be a no brainer!

I’m a mental health counselor and work with people with anxiety and depression. I see how anxious people are – especially these days. How difficult it is for people to sleep or to catch their breath because they’re stressed. I’ve always loved helping people. While I do not and cannot sell to clients, I took the information from my training into consideration when creating the perfect product for people who need to chill (and sleep, and decompress, and enjoy the small things!). 😉

We made our brand all about fun, friends, sass, being girly AND powerful. What can we say… we’ve got a lot on our plates! We’re super bizzy!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up with a single mom and I’m the oldest of three. My mom opened a 4000 sf antique store on an island in the PNW when I was 10. I worked there every day after school… bartering with the old ladies on prices and learning how to run a business made me a hustler. I loved interacting with the customers. Hearing their stories and understanding them. My siblings are the same way.

I’ve worked hard since then – I’ve never not had a job. Now as a mom I try to balance work and home… but it’s hard. Work has always been what I know. I think that’s why the name “BIZZY” felt so fitting – it’s a reminder to chill the EFFFF out when I’m going too fast! I’m an awesome multitasker… and sometimes I miss the little details. And I hate asking for help.

I guess knowing your strengths as well as your weaknesses – like, really knowing what you need to ask for help on and that is OK to ask for help – would be a lesson I’d share with anyone starting a business. Ask for help from people who are more skilled at the things you struggle with! Hire up. Don’t take it all on. Chill out.

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.
I grew up on a magical island so I’d send them there! Whidbey Island is the BEST!

We’d go crabbing, fishing, whale watching and beach combing (I have a nice little collection of agates). The farmer’s markets are pretty unique and full of art and fresh food.

Then we’d hit up a few local wineries and all of the unique eateries along the way. You can’t miss the mussels at Tobys Tavern! Live music at a dive bar for some dancing with the locals is the perfect way to end any day.

Cozy and snuggled in a funky Airbnb would be lodging… my favorite place is a working farm from the early 1900s with an incredible Dahlia garden. I love it there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are endless people who have supported and mentored me. Ultimately, it’s my mom. She’s kind, strong, and she knows how to hustle while having fun at the same time. The bizziest!

Website: Bizzycbd.com

Instagram: @Bizzycbd

Image Credits
Erin Schedler Photography Kristina Pearl Photography Pike + Kettner

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.