In 2004, Trista Okel first started making CBD oil in her kitchen with a Crock-Pot as a DIY endeavor to help her mom manage pain. It was well before cannabidiol or hemp were in the headlines, but Trista was convinced of the plant’s power to help people reduce discomfort and lead more fulfilling lives.

Sure enough, mom loved the oil - it did wonders for her, and word spread like wildfire. Trista began sharing her oil blend with friends and family members to rave reviews. They said her formula was nothing short of life-changing.

EMPOWER FINDS TRACTION IN WELLNESS WORLD

After taking time to perfect the formulation, Trista founded Portland, Ore.-based Empower Oil in 2013 with a single product – Empower® topical relief oil, thoughtfully crafted with organic CBD, organic lavender, bergamot, wintergreen and organic jojoba oil.

An advocate for cannabis who had long been on the frontlines of the medical and recreational use movement, Trista realized Empower CBD products could help increase awareness of the vast benefits of cannabis and hemp. With an increase in mainstream acceptance, Empower secured a spot as a voice in helping others with shared goals, knowledge, and values.

A year later, Trista renamed the business Empower BodyCare to encompass a wider selection of wellness products. She expanded the company’s CBD-infused topicals to include soaking salts, lotions and, later, the Luxe Collection – a higher CBD line developed specifically for Nordstrom.