Post Traumatic Pain Leads to CBD Store

Claudia Chaverra, owner of Your CBD Store in Northridge, was inspired to open her business after CBD products helped relieve her symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Now she’s proud to help others, especially members of the Latin community, overcome the stigma of CBD and use it to improve their lives through her franchised shop.

“After surviving the Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting in Las Vegas back in 2017, I developed PTSD,” Chaverra said. “I went through several failed attempts in trying to cope all while using daily antidepressants and anti-anxiety pills. I was introduced to CBD by my dear friend Lauren, who was with me the night of the concert.” 

Initially skeptical about the products, which are derived from a chemical in marijuana, Chaverra was hesitant to try them. But, she said, after being educated about the chemical’s non-intoxicating and anxiety-relieving effects, she decided to give it a try. Popular products for CBD include tinctures and edibles, as well as topical treatments to make use of its anti-inflammatory properties. 

“It gave me hope and it gave me my life back. I was given the opportunity to open my own store right about the same time that the Borderline Bar & Grill mass shooting happened in Thousand Oaks,” Chaverra said. “I had nothing to think about, I knew exactly what I needed and wanted to do. I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to be able to live out my life’s purpose – to help people through CBD.” 

A native of Colombia, Chaverra said that her culture has helped her in her business, from her work ethic to explaining the benefits of CBD in Spanish. A main driver of her mission is to help other people overcome the stigma of CBD and help them improve their lives. 

“I take great pride in knowing I can help our Latin community feel heard, understood and valued,” Chaverra said. 

Now celebrating two years in business, despite the complications from the coronavirus which forced her to close for three months, she said she loves the freedom her work provides for her. 

“I strongly believe that when you love what you do and have passion for it, you won’t work a day in your life. At the end of the day, all those hiccups and adversities only make you stronger and successful because anything worth having won’t come easy,” Chaverra said. “It is about the person you become in the process.”