SunKissed Greenz stands at the intersection of natural wellness and small-business dedication, offering handcrafted products with love and integrity.
The Truth Behind the Hemp Industry: A Small Business Story of Heart and Hemp
In Mokena, Illinois, there’s a business where nature and science meet, one that isn’t just selling products, it’s transforming lives. SunKissed Greenz, a woman-owned business founded by Misty Nelson and her husband, has become a beacon of hope for those seeking natural wellness solutions. But behind the friendly storefront and the shelves of handcrafted CBD, mushroom, and wellness products lies a journey filled with challenges, passion, and purpose.
Misty’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a traditional one. It began with an act of faith, a decision to invest their stimulus check into a dream rather than into the safety of known jobs. “We walked away from everything we knew to pursue something that truly mattered, helping people feel better naturally,” Misty shares.
From Struggles to Success: The Heart Behind SunKissed Greenz
SunKissed Greenz wasn’t built for fame or fortune. It was born out of a personal need to help family and pets through their health challenges, from chronic pain and sleep issues to daily seizures. Misty and her husband found themselves on a mission to create products that were not only effective but safe and affordable for others facing similar struggles. The couple’s combined 35 years of experience in natural wellness and cannabis, coupled with their dedication to education, shaped the foundation of their business.
Every product at SunKissed Greenz is carefully crafted in small batches at their in-house lab, with locally grown hemp and organic, USA-sourced ingredients. “Freshness and quality are paramount,” Misty affirms. “We make our products daily, ensuring they’re safe, potent, and always made with love.”
That commitment to quality has paid off. Since opening its doors, SunKissed Greenz has received multiple local awards, including “Best CBD Store” in the Southland’s Best Awards and Lincoln-Way Readers’ Choice Awards every year since 2022. They have also received awards for best health food store, best petstore, & Misty has even won for best CEO/ business owner. These accolades reflect not only the dedication to product excellence but also the deep-rooted connection to the community.
The Hemp Industry Struggle: Politics, Profit, and Survival
While SunKissed Greenz has flourished in a challenging industry, the road hasn’t been easy. “Owning a hemp business isn’t for the faint of heart,” Misty explains. “In 2025, we’re still fighting for the right to offer products that help people naturally. The battle isn’t just against competitors but against political forces and corporate interests that would rather see small businesses like ours eliminated over financial gain for themselves & other industries not related to hemp.”
The hemp industry has faced a continuous uphill battle, not only for legitimacy but for survival. With powerful corporate players in the alcohol & tobacco industries lobbying for restrictive legislation on hemp products, many small hemp businesses, like SunKissed Greenz, find themselves fighting for their livelihoods. “It’s not about science or safety, it’s about money,” Misty laments. “If larger industries succeed, everyday people will have to buy their wellness products through dispensaries, which could drive up prices and reduce accessibility.” Misty also states that about 60% of her business consists of senior citizens & veterans,most who have expressed feeling uncomfortable going into dispensaries for health needs. “Instead of prohibition on hemp we feel there needs to be regulations instead”. Misty pleas.
For small business owners like Misty, this represents more than a financial threat; it’s a battle for fairness and freedom of choice in wellness. “If politicians succeed in restricting access to affordable, natural wellness, it’s the customers who will lose the most.”
A Family with a Purpose
At SunKissed Greenz, every product is made with purpose and heart. The couple behind the business has made it their mission to provide quality products that can help people, pets, and families live healthier, happier lives. “It’s not just a business for us,” says Misty. “It’s a calling. We believe in this mission because we’ve seen firsthand how these products can change lives.”
Education and transparency are at the core of SunKissed Greenz. “We want our customers to feel empowered in their wellness journey,” Misty shares. “That means no secrets, no gimmicks, just honest, clear information about what’s in our products and how they work.”
The in-house lab is open to the public, allowing customers to witness firsthand the care and precision that goes into every batch. “We believe transparency is essential. Your wellness should never be a mystery,” Misty states proudly.
With their dedication to affordable pricing, SunKissed Greenz is also an anomaly in an industry known for price hikes. Since opening their doors, they’ve never raised their prices, only lowered them. This commitment stems from a belief that wellness should be accessible to everyone.
Community Engagement and Support
SunKissed Greenz doesn’t just operate within its walls, it’s deeply involved in the local community. The business hosts educational workshops, mental health awareness events, dog adoption days, and partners with local organizations. They proudly serve as members of three local Chambers of Commerce, further solidifying their connection to the Mokena area.
“We know that a healthy community starts with education and connection,” Misty says. “That’s why we’re so committed to giving back, whether it’s hosting a workshop on wellness or supporting local causes, we believe in making a difference.”
Looking Ahead: The Fight for Hemp’s Future
Despite the ongoing challenges, Misty remains optimistic. “We’ll continue to fight. We’ll stand up, speak out, and educate,” she says with determination. “Because we know hemp works. We know CBD helps. And we know that our community deserves access to safe, affordable, and effective natural wellness.”
As the hemp industry faces increasing pressure, SunKissed Greenz stands as a testament to resilience and purpose. Misty and her team’s commitment to their craft, their community, and their mission drives them forward, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
So, the next time you shop for wellness products, remember: supporting a small hemp business like SunKissed Greenz means more than just making a purchase, it means supporting families, farmers, and freedom. It’s about ensuring that natural wellness remains accessible to everyone.
Experience the Difference with SunKissed Greenz
Ready to explore how SunKissed Greenz can support your natural wellness journey? Visit their website at www.sunkissedgreenz.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the difference of handcrafted, locally made wellness products designed with care and love. Because when it comes to your health, there’s no compromise.
If you’re ready to experience wellness the way it should be, real, local, and made with love, visit SunKissed Greenz today. Your body, mind, and community will thank you.
Disclaimer:
“The products offered by SunKissed Greenz are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided on this website and in any associated materials is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new wellness products or making changes to your healthcare regimen.”
