Naturally Better: Meet Christi Radcliffe

One local entrepreneur is boosting Palm Coast’s social engagement without the use of a single hashtag, catchphrase, or compelling pet video through a much more conventional method—conversation.

Your CBD Store owner Christi Radcliffe is part of a growing movement to re-engage residents in memorable and meaningful face-to-face conversations that don’t require a single login, link or password.

Her conversations frequently begin with a simple query: Tell me about it.

It’s a common enough question that yields uncommon results among those prepared to listen, according to Radcliffe, who was just credits away from a nursing degree when she suffered her first stroke at the age of 27 due to an undetected heart condition.

“It’s a question I never tire of and ask my customers daily,” she says. “If I can help just one person overcome chronic pain, migraines, inflammation, insomnia, or other related conditions like mine, it’s worth every moment of time it takes to stop and truly listen.

“I wish I would have been more attuned with myself many years ago and listened to my body’s signals,” adds Radcliffe, who did not catch the early warning signs of her first stroke, nor comprehend the possibility of a second, which occurred at the age of 34.

Your CBD Store became a gateway to health and healing for then customer Christi Radcliffe (right) and eventually led to her decision to own and operate multiple Your CBD Stores, including her newest location in Palm Coast. Photo courtesy of Your CBD Store

Forced to move from the role of then nursing student to patient, Radcliffe’s life spiraled downward quickly in a haze of migraines, neurological challenges and painful neuropathy as she embarked on what ended up being a five-year recovery.

Radcliffe battled back while heading up her health agency employer’s clinical research participant recruitment efforts.  It was there that she developed a deep appreciation of the importance of validated medical studies, which is a part of what drove her ultimate interest the Your CBD Store’s franchise.

“The company is one of the largest backers in medical research of CBD in the country,” says Radcliffe. “It’s a distinction and differentiator that I’m pretty proud of as a Your CBD Store customer and owner.”

PERSISTENCE PAYS  

In addition to her medical tenure, Radcliffe headed the Jacksonville Symphony’s sales department. The role, which required finely honed organizational skills and detail orientation, helped prepare Radcliffe to lead her multi-unit franchise operations.

Ultimately, it was her people skills and perseverance that got her through that time, according to Radcliffe, who helped mentor, grow and develop countless professionals despite facing daunting obstacles.

The physical pain and challenges were enormous, according to Radcliffe, who says the pathway might have been smoother, and far less painful had her doctor been more open to alternative-treatment methods beyond opioids and avoided over-use of pain medications containing acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs containing ibuprofen, both of which can lead to kidney disease when taken in higher than the recommended dosage or over a long period of time.

Your CBD Store Owners Christi and Brad Radcliffe are proud to be a part of Palm Coast’s local economy and hope residents will consider their store an important community resource and oasis. Photo courtesy of Your CBD Store

“Ultimately, I knew my treatment plan was not sustainable,” says Radcliffe, who, despite her doctor’s objections, began to explore alternative solutions to her chronic inflammation, pain, insomnia and trauma-induced Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A personal friend and Your CBD Store owner Alan Werner led her to CBD, which resulted in such an immediate and immeasurable improvement that she decided to devote her life work to it.

“It all began with Alan’s willingness to listen and walk me through my recovery process,” she says.

“He cared at a time I needed it most,” says Radcliffe. “The world needs more people like him. I instill that same caring attitude among my staff and in my relationship with local vendors and suppliers.”

PUTTING PALM PEOPLE FIRST

When Radcliffe opens the doors of her Grand Opening event scheduled in early April, she’ll be greeting customers personally.

Why?

“Face-to-face communication builds the character of communities like Palm Coast,” says Radcliffe. “It strengthens our relationships with neighbors, friends and area residents and contributes to positive mental health. It’s ‘that’ character that originally drew my husband Brad and I here.

“Our people care,” says Radcliffe. “When they ask customers how they are, they actually listen to their response. Your CBD Store is where I got well after nearly a decade of struggling with my chronic and debilitating health issues. When I met my wellness advisor at Your CBD Store, my life and my health began to move in a more positive direction.

Meet Palm Coast’s community-wellness advocate and Your CBD Store Owner Christi Radcliffe and Riggs & Steve, the popular duo behind the WHOG 95.7FM morning show, who will host interactive trivia games, contests and challenges at the store’s Grand Opening event taking place Saturday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Everyone has different needs and concerns,” she adds. “That’s why customers come to us. And when they walk out of our door, I want them to feel seen, heard and validated.”

The ultimate validation and personal reward for Radcliffe is simple.

“When they come back again and again, it’s my affirmation that we’re making a difference,” she says.

What could be more important than that?

Editor’s Note: Palm Coast’s Your CBD Store is located at 160 Cyprus Pointe Parkway. The public is invited to join in its Grand Opening promotions on Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Events include a live remote, trivia contests and games with Riggs & Steve, the popular duo behind the WHOG 95.7FM morning show. Guests will get a free gift while supplies last, in addition to 30% off CBD products from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Following the Grand Opening, the store will offer customers 20% off through April 31.