Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke D’Andrea.
Luke, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The story started in my garage with just me and a laptop. By using location based search engine optimization for specific keywords around marijuana plants, I was able to control the majority of plant sales in California. When the Farm bill passed, the garage quickly turned into an office, opening up access to sell into the majority of the US. The Farm Bill meant that hemp (CBD and Industrial) were now legal and my website did a quick flip to hemp. My enjoyment for educating hemp’s benefits quickly turned into an obsession. When I landed the main speaking role at an international hemp convention and saw that industrial hemp would be the way of the future, DRIHP Hemp Apparel’s vision became a became a reality. By combining my position as an industry leader in plant sales, with my passion for marketing, DRIHP was born.
Has it been a smooth road?
Ya know, all things considered, as a first time business owner/entrepreneur, there have not been too many dire situations. Obviously, I have had my share of struggles, especially with COVID-19, we have had to make a number of pivots, just as any entrepreneur has. That is one thing I would tell beginner business owners is always have a plan B and C in place. Being in plant/seed industry, a new and ever growing/changing industry, I’m extremely proud of the way we have been able to pivot on the fly, considering the current state of things. Were there nights staring at the ceiling in full body sweats contemplating if I should call my mom more? Yes. Were they worth it? Yes, especially if you have passion and the ability to pivot.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
DRIHP is an industrial Hemp, environmentally safe apparel line founded in 2020 (DRIHP.com) The H in DRIHP stands for Hemp and it’s called DRIHP because Hemp uses 1/20 of water compared to cotton to grow and process. In addition, a Hemp plant is the fastest CO2 to biomass conversion tool. In fact, one acre of Hemp produces more of the air we breathe than 25 acres of trees. Most products made from wood can be made from Hemp, which would reduce deforestation. DRIHP is more than apparel line… it is a CONCEPT of Life. It’s not about selling a shirt; it’s about educating the masses that Hemp can make for a better world. When something is so new and or “reborn” such as Hemp, it requires those who understand to educate. DRIHP’s mission is to seek out people with impact who have an authentic passion for the movement to help educate the masses and save the planet.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Our city is an amazing place for many reasons. One… we all live in the environment. The environment flourishes when products, whether clothing, or something else, comes from hemp. In addition, hemp can create an alternative to plastic, which DRIHP is currently working on. This would save the oceans. Finally, DRIHP called on Los Angeles social media stars, Jay Alvarez and Rachel Cook to promote the brand as well as actress Bella Thorne. San Diego and LA are perfect for DRIHP.
Pricing:
- 29.99 hemp based shirts/tanks
- FREE Masks
- 19.99 hemp bracelets
Contact Info:
- Website: drihp.com
- Phone: luke@drihp.com
- Instagram: @drihp
Image Credit:
Christian David Sierra
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