MULTI-AWARD-WINNING reggae artiste turned Kx Family Care founder, Stephen Marley, is making provisions to expand his CBD personal care line to boost employment opportunities for Jamaicans.

“We have already begun looking into distribution for expansion into Caribbean markets wherever possible. We have Jamaican roots that we are proud of,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Officially launched on December 12, the debut collection features the brand’s limited edition holiday bundle, including two of Marley’s favourite products, the multi-purpose hair and beard oil and the pain relief balm. Manufacturing is currently done in Los Angeles, California.

According to Marley, the products have been well received by consumers.

“Sales are going very well; we have been approached by some of the biggest international retailers all within our first week of business,” he said.

Marley and co-founder Shelly O’Neill spent the last three years researching and developing plant-based, multi-use products for busy families. The idea for Kx Family Care was born and fostered through their existing working relationship at Kaya Fest, Marley’s own yearly world music festival.

While Kaya Fest supports education around the many uses of the hemp plant, it is by virtue of their mutual desire and like-mindedness to create a line of multi-purpose, family-focused hemp products that are ecologically sound, affordable and safe for the entire family that Kx Family Care came to fruition.

Meanwhile, Marley noted that this venture is long term, and more plans will be made to popularise the organic products.

“We hope to expand internationally and continue our mission in promoting education around the many responsible uses of the hemp plant, by opening up additional verticals within the hemp industry via our umbrella company, Kaya Lifestyle. Kaya Lifestyle also operates Kaya Fest, our in-house hemp awareness concert property,” he said.

Stephen Marley has made his name as a singer/songwriter and producer, first with his siblings in Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, then as a solo act with albums like Mind Control and Revelation Part 1: The Fruits of Life.

He has won a total of eight Grammys. (Jamaica Observer)