Founder: Vithurs (V)
Business: Blessed CBD
Revenue/Month: £416K
Founders: 1
Employees: <25
Website: blessedcbd.co.uk
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Founded: 2019
In an industry saturated with bold claims and inconsistent standards, Blessed CBD has carved out a distinct identity rooted in quality, transparency, and integrity. Founded in the UK, the company rapidly rose to prominence, offering premium CBD products at a time when skepticism surrounded much of the market. At the core of this success story is Vithurs, known simply as V, whose journey from digital marketing prodigy to CBD industry trailblazer is as unconventional as it is compelling.
V didn’t enter the CBD space armed with traditional business degrees or corporate playbooks. Instead, his foundation was built in the high-stakes world of digital marketing, where precision, adaptability, and data-driven decisions are the currency of success. “When you’re working in digital marketing, you learn quickly how to spot trends before they peak,” V explains. “You’re not just selling products—you’re understanding people, their pain points, their desires, often before they even articulate them.”
Before CBD even hit the mainstream radar in the UK, V had already established himself as a sharp operator in performance-based advertising, growth hacking, and SEO. But it was his instinct to spot the untapped potential in CBD that set the stage for Blessed CBD’s explosive growth. “I saw a gap that was impossible to ignore. The UK market was flooded with CBD brands, but very few were focused on product purity, consistency, or educating the consumer. That’s where the real opportunity was—not just in selling CBD, but in selling trust,” he says.
Blessed CBD didn’t rely on flashy branding gimmicks or aggressive ad spend to build its reputation. Instead, V’s strategy revolved around an uncompromising dedication to quality. While competitors scrambled to capitalize on surging demand, often cutting corners with questionable sourcing and minimal testing, Blessed CBD took the opposite route. Every product is crafted from organically grown hemp, subjected to rigorous third-party lab testing, and meticulously screened for potency and purity. “It’s simple,” V says. “If you’re going to put something in your body, you deserve to know exactly what’s in it. No guesswork, no hidden ingredients—just transparency.”
But the brand’s ethos extends beyond its product line. V’s approach to marketing is refreshingly straightforward: no exaggerated claims, no pseudoscience, just clear, honest information. “We didn’t want to be another brand promising the world with vague benefits. Our website educates people—it doesn’t sell them dreams. If you’re looking for a miracle cure, we’re not it. But if you want high-quality CBD from a brand that’s honest about what it can and can’t do, that’s us.”
This authenticity struck a chord with consumers tired of navigating a maze of misleading information. Instead of relying solely on paid ads, Blessed CBD leveraged organic growth through smart content strategies, genuine customer testimonials, and word-of-mouth referrals. “When you focus on delivering value and building trust, your customers become your best marketers,” V notes.
Perhaps the most striking part of V’s story is his willingness to embrace risk. Entering the CBD industry in the UK wasn’t the safe bet—it was a regulatory minefield, rife with legal ambiguities and public misconceptions. But V’s background in digital marketing gave him a unique edge. He knew how to pivot quickly, test strategies in real-time, and adapt to changing conditions. “I’ve always believed that speed is a competitive advantage. The ability to make decisions quickly, learn from them, and adjust—that’s how you stay ahead,” he says.
Yet, it wasn’t just speed that fueled Blessed CBD’s rise; it was vision. V wasn’t interested in being just another player in the CBD market. He wanted to shift perceptions, to elevate the conversation around cannabis products, and to set a new standard for what consumers should expect. “CBD isn’t a fad. It’s not just a wellness trend. It’s something that can genuinely improve lives when done right. That’s what drives us—getting it right,” V emphasizes.
Blessed CBD’s journey is a story of sharp instincts meeting relentless execution. It’s about recognizing that in a market full of noise, clarity is the most powerful message. And at the heart of it all is V—a digital marketer turned entrepreneur—who saw not just a business opportunity, but a chance to build something meaningful, one honest conversation at a time.
From Teenage Hustle to Global Influence
Entrepreneurial journeys often start with a spark—sometimes in the unlikeliest of places. For Vithurs, that spark didn’t ignite in a business seminar or under the guidance of a mentor. It flickered to life in the quiet corners of a library, where a restless teenager, disinterested in traditional academics, found himself captivated by the vast, untapped potential of the internet. Long before he founded Blessed CBD, V was already laying the groundwork for his future success, driven by an insatiable curiosity and an instinct for spotting opportunities where others saw none.
“I wasn’t really into school,” V recalls. “While other kids were focused on getting good grades, I was more interested in figuring out how people were making money online. It fascinated me that you could build something from nothing, just with a laptop and an internet connection.”
By the age of 13, that fascination had turned into a full-blown obsession. While his peers were busy with homework and after-school activities, V was teaching himself the intricacies of search engine optimization (SEO), digital growth strategies, and the mechanics of online commerce. It wasn’t just about learning how things worked—it was about mastering them.
At 14, most teenagers are concerned with passing exams or making the football team. V, on the other hand, was running a profitable SEO business, marketing his services through industry forums frequented by professionals twice his age. “I remember making my first sale and realizing, ‘Wait, I can actually get paid for this?’ That was it—I was hooked,” he says. The business wasn’t some small side hustle; at its peak, it was generating over £20,000 a week, connecting V with clients from around the world who depended on his expertise to boost their online visibility.
This wasn’t beginner’s luck. It was the result of countless hours spent analyzing algorithms, testing strategies, and learning from real-world results. “I never saw it as work. It was like a game to me—figuring out how to get websites to rank higher, how to outsmart the system. And the best part? There was no ceiling. The more I learned, the more I earned,” V explains.
After proving his capabilities in the SEO world, V took things a step further by co-founding Rankfluence with Jonathan Waller. What started as a solo operation evolved into a structured agency model, catering to a diverse roster of clients, including Fortune 1,000 companies. Rankfluence wasn’t just another SEO agency; it was a growth engine for brands looking to expand their digital footprint globally. “We weren’t just selling SEO services—we were helping companies understand how to thrive in a digital-first world,” says V.
Working with brands across different industries and markets gave V something invaluable: perspective. He learned how consumer behaviors shift from region to region, how cultural nuances influence buying decisions, and how to position a brand for long-term success in volatile environments. “You start to see patterns,” V notes. “What works in one market might flop in another unless you understand the ‘why’ behind consumer actions. That’s the kind of insight you don’t get from textbooks—you get it from experience.”
These lessons became the bedrock for Blessed CBD’s growth strategy. V’s deep knowledge of SEO, content marketing, and consumer psychology allowed the brand to thrive organically, without resorting to gimmicks or fleeting trends. “We built Blessed CBD the same way I built my earlier businesses—by focusing on value, authenticity, and understanding the customer better than anyone else,” he says.
Blessed CBD wasn’t born from a sudden eureka moment; it was the natural progression of years spent mastering the art of attention—how to capture it, hold it, and convert it into lasting brand loyalty. V’s early hustle wasn’t just about making money. It was about learning how businesses grow, how markets shift, and, ultimately, how trust is earned.
Spotting the Opportunity: The Shift from Digital Marketing to CBD
Big ideas often come from noticing what’s missing rather than what’s already thriving. For Vithurs, the transition from running a global digital marketing agency to launching a CBD brand wasn’t some impulsive career pivot. It was a strategic decision rooted in the same sharp instincts that had fueled his earlier successes. By 2017, after years of scaling businesses in the digital space, he identified a glaring gap—one hidden in plain sight: the UK’s fragmented, underdeveloped CBD market.
“At the time, CBD was exploding in the U.S.,” V says. “Brands over there were pushing boundaries—focusing on product quality, transparency, and consumer education. But in the UK? It was a mess. Low-quality products, zero consistency, and companies making wild claims without any real proof to back them up. I knew there was a better way.”
While many saw CBD as just another wellness trend, V saw a broken industry model waiting to be rebuilt. His goal wasn’t to cash in on a fleeting craze but to raise the bar for what CBD could represent in the UK. It wasn’t just about creating another product—it was about redefining the standard.
Approaching the CBD industry with the same intensity he’d once reserved for SEO algorithms, V immersed himself in every detail. “I didn’t want to be another guy slapping a label on a bottle and calling it premium. I needed to understand the entire process—from how the hemp is grown to how it’s extracted, processed, and tested,” he explains. This wasn’t surface-level research. He dug deep into the science of cannabinoids, the nuances of CO₂ extraction methods, and the patchwork of regulations governing hemp products in the UK.
For 18 months, V operated behind the scenes, meticulously building the infrastructure for what would become Blessed CBD. While other startups rushed products to market to ride the wave of CBD hype, he focused on laying a solid foundation. “It was all about patience and precision. I didn’t care about being first to market—I cared about being the best,” V says.
That focus translated into every aspect of the business. Sourcing hemp from organic farms, implementing rigorous third-party lab testing, and refusing to cut corners became the pillars of the brand. “If we were going to do this, we were going to do it right. No shortcuts. No compromises. Just clean, effective CBD products people could actually trust,” he adds.
When Blessed CBD officially launched, its mission was crystal clear: deliver premium hemp products with unmatched transparency and quality. Unlike competitors who leaned on flashy packaging and vague wellness promises, Blessed CBD’s approach was refreshingly straightforward. “We didn’t try to overhype the product. We focused on educating people—breaking down what CBD is, what it isn’t, and how to know if you’re getting the real deal,” V says.
The market’s response was immediate and overwhelming. Despite starting small, Blessed CBD’s reputation skyrocketed, largely fueled by authentic word-of-mouth recommendations and glowing reviews from respected media outlets. Recognition from publications like Reader’s Digest, Observer, Manchester Evening News, and Discover Magazine wasn’t just a marketing boost—it was proof of concept. “Getting voted the best CBD brand in the UK wasn’t just about bragging rights. It was validation that our approach worked,” V reflects.
But for V, success wasn’t measured solely by awards or sales figures. It was about applying the same principles that had guided him throughout his career: understand what people need, deliver more than they expect, and never compromise on the values that got you there. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about selling products. It’s about earning trust—and once you have that, everything else follows,” he says.
Scaling Success: The Business Model Behind Blessed CBD’s Growth
Blessed CBD’s meteoric rise isn’t the byproduct of luck or clever marketing alone—it’s the result of a meticulously crafted business model that balances profitability with purpose. While many companies in the CBD sector chase aggressive growth targets fueled by fleeting trends, Vithurs built something with real staying power. His strategy blends sharp entrepreneurial instincts with a genuine focus on customer well-being, driving the brand from a startup to a company valued at over £20 million, with annual sales projected to hit £5 million.
“For me, it was never just about making money,” V says. “Of course, profitability matters, but the real goal was to create a product people could trust—something that actually improves lives.”
At the heart of Blessed CBD’s growth is a dual focus: it’s not just a thriving business; it’s a brand designed to fill a gap in the market. The product line is broad, covering CBD oils, gummies, creams, and capsules, each crafted with the same rigorous attention to quality. But it’s not just the range that sets the company apart—it’s the consistency. Third-party lab testing isn’t a marketing bullet point; it’s baked into the process. “We don’t just do it to tick a box,” V explains. “It’s about accountability. Our customers deserve to know exactly what they’re putting into their bodies.”
That dedication has paid off. Thousands of customer reviews don’t just reflect satisfaction—they reflect loyalty. In an industry where hype often fizzles as quickly as it flares, Blessed CBD has cultivated a base of repeat buyers who advocate for the brand without being asked. “When people have a great experience, they tell their friends. That organic growth is more powerful than any ad campaign,” V says.
But Blessed CBD’s influence doesn’t stop at the UK’s borders. The brand has captured the attention of international markets, driven in part by strategic partnerships with UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski. These aren’t just celebrity endorsements slapped on for social proof—they’re authentic connections rooted in performance and recovery. “These athletes are at the top of their game. They don’t endorse products unless they genuinely believe in them,” V notes.
With expansion plans already in motion targeting Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, Blessed CBD is positioning itself as a global player. V isn’t just chasing international growth for the sake of scale—it’s about meeting demand where trust in CBD is still being built. “Every new market is an opportunity to do things differently, to show people that CBD can be more than just another wellness trend,” he says.
Despite Blessed CBD’s rapid success, V hasn’t shifted his focus entirely. He still runs Rankfluence, the digital marketing agency that helped shape his entrepreneurial foundation, and manages a portfolio of online ventures, including TechEye, a technology news and review platform he recently acquired. Balancing multiple businesses might seem overwhelming, but for V, it’s second nature. “It’s all connected. Whether it’s CBD, tech, or marketing, it’s about understanding people—what they want, what they value, and how to deliver that better than anyone else,” he explains.
Underlying all of this is a business philosophy that’s as straightforward as it is effective. Instead of obsessing over revenue milestones, V focuses on impact—how his products and services can improve lives, not just bottom lines. “If you build something that genuinely helps people, the money follows. It’s not the other way around,” he says.
Blessed CBD isn’t just another wellness brand riding the wave of an industry boom. It’s the product of clear vision, relentless execution, and an entrepreneurial mindset that blends profitability with purpose. In an industry often criticized for cutting corners, V has proven that doing things the right way isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business.
Success Factors: Why Did Blessed CBD Succeed?
- Sharp Entrepreneurial Instincts: Vithurs’ ability to identify gaps in the market played a pivotal role. He recognized the UK’s underdeveloped CBD sector when most brands were offering inconsistent products with little transparency. His decision to enter the space wasn’t based on following trends but on spotting unmet consumer needs and acting decisively.
- Data-Driven Digital Marketing Expertise: V’s background in digital marketing gave Blessed CBD a competitive edge. His mastery of SEO, growth hacking, and performance-based advertising allowed the brand to gain organic traction without over-relying on paid media. This strategic marketing approach built brand awareness efficiently and effectively.
- Uncompromising Focus on Product Quality: While competitors rushed to capitalize on CBD’s popularity, Blessed CBD prioritized rigorous quality control. From sourcing organically grown hemp to implementing third-party lab testing, the brand built trust through transparency and consistency. This dedication helped differentiate it in a crowded market.
- Authentic Brand Transparency: Rather than using exaggerated claims, Blessed CBD focused on honest communication. The brand’s educational content and clear product information resonated with consumers tired of vague marketing. This authenticity cultivated long-term customer loyalty, not just one-time sales.
- Strategic Patience and Meticulous Planning: V spent 18 months building the brand’s foundation before launching, ensuring that every detail—from supply chains to compliance with regulations—was solid. This deliberate approach contrasts with many startups that rush to market, compromising on quality or operational stability.
- Leveraging Influential Partnerships: Collaborations with high-profile athletes like UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski boosted brand credibility. These endorsements weren’t superficial—they aligned with the brand’s focus on wellness, recovery, and performance, helping expand its audience authentically.
- Global Expansion with a Purposeful Approach: Blessed CBD’s growth wasn’t limited to the UK. The company’s calculated international expansion plans, targeting Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, reflect a strategy rooted in understanding each market’s unique dynamics rather than chasing growth for growth’s sake.
- Sustainable Business Philosophy Focused on Impact: V’s business ethos goes beyond profit. His focus on creating products that genuinely improve people’s lives has driven sustainable growth. This “impact-first” mindset fosters customer loyalty and positions the brand for long-term success, not just short-term wins.
- Ability to Operate Multiple Ventures Effectively: Despite Blessed CBD’s explosive growth, V maintained leadership roles in other businesses, such as Rankfluence and TechEye. This ability to manage diverse ventures showcases operational discipline and strategic thinking, reinforcing his entrepreneurial acumen.
- Organic Growth Through Customer Advocacy: Blessed CBD’s success heavily relied on authentic word-of-mouth marketing. By delivering exceptional products and customer experiences, the brand turned satisfied customers into passionate advocates—driving growth more powerfully than traditional advertising campaigns.
Key Lessons to Learn
- Spot the Gaps, Not Just the Trends: Vithurs didn’t jump into the CBD industry because it was trending; he entered because he identified a gap—a lack of high-quality, trustworthy products in the UK market. The lesson? Successful businesses often emerge from solving problems or addressing unmet needs rather than simply riding the wave of popular trends.
- Mastery of Core Skills Pays Dividends: V’s background in digital marketing wasn’t just helpful—it was foundational. His deep expertise in SEO, growth hacking, and online advertising allowed Blessed CBD to scale efficiently. This highlights the importance of mastering your craft before applying it to new ventures. Strong, transferable skills are assets that compound over time.
- Quality Isn’t an Option—It’s the Strategy: In industries where hype can overshadow substance, Blessed CBD proved that quality is a growth strategy. V’s focus on product consistency, third-party lab testing, and sourcing premium ingredients built long-term customer trust. The key lesson: Cutting corners might deliver quick wins, but exceptional quality creates lasting loyalty.
- Transparency Builds Trust: Blessed CBD’s straightforward approach—educating consumers, being clear about product ingredients, and avoiding exaggerated claims—resonated with customers. In an age where consumers are increasingly skeptical, transparency isn’t just good ethics; it’s smart business.
- Patience is a Competitive Advantage: While many startups rush to market to capitalize on trends, V spent 18 months laying the groundwork before launching Blessed CBD. This deliberate approach ensured operational stability and product excellence. The takeaway? Strategic patience can lead to stronger, more sustainable growth than chasing quick wins.
- Authentic Partnerships Matter: Partnering with UFC champions like Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski wasn’t just about attaching big names to the brand—it was about aligning with authentic voices in health and performance. When endorsements are genuine and aligned with brand values, they carry more weight than traditional influencer deals.
- Global Thinking Starts with Local Excellence: Blessed CBD didn’t rush into international markets. The company first established a strong, trusted brand in the UK before expanding into Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Lesson learned: Nail your home market before scaling globally, ensuring your brand has the operational maturity to handle growth.
- Diversification Strengthens Resilience: Despite Blessed CBD’s growth, V maintained his involvement in other ventures like Rankfluence and TechEye. This diversification reduced dependence on a single revenue stream and kept his entrepreneurial toolkit sharp. The lesson? Diversifying your business interests can provide stability and open new growth opportunities.
- Customer Advocacy is the Best Marketing: Blessed CBD’s rapid rise was fueled not by aggressive ad spending but by word-of-mouth from satisfied customers. When you deliver real value, people naturally become brand ambassadors. The key takeaway: Focus on creating products and experiences worth talking about—authentic referrals are more powerful than paid campaigns.
- Impact Over Income: V’s business philosophy prioritizes impact over profit. By focusing on how his products improve people’s lives, he built a brand with a loyal customer base and sustainable growth. The lesson? When your business solves real problems and adds genuine value, financial success follows as a natural byproduct.
- Adaptability is Essential: V’s ability to pivot from digital marketing to the CBD industry—and apply his skills effectively—shows the importance of adaptability. Markets evolve, industries shift, and consumer behavior changes. The ability to adapt and reapply your strengths in new contexts is a hallmark of resilient entrepreneurs.
- Execution Trumps Ideas: V’s story isn’t about having a groundbreaking idea—it’s about executing relentlessly. Many people saw the potential in the CBD market, but few executed with the precision, focus, and discipline that he did. The lesson? Ideas are cheap. Execution is everything.
Opportunity Matrix
Founder Background
Vithurs (V), a self-taught digital marketing expert with a background in SEO, growth hacking, and performance-based advertising. Co-founder of Rankfluence.
Problem Identification
The UK CBD market was flooded with inconsistent, low-quality products, lacking transparency, proper regulation, and consumer education.
Market Opportunity
Growing global demand for CBD products, with the UK lagging behind the U.S. in quality standards and consumer trust—creating space for a premium brand.
Competitive Landscape
Crowded with brands focused on aggressive marketing and quick sales, often compromising on product quality and lacking authenticity.
Market Research
In-depth study of CBD industry trends, regulatory frameworks, supply chains, extraction methods, and consumer behavior in both the UK and international markets.
Business Model
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce model focusing on premium CBD products, supported by strong SEO, content marketing, and customer loyalty.
Initial Capital
Self-funded, leveraging profits from previous digital ventures, minimizing overhead through digital-first operations and strategic reinvestment.
Product/Service Development
18-month development phase focusing on sourcing organic hemp, rigorous third-party lab testing, and consistent product quality across oils, gummies, and creams.
Marketing Strategy
Content-driven approach emphasizing education and transparency; strong SEO, authentic word-of-mouth referrals, and strategic partnerships with UFC athletes.
Milestones
- Launch after 18 months of prep
- Rapid growth via organic marketing
- Voted UK’s best CBD brand by Reader’s Digest, Observer, etc.
- Partnerships with UFC champions
Scalability
High scalability through e-commerce, with expansion plans targeting Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, leveraging existing digital infrastructure.
Potential Risks and Challenges
Regulatory uncertainty in the CBD industry, increasing competition, potential supply chain disruptions, and the challenge of maintaining product quality at scale.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Revenue growth (£5M annual sales target)
- Customer retention and repeat purchase rates
- Organic website traffic
- Customer satisfaction and review scores
- International market penetration rates