We had the good fortune of connecting with Cole Stegman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cole, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One of the most commonly overlooked facts is that every human being is born with an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). What does this mean? It means our bodies have a built-in system responsible for regulating crucial functions such as inflammation, organ performance, and, most importantly, maintaining the overall balance within the body.

Many people mistakenly associate the cannabinoid hemp industry with the stigma surrounding marijuana. However, they are not the same. Hemp plants that produce cannabinoids were naturally designed to interact with our ECS, providing benefits that support our health. In fact, cannabinoids could be compared to something as essential as Vitamin C in promoting well-being. To me, the lack of understanding of this is not the will to know, it is the false education about it we grew up with.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Zakah Life® was born from a journey marked by hardship—growing up with abandonment, exposure to drugs and alcohol, and traveling through 28 states as a young boy. As I matured, I made a commitment to let go of the past, forgive my parents, leave behind the partying lifestyle, and focus on my true calling: helping others find positive value in their lives, beginning with their health. This mission is at the heart of Zakah Life®, where we strive to bring hope and wellness to those in need.

At Zakah Life®, we’ve been in the market for over 7 years, driven by a deep passion for people and doing the right thing. Our mission is simple: to make high-quality CBD products accessible and affordable for everyone. What sets us apart is our focus on genuine care, personability, and a commitment to uplifting our customers with wellness, hope, and love. At Zakah Life®, it’s all about making a real difference in people’s lives through quality, integrity, and care.

Challenges in life are truly opportunities in disguise. They provide the chance to accept, embrace, and walk through difficulties, gaining the wisdom and growth that come with them. We cannot level up if we do not face challenges in that mindset.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had the chance to show my best friend an unforgettable experience, I would take them to a developing community in need. Our week-long trip would be focused on service and connection—helping build homes, creating access to clean water, and truly immersing ourselves in the local culture.

Each day, we would work side-by-side with the locals, sharing meals prepared together, and gathering around campfires in the evenings to hear their stories and learn about their way of life. We wouldn’t be focused on fancy restaurants or tourist spots—instead, we’d embrace the simplicity and beauty of authentic living, spending our days contributing to something meaningful and our nights connecting with the community.

The real excitement would come from the people themselves—learning from their resilience, joy, and perspectives on life. The most rewarding part would be the bonds formed, leaving us with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the simple things that truly matter. Family, community and memories that last both ways.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe everything to God, as He has guided me on this journey. I also want to give a special shoutout to my children’s mother, who has stood by me through some of the most challenging times—we’re still together, and her unwavering support has been invaluable. My family has also been a huge source of encouragement in my life, especially my Aunt D, who has always been there for me. Lastly, I want to recognize those who have believed in and encouraged me along the way—they know who they are, and I’m deeply grateful for their presence in my story.

Website: https://www.zakahlife.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563361915804

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.