Meet Jason Axtolis | CBD & Wellness Shop Owner

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

Hi Jason, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In starting Celestial Stem, we aimed to create a boutique wellness shop where uncompromising quality and passion meet affordability. We set out to be a pet-friendly destination that was a go-to for the most discerning individuals looking to buy the best CBD and Non-CBD wellness products, but also an approachable, and informative spot for newcomers.

I was frustrated with the CBD options available at the time and needed to find a more potent, and affordable option with more consistent results. I have a background in Chinese herbology and have been making herbal formulas since the 90’s. I decided to make the products I use personally and offer them to others. The store stocks everything from CBD products for people and pets, Ayurvedic Wellness Teas, bath and body, healthy pet treats, crystals, custom jewelry, and more.

After being regulars on the Phoenix area farmers markets circuit since 2019, we decided to open our retail shop. In 2021 we opened Celestial Stem | CBD & Wellness in Mesa AZ, strategically positioned on Greenfield just north of Baseline, adjacent to EOS Fitness within The Speakeasy Suites. 1728 S Greenfield Rd #111, Mesa, AZ 85206.

Our store is pet-friendly, and your dogs or cats are always welcome to stop by and partake in taste-testing some new snacks! We are still regulars at multiple Valley Farmers Markets ranging from Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Peoria, Glendale, and Surprise.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One of our hallmarks has always been our affordable pricing which is an effort to counter the industry trend of insane markups. We want to ensure premium wellness products stay affordable and attainable for all people and pets. Our goal is always to provide more milligrams and more servings per dollar.

We always strive to elevate our offerings and make them special. It could be delivering over-the-top potency or enhancing a traditional product with functional herbs or active ingredients. It can also be trying something completely different and filling a niche that is missing in the industry entirely. Since we create custom products, we can be daring and experiment with new ideas to gauge their reception.

We adore animals at Celestial Stem. One thing that we are known for is our CBD pet products. Notably the ones that are tailored specifically for medium to extra-large-size dogs. If you are a pet parent of a larger dog, you know how difficult it can be to find a product strong enough.

Celestial Stem offers options with much higher milligrams than many companies. This not only provides the much-needed horsepower for large breeds, it’s also more cost-effective. We have regulars who consistently report positive results with their XXL dogs, some weighing over 200 lbs. Big guys like, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, and, Saint Bernards. We have plenty of options for the little guys too. We even have soft salmon full spectrum CBD cat treats which is unique.

Most CBD dog treats on the market contain only 2mg of CBD. However, Celestial Stem offers CBD dog treats in 2mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg options. We provide extra-strength tinctures that exceed the industry standard, offering ultimate flexibility and cost savings. These products are ideal for medium to extra-large breeds, multi-pet households, or anyone looking to make things more affordable.

Regarding new things, we were a few years ahead of the curve in making specialty CBD products with lesser-known cannabinoids such as CBN and CBG. Instead of doing the traditional 1:1 ratio, we opted for a 2:1 ratio by doubling the CBD to add more potency and value. These products are becoming quite fashionable now but, not many companies would make them back in 2020. Our full spectrum CBD sleep gummies are 2-4 times as potent as the industry average.

A couple years ago I decided to do a healthier twist on CBD Peanut Butter with some added punch. Many times, peanut butter contains added oils and salt to make it palatable. We went with a CBD infused almond butter instead due to its higher concentration of good fats over peanut butter. We also used a cold-water CBD extract that provides a very strong secondary cannabinoid profile for extra potency. We then took that same extract and added it to an Organic Grade A Raw Honey.

Currently, we are working on four new Wellness Artisan Gummies, Apple Cider Vinegar, Matcha, Ashwagandha, and Tart Cherry. We are also formulating some new pet topicals, a multipurpose soothing salve, a hotspot spray, and sunscreen. Mushroom products are also in the works. We are always trying something new.

Running a business is never easy and can be unforgiving with today’s economy. My approach has always been to do everything and anything event-wise. This year we are laser-focused and more selective on where we dedicate our time and energy. Actively letting go of things to make room for new opportunities is scary but there are only so many hours in the day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m from the Midwest, so most people visiting are looking for a brief respite from the weather. You always end up doing the obligatory Flagstaff and Sedona visits for first-timers. My favorite spots up North have to be Oak Creek Canyon followed by the good vibes at the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.

One thing I love about the Valley is all the locally-owned restaurants. There are so many amazing options for food and drinks. Every time you turn around another gem pops up. There are almost too many options! I feel the pressure when visitors ask us to choose one. Superstition Mountains are great for scenery without spending the entire day in the car. Renting a poolside cabana at a local resort is always a great way to recharge the day after a long road trip.

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 would dedicate it to my beloved soul dog, Dexter. He was my inspiration in starting the company. Dex was a 65lbs Chow with spinal degeneration and severe mobility issues. After a while, he had trouble processing the traditional protocol from his Vet and developed side effects. We were looking for a more natural option for him and decided to try CBD. We were able to get results but it would cost us between $10-$20 per day due to the low potency of traditional CBD dog treats. So, we started out of necessity. We switched Dex to our new routine and were ecstatic to enjoy another 3 comfortable years together.

We spent a couple of years visiting rescues until we decided to become medical fosters to one of our favorite pups in need. We encountered numerous sweet dogs, especially large breeds, in need of additional support. We established the company with the hope that others could enjoy a similar positive experience.

My motivation and encouragement come from our regulars and their pets. It’s very rewarding when somebody shares a heartfelt testimonial or a sincere appreciation for what we do. It makes all the hard work and long hours worth the effort. I know what it’s like to do the 80 hour work weeks at a soulless company just to generate money for other people. As corny as it sounds, it feels amazing doing something that can be a benefit to other people and animals.

Website: https://celestialstem.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_stem/

Twitter: https://x.com/celestialstem/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celestialstem/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@celestialstem

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/Celestialstem/

Image Credits
Jason Axtolis