Why do we send our children away?

This past week, we dropped our daughter, Riley, off for her sophomore year of college. It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies. Now, she’s far from home, settling into a new dorm, meeting new people, tackling new classes, and navigating fresh experiences.

Riley has faced many changes in her young life—moving from NY to Whistler and then to Manchester, MA, as a high school junior and being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 13. She’s tackled each transition with determination, curiosity, and a touch of anxiety, all while building strong friendships. These qualities are crucial not only for young adults but also for us as entrepreneurs. Riley’s a natural leader, and we couldn't be prouder of her.

Watching Riley navigate this new chapter reminded me of my own leap into the hemp industry—an entirely new field outside my comfort zone in digital advertising. I was intrigued when my friend and wicked smart business partner?Andrew Cooper?shared his vision for an organic hemp company. The 2018 Farm Bill had just legalized hemp, opening doors for legal CBD and other cannabinoid products. The Cannabis plant had fascinated me since high school and helped me meet my wife, Dahlia. Aquaponics had been a hobby of mine since my early 20s, plus I had dabbled in sustainable ventures like oyster farming.

Launching Prima Materia Hemp, we were venturing into the unknown. Like my daughter exploring new classes and friendships, we were learning about hemp, farming, and the complexities of a newly legal industry (one that, having previously been illegal, was filled with criminals). We made plenty of mistakes—from misplaced trust to overextending with two farms miles apart; it was a comedy of errors. It was a steep learning curve, and the business ultimately failed financially.

However, the lessons we gained were invaluable. "Trust, but verify" became our mantra. We recognized that farming is a complex mix of science and entrepreneurship and saw firsthand how biodiversity strengthens ecosystems just as human diversity strengthens organizations. Hemp is a commodity, but Prima Materia Hemp flower is not. I could go on. Prima Materia Hemp didn't succeed, but it was one of the richest experiences of my life, and it provided a wealth of insights that continue to influence our journey with Wellput.

So, why do we send our children away? Because stepping out of our comfort zones to explore new environments, meet new people, and face new challenges is how we grow. Watching Riley take on her sophomore year reminds me that every new beginning is an opportunity—whether it's starting a new business, moving to a new city, or simply settling into a new dorm. The journey shapes who we are. Here's to embracing the unknown, learning from every misstep, and using those lessons to build something even better. I'm incredibly excited for you, Riley.

— Craigles