OUR STORY
Thanks to all the fine people whose contribution and zest for hemp have created us as one of the world’s longest and strongest hemp brands.
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When industrial hemp was legalized to grow in Canada in 1999, our founders Mike Finley and Kelly Wheeler were inspired to showcase the mushrooming variety of products offered by designers, artisans and crafters. The first stores in Nelson, New Denver and Victoria offered a foothold for many brands that are still active today. Working with local designers, we launched our own label, always made in Canada, loved by lots of happy hempy people.
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Passion for the product led to expansion and growth when Bill Finley took the lead in 2004 allowing Mike and Kelly to pursue new avenues. Our company was riding the great green wave, a groundswell resulting from legalization and attracting eco-conscious shoppers and cannabis curious visitors. It felt as though the world was waking up! With three stores operating Victoria and one in Nelson, our focus shifted to broadening our line and manufacturing more of what we offer. Victoria's Government St. became the home of our eco-award winning single location. Everything was built to the highest standard of the Vancouver Island Green Business Association. That store transitioned to i.O.N CLOTHING and HEMP&COMPANY became the wholesale division that we operate today. |
Working with talented local designers and sewing in Vancouver, we can truly say we are a conceived and born in Canada Clothing Company.
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Co-founder and Grand Poobah, Bill Finley, opened the first Hemp&Company store in New Denver, B.C. leading the company from 2014 to 2020. He now lives in Nelson being a good grandfather.
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Treehugger and creative Director Lorna Knowles joined the team in 2006, managing merchandising, purchasing and production. She does it for love. |
| Susan’s Vancouver sewing team enjoying Canadian wages and working conditions.
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OUR PURPOSE:
To make the most loved hemp garments on this beautiful planet for as many people as possible.