If you’ve been around Happy Hippy Haus for a while, you’ve probably heard me say that this place wasn’t built from a business plan. It was built from experience, faith, and a whole lot of life lessons.
My name is Sam, and before I ever opened the doors to this little shop in Cleveland, I was just a guy trying to get healthy again. I wasn’t looking to start a business. I was just trying to figure out why my body was giving up on me and how to get my life back.
The road that led here wasn’t easy, but it was exactly what it needed to be. Every setback, every hard lesson, and every late night of wondering “what’s next?” ended up shaping who I am today and why I do what I do.
When Life Forces You to Slow Down
I was living near heavy industry at the time when I got really sick. It came out of nowhere. One day I was fine, the next I could barely keep up with daily life. I went from doctor to doctor, test to test, and still couldn’t get a straight answer.
Eventually, I realized if no one else could figure it out, I had to start taking control of my own health.
So I started researching everything. I looked at what I was eating, what I was drinking, and what I was putting on my body. What I found was hard to ignore. Nearly everything I used daily was full of chemicals and synthetic ingredients. No wonder my body was struggling.
That was the turning point. I got rid of the junk, started eating cleaner, switched to natural products, and paid attention to what my body was telling me. Slowly, I started to heal, and that changed everything.
Once I saw what natural living could do, I couldn’t keep it to myself. I felt called to share what I had learned so others could find balance and peace the same way I did.
That moment was the start of what would become Happy Hippy Haus.
Faith, Purpose, and a Whole Lot of Grit
When I opened the shop in 2018, I didn’t have it all figured out. What I did have was faith and a mission to help people feel better using natural, honest products.
It wasn’t easy. Not everyone understood what I was doing at first. Some folks thought I was running something shady. A few even threatened to call the police. I’ll admit, those moments tested my patience. But instead of letting it discourage me, I decided to turn it into an opportunity to educate people.
Each conversation helped open someone’s mind. And little by little, this community started to see that what I was offering wasn’t about trends or hype. It was about health, honesty, and helping people live better.
The Roadblocks That Tested Everything
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The hemp and wellness industry has faced its share of challenges. There have been moments when changing laws and political pressure made me wonder if small shops like mine would survive at all.
It was one of the most stressful times of my life. I worried about my shop, my animals, and the people who rely on what we do. But I kept my faith and stayed focused on what I could control: being honest, offering clean products, and showing up for my guests every single day.
Every obstacle made me stronger. Every roadblock reminded me that my purpose wasn’t tied to ease. It was tied to impact.
Building Happy Hippy Haus
Today, Happy Hippy Haus is more than a wellness shop. It’s a reflection of a journey, both mine and the people who walk through our doors.
We focus on plant-based wellness that has been known to promote calm, support better sleep, and ease everyday discomfort. Everything we offer is handcrafted or curated with care, transparency, and integrity.
Our in-house brand, Hemp & Stone Apothecary, includes tinctures, gummies, vegan caramels, and my personal favorite, Nana’s No-No Healing CBD Salve, a world-known salve inspired by my Yaya’s recipe. Guests have told me they use it for burns, surgery recovery, arthritis, and more. Hearing how it’s been known to bring comfort to others is what keeps me going.
When guests walk through the door, they’re not treated like customers. They’re treated like family. Whether someone needs guidance, good conversation, or just a place to breathe, I want them to leave feeling a little lighter than when they came in.
What Matters Most
At the end of the day, this isn’t about profit or popularity. It’s about people.
Happy Hippy Haus has become a space for community, education, and connection. It’s a place where people can learn, find what works for them, and feel safe asking questions.
Outside of the shop, I care deeply about animals, giving back, and trying to live each day with gratitude. I believe kindness goes a long way, and that when you focus on helping others, everything else falls into place.
Happy Hippy Haus started as a reflection of my story, but it’s grown into something much bigger. It’s a space for healing, learning, and belonging, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
If you ever find yourself nearby, come by and say hi. I’d love to meet you. You’ll always be welcome here.
With gratitude,
Sam
Founder, Happy Hippy Haus