In the fast-evolving world of wellness, few leaders stand out like Tony Calamita, Co-Founder and CEO of Love Hemp. Since its inception in 2015, Love Hemp has grown from a modest startup to a household name, delivering high-quality, natural CBD products to support mental and physical health. Tony’s leadership and vision have propelled the company to prominence in an industry projected to reach a global market value of $20 billion by 2025.
Tony’s journey into the CBD industry began as a quest for quality. Partnering with Thomas Rowland, he founded Love Hemp with a mission to offer safe, reliable CBD options that people could trust. The company started humbly, with just £3,000, and operated out of a bedroom, selling products online. Yet Tony’s dedication to delivering effective, transparent CBD products resonated with consumers, helping the brand grow into a multimillion-pound enterprise—without outside investment.
Building a Purpose-Driven Company
Love Hemp’s guiding principle is clear: help people live better lives naturally. Tony prioritizes transparency and quality in every aspect of the brand. The company’s range includes CBD oils, capsules, chocolates, and topical creams—all free from THC, the psychoactive compound associated with cannabis. Love Hemp’s products have gained significant traction in over 2,000 outlets across the UK and Europe, including prominent retailers like Boots and Holland & Barrett. Now, the brand is gearing up for a global expansion, aiming to bring its offerings to North America, Asia, and Australasia.
For Tony, success is measured not just in numbers but in the lives touched by Love Hemp’s products. He envisions success as living a fulfilled life, aligned with four essential pillars: health, wealth, relationships, and purpose. He believes that a life without meaning lacks real achievement, and he strives to imbue Love Hemp with a mission that extends beyond profit.
Embracing Challenges and Growing Through Disruption
Tony’s approach to leadership centers around growth through discomfort. From an early age, he gravitated toward health and fitness, a passion that has shaped his professional path. As a teenager, he discovered his drive for self-improvement and helping others achieve their goals. He began as a fitness trainer but soon realized he wanted to make a broader impact. The entry into the CBD industry offered him a unique chance to combine his interests in wellness with a business that had the potential to transform lives.
Under Tony’s leadership, Love Hemp has embraced a disruptive approach to the wellness market, using education and transparency to differentiate itself in a crowded field. He believes that challenges are opportunities to push limits, encouraging both personal and organizational growth. “Growth requires leaving the comfort zone,” Tony says. For him, this belief forms the foundation of both his leadership philosophy and the company’s mission. The journey of creating a brand from scratch has taught him that resilience and adaptability are essential for any visionary leader.
Aligning the Team around a Common Vision
As CEO, Tony has transformed Love Hemp’s culture to reflect the values of purpose, transparency, and customer care. His role has expanded as he oversees both the operational Love Hemp subsidiary and the public entity Love Hemp Group PLC, which is listed on the AQSE under the ticker LIFE. Tony drives a culture where all employees understand their purpose and feel inspired by the work they do. He emphasizes that a leader must take responsibility for the company culture, especially as it scales.
His leadership has fostered a sense of shared purpose across departments, from marketing and operations to sales, ensuring that everyone is aligned with Love Hemp’s overarching mission. Tony recognizes that when employees see how their work improves others’ lives, it instills a deeper sense of fulfillment and commitment. “Our products genuinely make a difference for people, and that makes our team proud of the work they do,” he says.
Striking the Balance between Passion and Practicality
Tony has come to understand that a true leader balances work and personal life, although he admits this is one of the hardest challenges. Despite his relentless commitment to Love Hemp, he values the need to disconnect, spending weekends with family and friends to recharge. “Work doesn’t feel like work when you’re passionate about it,” he acknowledges, though he also believes in taking time off to maintain perspective.
This approach allows him to lead with focus and energy. By prioritizing key tasks and knowing when to step back, he sets an example for his team, demonstrating that achieving balance is possible even in a demanding role.
Aiming for Global Expansion
With an ambitious roadmap ahead, Tony aims to establish Love Hemp as a global brand. Within the next year, he plans to reach at least a billion potential customers by creating domestic e-commerce channels in at least six countries, backed by local distribution networks. The brand’s expansion plan also includes building high-street retail partnerships in each new market, a strategic move to strengthen Love Hemp’s international footprint.
As Love Hemp readies for a move to the main market of the London Stock Exchange, Tony envisions this shift will attract increased investment and enhance the company’s market presence. This milestone reflects his commitment to continuous growth, not only for the company but for himself as a leader.
A Vision for Long-Term Success
For Tony Calamita, leading Love Hemp is about more than financial performance; it’s about creating a legacy that improves lives. He sees his role as that of an enabler, both for his team and the customers they serve. By prioritizing innovation, maintaining quality standards, and expanding access to high-quality CBD products, Tony aims to make Love Hemp a recognized leader in global wellness. He believes that true success lies in building something that lasts and positively impacts society.
Tony’s individual goal remains to inspire those around him and to push Love Hemp to fulfill its vast potential. As he continues to steer the company toward new horizons, Tony’s commitment to personal and professional development drives his every decision. “In a fast-moving industry like ours, you have to be ready to learn and adapt every day,” he reflects. His approach ensures that Love Hemp is poised to become a lasting force in the wellness space, and he is determined to lead the company through every challenge to secure its place in the global market.
Also Read: The 10 Robust Healthcare Leaders of 2024
