I’ve spent my life close to the natural world — first as a conservation biologist living out of a tent for months at a time, and later helping build wellness brands. Kyoto Botanicals is the bridge between those two worlds: a CBD brand that treats people with honesty, keeps things simple, and stays rooted in nature instead of hype.
This is the story of how Kyoto Botanicals came to life — and why we chose to build a small, independent, THC-Free brand on purpose. And you can read more of my musings on wellness and CBD here.
Last updated: December 7, 2025 • Author: Mark G. | Founder, Kyoto Botanicals
Table of Contents
- A Path from the Wild to Wellness
- Discovering the Power of Hemp
- Building Something Different
- Why THC-Free Matters
- A Personal Connection with Every Customer
- Living the Wellness I Share
- Why a Bonsai Tree?
- An Invitation to Join the Journey
- FAQ: Kyoto Botanicals & Our Story
A Path from the Wild to Wellness
I’ve spent my life surrounded by nature — sometimes quite literally living in it. In my early career as a conservation biologist, I camped for months at a time, working to protect endangered species across the U.S. That connection to the natural world shaped who I am and how I see life: nature already gives us everything we need to live well.
Eventually, my path shifted toward brand management in the food, nutrition, and wellness industries, working with both global companies and small startups. But I kept noticing something — no matter how inspiring the mission statements sounded, the focus often came down to profits over people.
Discovering the Power of Hemp
In 2017, I became the marketing director at Charlotte’s Web, the largest CBD brand in the country at the time. It was here I saw firsthand the extraordinary potential of hemp — not as a trend, but as a plant that could truly change lives. I met trailblazing families and advocates who fought tirelessly to legalize hemp and destigmatize cannabis. Their courage moved me deeply, especially hearing from people who had almost lost hope, only to find relief and renewed joy thanks to this plant.
One meeting stands out in my memory: hearing Heather Jackson at Realm of Caring share stories of how hemp changed lives. That moment planted the seed for what would become Kyoto Botanicals.
Building Something Different
When I founded Kyoto Botanicals, I wanted to create a company that stayed true to three guiding principles:
- Deliver CBD products made from the highest-quality ingredients
- Make every customer interaction a positive, uplifting experience
- Stay independent and private, so our focus remains solely on helping people, not on enriching outside investors
Our tinctures are USDA-certified organic. Our hemp is tested in the field, and every final product is verified by independent labs for cannabinoid content, pesticides, heavy metals, and impurities. We keep our product line intentionally small so we can perfect everything we offer — and so you can trust what you’re putting in your body.
Why THC-Free Matters
We chose THC-Free CBD to ensure you get all the benefits of hemp without unintended consequences. That means you can trust every product to be as pure and predictable as possible — for you, your family, and even your parents (some of my favorite customer stories are when people convince their parents to try CBD and see life-changing results).
For me, THC-Free isn’t a compromise. It’s a design choice: clarity, consistency, and confidence over surprise intoxication or “mystery” formulas. I want people to feel calm, clear, and present — not altered.
A Personal Connection with Every Customer
As an owner-operated business, I personally handle customer communications. No scripts, no call centers — just one-on-one conversations. Even if someone doesn’t love CBD or our products, I want them to walk away feeling respected and cared for. Wellness is a journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Every email, every question, every story shared with us is a reminder that behind every order is a real person trying to feel a little better in their everyday life. That’s the relationship I care about most.
Living the Wellness I Share
Two years ago, I began my own wellness journey, committing to daily exercise, giving up alcohol, and incorporating CBD into my routine. The results — better sleep, balanced mood, more energy — have been life-changing. I’m now training for my first half marathon, all while spending as much time as possible outdoors with my family and our dog, Pickles.
Why a Bonsai Tree?
Our logo, a bonsai tree, represents something I deeply believe: happiness comes from the process, not just the end goal. CBD isn’t a magic cure — it’s a small, consistent step toward being your best self, every single day and something I take every night as part of my THC-free CBD sleep routine.
Like a bonsai, real wellness is shaped slowly over time: small, intentional choices that add up to a life that feels more grounded, present, and authentically yours.
An Invitation to Join the Journey
Kyoto Botanicals is the CBD brand I wanted for myself and my family — pure, trustworthy, and deeply connected to nature. My hope is that it becomes a small but powerful part of your own wellness journey.
Here’s to balance, nature, and being your best you.
— Mark, Founder, Kyoto Botanicals
FAQ: Kyoto Botanicals & Our Story
Who founded Kyoto Botanicals?
Kyoto Botanicals was founded by me, Mark Gillilan — a former conservation biologist and CBD industry veteran who wanted to build a small, independent brand focused on people, not investors.
Where is Kyoto Botanicals based?
We’re proudly rooted in Colorado, where access to the outdoors, a strong hemp community, and a culture of wellness all shaped how this brand was built.
What makes Kyoto Botanicals different from other CBD brands?
We’re owner-operated, intentionally small, and focused on THC-Free, USDA organic formulas. I personally communicate with customers, keep the product line tight and simple, and prioritize honest education over hype or trends.
Are your products THC-Free?
Yes. Kyoto Botanicals products are made with broad-spectrum CBD and are formulated to be THC-Free, so you can enjoy the benefits of hemp without the risk of feeling high or unintentionally consuming THC.
Are your products USDA organic?
Our tinctures are USDA-certified organic, and we rely on rigorous third-party lab testing to verify cannabinoid content, pesticides, heavy metals, and other impurities.
Can I contact the founder directly?
Yes. As an owner-operated brand, I’m directly involved in customer support and love hearing from people using our products. Every message is an opportunity to learn, improve, and support someone’s wellness journey.
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