Interview with Michael and Ketum
ILK: Tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to know kratom products?
Michael: I’m a CA native but grew up on the east coast. Currently residing in LA and Kratom advocate since 2014.
ILK: How long were you a customer of Kratom Products before you decided to start your own brand?
Michael: Decided to start Ketum in 2016 so other potential customers around the country can try Kratom for themselves.
ILK: What was the key driving force to start your own company? What drives you to continue?
Michael: The continued fight to keep kratom legal and to spread as much positive awareness about Kratom as possible.
ILK: Ketum seems very consistent with its customer base. How do you keep customer loyalty in such a saturated industry?
Michael: We offer high-quality Kratom at an affordable price. Fast shipping times and customer service communication.
ILK: What is the culture like within your company? What would your employees say about you?
Michael: We have a laid-back atmosphere that my employees enjoy when coming into the office.
ILK: What is the typical day like for the owner of a Kratom vendor?
Michael: Get up, head to the office, and pack orders.
What are the Most Popular Products?
ILK: How did your company handle the pandemic? What was it like to pivot manufacturing over the last year? What’s your take on how the pandemic affects the Kratom industry
Michael: I don’t think the pandemic has affected the Kratom industry. During the “lockdown” it forced customers to purchase online instead of a retail store, so the pandemic hasn’t really affected online kratom vendors.
ILK: Tell us about your Delta 8 THC line of products.
Michael: We sell a variety of Delta 8 products like flower buds, dab wax, tinctures, gummy rings, cartridges, and disposable carts.
ILK: What are your go-to strains and a typical dose? What is your choice way of taking kratom?
Michael: Mixing with chocolate almond milk and or a cold coffee. But, make sure to water it down when mixing it or it will become thick.
ILK: How do you see the industry unfolding over the next couple of years? What can people do to help?
Michael: I hope that we’ll see the industry will continue to grow and become more stable. To help, people can continue to speak up in favor of kratom & its legality.
ILK: What are some issues that you can see with the Kratom Industry?
Michael: The ability to accept payment is a big one. We need more options that allow kratom vendors fair, safe processing for payments online.
ILK: What would you say to someone new to kratom or someone who is interested but has not tried it yet?
Michael: Start low and build up. Too much Kratom for your first dose is similar to drinking too much alcohol for the first time. You can get the “spins”, so it’s best to start low and find your “sweet spot”.
ILK: Do you take any other natural supplements? If so, what would you recommend?
Michael: Akuamma powder is a good substitute for Kratom. Other good nootropics supplements are 5HTP and SAM-E for boosting serotonin levels.
ILK: How do you feel about the American Kratom Association?
Michael: I fully support AKA and their driving force to keep Kratom legal.
ILK: What should a kratom customer look for to find a proper vendor?
Michael: Biological testing, quality testing, proper labeling, and a GMP compliant facility.
ILK: We have been asking other brands about the social and corporate responsibility that lays on the shoulders of this industry’s leading vendors. In your opinion what steps should brands be taking to ensure safety, good products and most importantly keeping Kratom legal?
Michael: Biological testing, quality testing, proper labeling and a GMP compliant facility.
