Louisville Business First has long honored inspiring women who are making waves in their industries through its prestigious Enterprising Women series. This year, Dee Dee Taylor—founder and CEO of 502 Hemp Wellness Center and 812 Hemp—joins the 2025 class. Her story is one of perseverance, innovation, and passion, making an impact not just in business but throughout her community.
A Vision for Wellness Through Quality Hemp Products
Since founding 502 Hemp Wellness Center in 2016, Dee Dee Taylor has been a trailblazer in Kentucky’s hemp and CBD industry. Her mission has always been clear: to provide high-quality, carefully curated hemp products while educating customers on their potential benefits. Her unwavering commitment to empowering others through wellness has made 502 Hemp a trusted name in a rapidly growing—and often misunderstood—industry.
Dee Dee’s leadership has extended to building not one but two successful businesses, with the launch of 812 Hemp expanding her reach into Southern Indiana. Both companies are rooted in compassion, community, and a commitment to transparency.
A Personal Connection to Helping Others
One of the most rewarding aspects of Dee Dee’s work is hearing from customers who have experienced life-changing results from her products.
“I love to hear their success stories. Each one is unique and special,” she shares.
Whether helping people manage pain or cope with anxiety, Dee Dee finds immense fulfillment in knowing her work is improving lives. Her emphasis on customer education ensures that everyone who walks into her stores feels confident and informed about their choices.
Navigating Challenges in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
Building a successful business in the highly regulated and ever-changing hemp industry is no small feat. Dee Dee openly acknowledges the challenges that come with it.
“Even though I’ve been in business since 2016, there always seem to be new rules and regulations,” she says.
These challenges are compounded by the social and political stigmas still associated with hemp and CBD—particularly in Kentucky. Yet Dee Dee has managed to grow both of her companies without any investor funding.
“Growing without investor income has been the biggest challenge—but I’m very proud of that,” she adds.
Her resilience and adaptability stand as powerful examples of what’s possible when passion drives perseverance.
Advocating for Women in Leadership
Dee Dee’s success is especially impactful in light of the challenges many women still face in leadership. She notes that gender bias remains a real issue in the workplace.
“Now, with DEI initiatives ending and no rules in place to combat that prejudice, there’s a real concern that we may be set back in our advancements,” she explains.
Even so, she remains hopeful and steadfast in her belief that women are the future of every industry.
“Women truly are the future, no matter what the industry is.”
Her message is both a rallying cry and a reminder of the unique strength women bring to leadership roles—especially in male-dominated fields.
From Paralegal to Hemp Advocate
Before founding 502 Hemp, Dee Dee envisioned a very different career. She worked as a paralegal, specializing in family law and even assisting on a murder trial.
“I had intended on going to law school, but fate had different plans,” she says.
Instead, she discovered her calling in Kentucky’s hemp industry, where she could blend her advocacy skills with her passion for wellness. Her background in research and legal processes has been invaluable as she navigates complex regulations and fights for fair treatment of the hemp sector.
Pioneering a Growing Industry
Through 502 Hemp and 812 Hemp, Dee Dee continues to be a pioneer in a young and evolving industry. By prioritizing education, transparency, and product quality, she’s working to reduce stigma and build lasting trust in hemp-derived wellness products.
But her impact goes beyond running successful businesses—Dee Dee is a vocal advocate for the industry at large. She’s committed to ensuring its long-term sustainability through responsible regulation and greater public understanding.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Entrepreneurs
Dee Dee Taylor’s journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration for future women leaders. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound:
Stay resilient, and focus on building something meaningful.
Her story is one of grit, vision, and heart—and her recognition as one of Louisville Business First’s Enterprising Women of 2025 is a well-deserved honor. Dee Dee Taylor isn’t just leading in the hemp industry—she’s building a legacy of impact, integrity, and empowerment.
If you’re ready to give CBD a try, visit 502 Hemp to discover high-quality, lab-verified options made with care and integrity. Your path to calm might be closer than you think.
Start exploring today—your mind and body will thank you.
*The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.