Welcome to Lessons In Cool, a new series all about the people we’re constantly inspired by. They are tastemakers, curators of style, thought leaders, and well, just cool.

After spending years working in fitness and fashion, entrepreneur Carolyn Gray decided it was time to start her own business. She wanted to build a brand that not only helped other people, but would be a place where she would feel accepted and safe. Noirebud, her luxury CBD brand, is doing just that.

“When I came across the benefits of CBD, I was sold. I knew so many people would benefit from it in different ways and making different products was innate for me,” says Carolyn. “My paternal grandmother Rose, was a firm believer in mixing herbs for healing and maintenance, including cannabis.” With her grandmother’s experiences in mind, she set out to create Noirebud. Her product range (which include tinctures, teas, and chocolates) was developed to enhance, maintain, and heal the body and mind by tapping into the many benefits CBD has to offer.

We recently caught up with the founder to learn more about her inspiration, beauty essentials, and what it means to be cool.

Name & occupation:

Carolyn Gray, Owner of Noirebud CBD

First thing you do in the morning:

Depending on the day I either go straight into a workout or I take time getting ready for my day by reviewing my to-do list that I prepared early in the week or night before, while drinking coffee. I am a coffee first type of person.

Biggest challenge?

Having imposter syndrome from time to time, and holding myself back.

Who inspires you?

Women who live their life unapologetically. Those who dismiss society's opinions and crush them. Tracee Ellis Ross is a big inspiration for me. She is so vibrant, positive, funny, and fashionable. She truly dances to the beat of her own drum and encourages others to do so and live outside of the box.

Last person you texted:

My boyfriend, Carlos :)

Most scrolled app or site:

Saks Fifth Avenue and Pinterest

The 5 beauty products you can’t live without:

• Vintner’s Daughter Signature Set
• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
• Jones Road Face Pencil #18 and #16
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pencil
• Jones Road Eyebrow Pencil in Light Brunette

Do you have a favorite Noirebud product? Why do you love it?

It's a tie between the Recover Salve and Dulce De Leche Milk Chocolate Bar. The Salve was my first product and it is something I use daily to soothe arthritic pain in my feet, muscle soreness from working out and my clients call it the magic butter. The Dulce De Leche Chocolate bar is my favorite also because growing up I would visit my family in Aruba and they would serve dulce de leche bites at events and I HAVE LOVE FOR CHOCOLATE THAT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD, so the two mixed together with CBD is heaven sent to me.

Your style icon?

Tracee Ellis Ross, I really wish we were related lol.

Your go-to:

Breakfast: Honey granola and fresh fruit parfait with plain Greek yogurt.

Lunch: Crispy rice cowl with extra grilled halloumi cheese and no egg from Ruby's Cafe in Soho.

Dinner: Homemade Rasta Pasta with grilled shrimp.

Cocktail: I'm a mocktail kind of girl. Liquor upsets my stomach, so my go to is a virgin strawberry mint mojito!

Advice you’d give your younger self:

It's ok to be selfish with your time and energy.

What does “cool” mean to you?

Being authentic but also being respectful, humble, and open to those you inspire.

For more from Carolyn, follow her at @itscarolyngray and @noirebud