Founder Spotlight: Matthew Murray, Founder of Blaze and Chill

In the world of wellness and cannabis, few brands are making waves quite like Blaze and Chill. Matthew Murray, the visionary founder behind this innovative company, has spent decades working with iconic brands like Oakley and Therabody. Now, he’s on a mission to redefine how consumers interact with cannabinoids. We caught up with Matthew to explore his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what sets Blaze and Chill apart in a crowded market.

A Journey Fueled by Passion and Purpose

Matthew’s path to founding Blaze and Chill wasn’t straightforward. With a background in design and photography, he carved out a career that, on paper, might seem disconnected from the wellness space. But for him, it all made sense. “It’s just been an organic journey for me,” Matthew shared. “Cannabinoids had always been a huge thing… a part of my life for 30 years now.

Watching the cannabis market unfold, Matthew saw firsthand the transformative potential of cannabinoids. “I was always really interested in doing my own thing,” he said, referencing the early inspiration he found watching brands like MedMen rise to prominence. Blaze and Chill was a concept that had been simmering in his mind for nearly a decade before it finally came to life.

Blending Cannabinoids with Nature’s Best

At Blaze and Chill, the mission is simple: create products that help people optimize their day, from start to finish. With innovative products like the Blaze and Chill Shots, the brand blends cannabinoids with natural ingredients such as matcha and Lion’s Mane to provide targeted effects. “To me, matcha is the cleanest form of caffeine you can put in your body,” Matthew explained. “How fun would that be with cannabinoids?”

The product line is split into two categories—Blaze for energy and focus, and Chill for relaxation and sleep. Each product within these categories is tailored to deliver a specific experience, from non-psychoactive options to micro-dosed and functional highs. “We wanted to experiment with not only this Canna Curious audience but just… people who would have never thought of even doing this,” Matthew said.

Navigating the Roadblocks

Launching a brand in the wellness space isn’t without its challenges. Matthew’s journey with Blaze and Chill has been marked by patience and persistence, particularly in finding the right manufacturing partners. “I was in no rush… the relationship would have to be really strong,” he emphasized. His pursuit of a perfect partnership led him through multiple attempts before finally landing with a manufacturer in Oregon that shared his vision. “I love them,” he said, but acknowledged that it’s been a learning process filled with hurdles and adjustments.

Disrupting the Wellness Space

Blaze and Chill’s approach is not just about selling products but about curating specific effects that resonate with diverse consumers. “It’s not always about getting high necessarily,” Matthew noted. “It’s about curating a specific effect.” The brand is making waves by offering functional products that serve different needs throughout the day—a concept that Matthew believes sets them apart from traditional cannabis brands.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cannabis and Wellness

Matthew’s insights into the future of the industry are grounded in his vast experience. “I think as the consumer gets more comfortable with all the options… this industry takes off like a rocket ship,” he predicted. He also highlighted the growing importance of consumer education, which he sees as pivotal in overcoming early industry missteps, like the overhyped promises of CBD and confusing D8 and D10 products.

Advice for Aspiring Founders

For those looking to disrupt the wellness and cannabis space, Matthew’s message is clear: jump in. “Come join the party,” he urged. Despite regulatory uncertainties and the ongoing shifts in the market, he sees endless opportunities for new brands to carve out their niches. “There’s so much opportunity that hasn’t even been captured.”

Finding Inspiration Beyond Blaze and Chill

When asked about other brands that inspire him, Matthew took a nostalgic turn, reminiscing about iconic brands and campaigns that shaped his outlook. “The Nike commercials with Wieden Kennedy were just so groundbreaking,” he recalled. Today, he continues to be inspired by brands that push boundaries and create memorable experiences.

Matthew Murray’s journey with Blaze and Chill is really a love story to the power of passion, patience, and perseverance. As Blaze and Chill gears up for a public launch, it’s clear that this brand isn’t just another player in the market—it’s a game-changer.