It was five years ago when Kerry Aiyash’s life changed forever.

A longtime entrepreneur in the Western Suburbs, Aiyash found herself dealing with severe jaw issues that not only left her in an incredible amount of pain, but also with an unexpected increase in prescription medications. In desperation, the successful retailer and restaurant owner started researching alternatives for easing her medical symptoms. On her health and wellness journey she found the world of CBD—a cannabinoid derived from hemp that helps regulate and heal the body’s endocannabinoid system.

“CBD was such a trend at the time, and I bought so much on the internet, but to be honest, 98 percent of what I bought did not work,” remembers Aiyash, who now serves as President of Kerwell, a premium CBD house located in Downers Grove. “I could not find a person or location that I trusted or that could help me understand CBD and why it works. But when I found a product that did work, it was truly life changing.”

And while Aiyash’s jaw pain virtually disappeared after an 18-month CBD health regimen, she knew there had to be a better way to find the products she needed.

Aiyash went to work attending seminars, thoroughly studying the issues and benefits of CBD oil, and researching brands. And, in September 2019, Kerwell Premium CBD House was born after countless hours of research and testing.

Alongside partners and adult children Matthew and Brittany, Aiyash has established Kerwell as a one-stop premium CBD house for customers of all ages. With her team, she curates and researches the best possible and healthiest products, taking away the customer’s guesswork.

“We see everyone, from an older adult dealing with pain, anxiety, or depression, and the golfer looking to improve their game, to the cancer patient who is simply looking for a way to alleviate cancer related symptoms that often come with chemotherapy,” Aiyash says. “Everyone right now wants to stay healthy and build their immune system, and CBD can help with that.”

Meanwhile, Kerwell was designed while keeping its customers’ comfort in mind.

“We wanted to make it feel like we were inviting you into our home to provide a peaceful and tranquil environment, carefully designed with the help of Interiors by Mary Susan in La Grange,” Aiyash explains. “When a customer walks in, I often invite them to sit down so we can discuss why they are here and what they are looking for. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down at one of our tables with people who walk through our doors with a limp and who walk out just a short time later without any pain, thanks to a rather simple topical ointment. That’s how quickly CBD can work.”

Of course, there are also many misconceptions regarding CBD.

“CBD is not marijuana and you do not have to smoke it,” says Aiyash, with a laugh “CBD simply gives you the benefits from the hemp plant.”

“There are so many people out there who still believe that a pill can solve anything,” adds Aiyash’s son Matthew. “We are trying to train people about a different type of wellness.”

It’s this personal approach that keeps customers coming back.

“We pride ourselves on being very knowledgeable about all of the products that we carry,” explains Aiyash. “From where and how CBD is derived to what it can treat, we walk our customers through a plan custom made for them.”

Kerwell carries products from more than 46 premium brands, including Martha Stewart, Clean Remedies, Made Plant Health, Saint Jane, and its own Premium CBD House collection. With everything from luxury bath teas and eye serums to CBD coffee and seltzer, the Aiyash family is ready to help customers on their journey to wellness.

Kerwell is located at 949 Burlington Avenue, in Downers Grove. For more information, call 630-960-0223 or visit kerwellness.com.