About Our Team– Color Up at House of VXN

It Takes a Village to Pioneer a Revolution

And we wouldn’t still be here today without ours! Whether you’ve known us as Color Up Therapeutics, Color Up CBD, VXN LAB, VXN Wellness, VXN Den, VXN LUX, or VXN Beauty Den—it’s still us. Still the same mission. Still the same heart, soul, and products you've known and loved.

Our brand is made up of the pioneers, leaders, and innovators of the cannabis reform movement–who also happen to be spa and wellness professionals–our niche in the broader cannabis revolution. And every step of the way, we are inspired and shaped by these legendary leaders.

Shauna Blanch, Co-Founder, Co-Owner and Head VXN in Charge of Strategies and Systems

Growing up an ethical herbivore and conscious consumer, Shauna’s entrepreneurial spirit was fueled by her parents as they built their family business. Denver-based Shauna is the COO, co-owner, and co-founder of Color Up Therapeutics, a cruelty-free, all-natural CBD company. With seven (now thirteen) years in the cannabis industry, Shauna is also a licensed massage therapist, certified reiki master, and yoga teacher.

2019 Dermascope The A-LIst

Marrana James, LMT, LE, RYT

Co-Owner, Head VXN in Charge of Partnerships and Logistics

Marrana’s extensive knowledge in the wellness industry is marked by her profound 29 year journey as a Massage Therapist and Esthetician. Before joining our team in 2019, she spent several years as a skincare sales and education manager, learning the ins and outs of the spa world. During our transition in 2023, Marrana stepped up to fulfill the role of one of our previous co-owners and in 2025, after 6 years of devotion, she became a co-owner of Color Up, dba, House of VXN. Her role here transcends managing partnerships and education; she's a mentor and a guide, enriching our community with her wisdom, humor, and genuine care. She has educated hundreds of students on both the Endocannabinoid system and our line of cannabinoid infused products, and has been monumental in keeping us all dedicated to our wellness journey’s. She wears her heart on her sleeve and we always know what she's thinking by the expressions on her face. Her yoga classes, massages, and reminders of self care keep us all walking in the direction of our truth.

Amber White-Benzel, B.Sc.

Co-Owner, Head VXN in Charge of Production and Manufacturing

Amber blends scientific rigor with a nurturing heart and creative mind. She stepped up to fill the role of one of our previous co-owners during our transition in 2023 after 7 years of dedication in our manufacturing lab, and in 2025 she became co-owner of Color Up, dba, House of VXN. Her leadership is characterized by compassion, precision and a commitment to excellence– through supportive feedback, patience, and open communication. She's kept our products rolling through our most challenging times, and her ability to remain composed and clear-headed is irreplaceable in our ever-changing industry. Blending science with creativity, she writes all of our manufacturing protocols, manages inventory, oversees production, and is the guardian of our product quality–ensuring every item we produce meets the highest standards. Beyond her scientific prowess, Amber's artistic side shines through her music production, Reiki practice, and photography skills. She brings a holistic approach to the science behind our brand, and she is an inspiration to the women in our community.

Brigitte Ownsby

Founding Family (3% Owner) and Head VXN in Charge of Labeling and Bottling

Brigitte's belief in plant-medicine is not just a profession but a way of life. A devout believer in plant-medicine throughout her life, she infuses her passion into everything she does. Her positivity and contributions in the lab make her an invaluable and beloved member of our team. She has a green thumb, growing her own cannabis, mushrooms and other herbs to share with the community, and her homemade bread and baked treats are more than just food; they're expressions of the care and love she offers to our team every day. She is the embodiment of the nurturing spirit we stand for, and she never misses an opportunity to remind us all how fortunate we are to be doing this work. She’s Marrana’s mom, house momma to all of us, and a motherly reminder of how mother earth should be honored and cared for every day.

Ellen Blanch

Founding Family (3% Owner) and Head VXN in Charge of Advising and Finances

Though she lives across the country and doesn’t work with us day-to-day, Ellen has been a guiding force behind our journey since the earliest days of Color Up. Her quiet strength, unwavering belief in us, and deep well of wisdom have grounded us through every transition—from startup chaos to our evolution into House of VXN. For over a decade, she’s been a trusted advisor to Shauna, offering care, counsel, and perspective that has shaped this house more than most will ever know.

We Honor Every Hand that Built this House

We honor every hand that built this house—from two of the Color Up Therapeutics three co-founders who moved on in 2023, to the countless team members, practitioners, customers, students, educators, and entrepreneurs who launched their dreams within our walls. Every contribution, seen or unseen, was a brave step toward creating a more honest, caring, and empowered world. This is a small and growing list of those who have pioneered the movement alongside us. We continue to add more as we locate our older media files!