10 Cannabis Industry Leaders Share Their Advice for People Entering the Industry
The mentor/mentee relationship is a ridiculously beneficial set up for both parties. The mentee receives support, advice and insight from the more experienced and knowledgeable mentor, potentially elevating her confidence, increasing her professional network and career prospects while the mentor benefits from increased employee engagement, retention and a surge in her perception of work related fulfillment. Mentors even report greater job satisfaction.
It’s a win-win situation but it’s not always easy to find your tribe and if you are still on the lookout for a mentor - or if you’ve already found one but you recognize that good advice is good advice then read on as we share some of the pearls of wisdom from ten of the cannabis industry’s leaders.
The following quotes are from just a few of the thought leaders that we’ve interviewed over the past few years. Check out The Her(B) Life Spotlight Series which focusing on highlighting the work of women in the cannabis space for more excellent insights.
“Go with your gut, don’t worry too much about how other people are doing something, because what will be unique about your company is the unique way in which you approach it. But the other side of this is knowing when you don’t know what you’re doing and being honest with yourself about it. Ask for help. Ask as many people as you can. You get no extra points for trying to figure things out on your own. ”
Fleur Marché is your one-stop-shop for rigorously vetted, top tier CBD products and brands.
“There is a lot of opportunity in the cannabis space right now and things can move very fast. Take the time to find the right team to support your endeavor, and then go for it!”
Sava is a specialty cannabis curation and delivery service that prides itself on it’s high standards. Sava offers support and education on everything from using CBD for pain to cannabis as an aphrodisiac. They focus on supporting small business and the platform provides over 50 brands a place to reach customers with their products.
“Look, listen, explore with other women making waves in the industry. There are incredible women in this space who in other industries would be unreachable but in cannabis (right now) many of these leaders are willing to have a chat with you. Your goal should be to recognize your strengths and adapt them to opportunities in cannabis.”
New High’s CBD products are of the highest quality. The brand’s ethos combine founder Sarah Remesch’s passion for health and wellness as well as her unrivaled passion for women-run businesses (something she shares with us at Her(B) Life).
“Follow your strengths. This is an entire industry starting from ground zero — we need marketers, lawyers, accountants, manufacturing workers, you name it. Don’t try and reinvent yourself, bring the strengths and skills you have to this new industry. Also, have a sense of humor. The roller coaster roll out of the industry can make you crazy and knock you down if you don’t.”
Aster Farms in California produces sun grown, hand harvested cannabis in a sustainable and socially responsible way.
“DO NOT QUIT. I’m not sure how many tears I shed in the process of bringing this dream to life. Handling the painful growing pains, even when nothing else makes sense. If it’s a passion, people will feel it Thank gawd for the people that I am surrounded by.
If there’s one takeaway that I can give to your readers: always surround yourself with people that can hustle like you and support that grind. Find legit partners that you’re proud to stand with.
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Blessed™ is focused on the science behind cannabis and how it can help anyone overcome pain more effectively. Whether an athlete or someone struggling with chronic pain, Blessed™ products are made with rigor, accuracy and precision with quality being at the forefront.
“Reach out to fellow women in this space. I’ve met so many incredible makers, entrepreneurs and activists through this work. Seek out all of the people doing amazing things, we’re stronger in numbers!”
Laundry Day is a line of design-forward smokeware founded with a mission to change the visual narrative behind cannabis use.
“If you’re looking into getting into this industry then now would be the time, don’t wait! It’s a great time and space to get started in and by far the most welcoming and diverse industry that has so much to offer. Be passionate about your story and your voice and build a brand that is unique to that story. The best thing about this industry is the demand for authenticity and community building, so be sure that you want to contribute to this community with an authentic brand, story, and voice.”
Blunt B.A.E. is a cannabis lifestyle blog that features creative content that addresses a multitude of topics relating to cannabis culture.
“Set measurable and achievable goals, remain teachable, do your homework, maintain good relationships, watch out for sharks and stay true to your passion.”
Success Centers was founded by Superior Court Judges 35 years ago to provide education and employment opportunities to youth in San Francisco’s juvenile detention facilities.
“Do it! There’s plenty of pie for everyone. Find a mentor. Show up for things. Go to networking events, even if its shitty outside and you don’t feel like it. The future of all industry depends on a diversity of thought, so your opinion definitely matters.”
Milkweed offers thoughtful design, craft and ritual for a contemporary cannabis experience.
“Build companies, or work for companies, with a higher mission than just making money. We all want to have the financial means to live better lives, but make sure to hold on to and take care of the really important stuff – family, friends, and above all, take care of YOU.”
Ellementa is the fastest growing women’s health and wellness network focused on cannabis.