SPOTLIGHT SERIES: Q & A WITH A HEAD SHOP OWNER
Today's spotlight is on a company called THC Edmonton, a family-owned and operated smoke shop and tattoo studio that has 2 locations in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The first THC Edmonton store celebrated 4 years in business this past November with spot #2 opening two years ago.
THC Edmonton
The store's retail section sells a wide variety of glassware, hookahs, pipes, grinders, scales, detox, vaporizers, trays, papers, blunts, and cleaners for all types of smokables. The decor is fun, the shelves are clean and organized and the staff is friendly and welcoming. In fact, community participation is important to the sibling duo who run the two shops.
The Tattoo studio is headed up by Jeff K. “The Ginger Giant” who is a member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada and by artist Cara Humphries. You can see examples of both artist's work here.
What is the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning?
Knowing how much I love my job and the wonderful people that walk through the door each day. I am not only helping people but am able to laugh with them, learn their stories and build a tight-knit community here where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.
What is the thing that keeps you up at night?
Competitors, and keeping up with the industry (as it is currently evolving at a fast pace) while remaining competitive with pricing and forward thinking re: what's "next".
In what way(s) is your job most rewarding?
Being able to give someone answers/options when they feel hopeless and lost. Many people come into head shops/smoke shops looking for information on medical cannabis, product inquiries, etc. Nothing makes me feel better than making someone smile.
What time does your day typically start and what does a normal day look like to you?
My day starts at 8am. I am up, either at the gym or watching Good Morning America. It depends on my energy level. The store is open at 11:30am, so I schedule most of my appointments in the mornings. I work until 7 or 8 in the evening, 5 to 6 days a week. I feel fortunate I can afford some time off because that for sure was not the case when I first started at THC. Hard work does pay off!
If you could go back in time to when you were first starting out, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself to not rush any decisions! I was more impatient when I started out, and now I do not let anything or anyone pressure me. I take as much time as I need when I make my decisions. This prevents regret!
You can check out THC Edmonton's Instagram page here
(The Her(B) Life was their 421st follower - we didn't want to ruin the 420 effect but we couldn't resist following this kickass account - go follow them too and let's get them up to 4200 followers!)
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