Spotlight Series: Tea Bitossi Galastri, Thea Leaf

This week we were completely blown away by Tea Bitossi Galastri, the force behind Thea Leaf Jewelery, a couture cannabis line made in Italy by master Italian jewelers and available world wide through the website.

Not only is Tea coming up with beautiful, timeless designs that any herb-loving fashionista would be happy to adorn herself with but she's done it while still in university at the tender age of nineteen! Where were you at nineteen? I can tell you that I certainly wasn't building my empire yet so kudos to Tea for being so focused and clear on what she is creating. Read on to get a glimpse into her inspiration and goals for the future of her company.

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?

The endless love affair I have with cannabis brought me to this industry. I have always appreciated the way smoking cannabis made me feel. On top, I believe that cannabis plant is an extraordinary one, singular and fascinating to grow.
After graduating from college I wasn't really sure about which field of study to undertake so I took some time to think and I developed a few jewellery designs and started my own line. I looked around and I couldn't find anything really worth buying (in Italy) related to the cannabis fashion industry. I decided to start a cannabis brand which is still kind of a taboo here. But that's how Thea Leaf started and why it's surprisingly accepted :)

Tell us a little bit about your product or service

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Thea Leaf is a fine contemporary cannabis-inspired line of jewellery. Every piece from our collection is handcrafted in our Florence studio by master Italian jewellers who share our commitment to quality and our passion for innovation. Our collection is entirely made from 925 Sterling Silver but some pieces are available in 24k gold plated as well. Each jewel brings to life the cannabis leaf design.

What time does your day typically start and what does a normal day look like to you?

Alright! So my brain starts thinking at around 9 am. Every day is a challenge. Every day I acquire more knowledge in business strategies and I learn more about the cannabis world. I spend most of my time socializing outside with people and promoting my line in boutiques and on social media, collaborating with promoters and social events. Meanwhile, I study at University and I do normal things like normal people with the difference that I might be spending more time managing the website, the online store, orders, and promotions.

What is your vision for your company going forward?

My biggest goal is to bring my company in a very high position but maintaining our core values.

I'm planning on dropping some pieces of clothing in September.

What would an ideal post-prohibition society look like to you?

Awareness, consciousness, knowledge. A different and more open-minded approach towards cannabis. It should replace opioids and Pharma drugs and be considered to be like any other vegetable.

What was your first experience with cannabis like?

The first time I took a few hits of a joint I was 16 years old.
The fact that I don't remember anything about that night says a lot ahahah

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about cannabis?

Cannabis is safer than Mcdonald's folks! Seriously, I wish everyone could get a better knowledge of the cannabis plant and of its benefits. Cannabis is not a gateway drug, as people continue to believe. And it's not an excuse for being lazy. You can be a stoner and be successful, that's all up to you!

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your product or service?

Thea Leaf is the first cannabis-inspired collection of jewellery in Italy and has few competitors around the globe. Each jewel is, by definition of design and production process, unique. This is the reason why two examples of the same jewel cannot, and will never be the same object. Our pieces are handcrafted by master Italian jewellers, honoring a cannabis couture lifestyle that educates, inspires and empowers.

If you could go back in time and do it all over again, what (if anything) would you do differently?

I'm still in time to change things if I want to. I started this business 6 months ago and I'm on the run. I'm 19 years old so even If I change my mind I feel I have the time and energy to do it but I would do Thea Leaf all over again.

What is your favorite way to consume cannabis?

I'm a master roller babe! I roll joints, blunts and spliffs and it's my favorite way to consume cannabis. I'm more inclined to roll joints, I'm kinda old school! I also consider myself to be a very light consumer. I like to take a few hits in order to relax and take it easy but be able to continue working. So I smoke just enough that I can feel the results I want without feeling devastated or overwhelmed.

Concentrate or flower? Why?

Flower always! I'm pretty classic. I care about flavor and smell which is something concentrates often lose in the extraction process. The smell of weed automatically makes me smile! But it's a personal preference at the end.

Do you think cannabis legalization will change the world for the better? Why?

YAAAS! For sure legalization will lead to a safer society. Once cannabis is legalized citizens will be entitled to grow a certain amount for themselves. This means no market for criminals to take advantage of.
In addition, cannabis is a much safer solution to pain management than opioids or pharma drugs.

What advice would you offer to another woman who is looking to get into the industry?

I would encourage anyone to get involved in the cannabis industry as it's very exciting and fascinating!
There are boundless opportunities to collaborate with a huge variety of businesses. If she is willing to work hard and play by the rules she will be successful!

Connect with Thea Leaf online

Website: http://thealeaf.com

Instagram @thealeaf

Twitter @shopthealeaf

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