What do you do in the space?
Like most people in the industry, I've done a lot of different things in the Cannabis space, and I currently wear a few different hats. I've worked on farms, with extraction companies, with cannabis-focused software companies... I've been very fortunate to have had some remarkable experiences in the Cannabis space. I'm now a Lead Budtender at Lytt, a locally-owned dispensary in Pacifica, CA, and I'm the Co-Founder/Writer of a Cannabis Normalization blog called For:20 Minutes (Powered by PayRio). I'm also the Head of Community for PayRio Inc, a female-founded (shout-out the marvelous Aubrey Amatelli!) payment processor that focuses exclusively on servicing Cannabis and other alternative medicine companies.
What has been the best part about being in the industry/community?
The best part about being in the Cannabis industry is BY FAR the people. Through the Cannabis Industry, I've found some wonderful friendships... A few that have truly turned into family. There are so many kind, empathetic people in this industry, who are also highly intelligent (pun intended). It's been an incredible 10 years, thanks to the people in this industry!
How has developing a community of other women in cannabis impacted you?
Finding this SPECTACULAR community of canna-women has been such a blessing. It truly embodies the meaning of "women supporting women". We support each others businesses and aspirations, and we are there for each other should those things hit some rough spots. Honestly, my life has been crazy the past year, and I tend to be reclusive when I go through hard times. I haven't been writing as much, or attending as many community events, and it's been a struggle... But the women in my life (almost all of whom I connected with via Cannabis) are always loving, supportive, understanding, and never judge me for my hermit-like tendencies. I'm so grateful for these women, and for events like the ones Leah organizes! I wouldn't have been able to stay strong through it all without these extraordinary women I call my friends.