In honor of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting some groundbreaking female entrepreneurs who are leading the cannabis industry. This dynamic group of women are redefining what good business practices look like and building an inclusive and sophisticated regulated industry.
Carolina Vazquez Mitchell – Founder, Dreamt Sleep Vape
Dreamt was founded by Carolina Vazquez Mitchell, a nationally-recognized cannabis scientist and product developer who has had chronic sleep problems throughout her life. After nothing could help her fall asleep and stay asleep, Carolina developed a formulation combining cannabinoids, terpenes and other common sleep supplements. It worked. After several rounds of blind studies and refinement, that formulation would become dreamt. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Carolina came to the US to study for her PhD in Chemistry in 2009, and has developed more than 60 cannabis products to date. She has been a featured cannabis science expert in Rolling Stone and Mg Magazine, and was named one of Dope Magazine’s “Outstanding Women in Cannabis.”
Source: youdreamt.com
Imelda Walavalkar – Co-Founder & CEO
Walavalkar studied social justice and began her career working with nonprofits serving formerly incarcerated people. Struggling against institutional racism left her feeling unsure of whether or not she could make a difference. She pivoted in her career and started a catering business. For Walavalkar, cannabis was the natural progression for her career, bringing together her passion for social justice and making things. Women and minorities make up more than 65 percent of the Pure Beauty team. Diversity is instrumental to the company’s success, according to Walavalkar. In addition to that in-house commitment, the company donates proceeds to causes and organizations that align with its own values and drive for social justice.
Source: newcannabisventures.com
Amanda Jones & Jennifer Chapin – Founders & CEOs
Amanda Jones is the co-founder and Co-CEO of Kikoko, a women-focused, women-led cannabis wellness products company. Amanda and her business partner, Jennifer Chapin, created Kikoko in 2015 in honor of a friend with terminal cancer. Prior to becoming a “cannapreneur,” Amanda spent 25 years as an international travel writer and photographer. Her articles have appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, Travel & Leisure, Town & Country, the Los Angeles Times and ISLANDS, among others.
Source: kikoko.com
Kristi Knoblich Palmer – Co-Founder & CFO, Kiva Confections
Kristi Knoblich Palmer is cofounder of Kiva Confections and serves as Chief Operating Officer. Founded in 2010, Kiva’s mission is to produce safe, consistent and delicious edibles. Kristi is the driving force behind Kiva’s customer service philosophy, employee development, and best practices in cannabis marketing. Scott Palmer and Kristi Knoblich Palmer were inspired by a visit to a local chocolatier, and soon started crafting the first Kiva bars in their home kitchen. They didn’t realize it at the time, but they weren’t just creating a premium edible product, they were setting the gold standard for the entire legal cannabis industry.
Source: cannabismanufacturers.org
For women in the cannabis industry, I think it’s important to be aggressive. There’s a lot of opportunity for women in this industry at the moment, but it’s still anyone’s game. It’s not too late to get involved, so if you’re looking for a job in the industry then get in there, get excited, be present, network and get aggressive! It’s anyone’s game.
Source: flaunt.com
Visit Kiva Confections website
Lucie Herold – Co-founder, Plus Edible Gummies
Lucie Herold’s initially wanted to study law in 2015 when she heard a friend from high school friend and, PLUS founder Jake Heimark, who said he needed someone to direct sales for his new venture. PLUS is a cannabis branded products company focused on using nature to bring balance to consumers’ lives. PLUS’s mission is to make cannabis safe and approachable – that begins with high-quality products that deliver consistent consumer experiences. PLUS is headquartered in San Mateo, CA. As the co-founder and VP of Sales for PLUS, Herold helped Plus become 1 best-selling cannabis product in the nation for two consecutive years. She helped to build it into one of the largest edible brands in California, the world’s largest cannabis market. The cannabis market is developing at warp speed, and everyday is a new challenge. Through teamwork, compassion, adaptability, and competitive drive, she strives to create a culture of accountability and camaraderie.
Source: via @plusproducts
