Celebrate Women in Weed

Celebrate Women in Weed with O2O

‍

Meet the amazing women in the Canadian cannabis industry making an impact every day. Read their inspiring stories below!

‍

‍Antuanette Gomez

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
IWD means celebrating the women near you and the women who have paved the way for where we are now.

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
Cannabis is an industry built on collaboration (acquisitions and mergers) rather than competition. Women have always been the leaders in the community and their strength is bringing the full potential of cannabis with collaboration, culture and community.

3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
Everyday I get to change lives with the life changing opportunity to share knowledge on cannabis suppositories for sexual health ailments like endometriosis.

Cian Calvert

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
To me, International Women's Day has always been a time to reflect on history and the equality issues that we faced, and still continue to face, to this day. It is a reminder that we have achieved so much greatness despite oppression and mistreatment; a day focused on bringing attention to the cultural, economic and political achievements that came from us rallying for our basic human rights.
‍

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
Always be yourself and tell your truth; there are so many people who will relate to your journey and your reasons for consuming, this industry is not one size fits all.

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
My favourite moment in the cannabis space is always sharing new stuff and hearing the feedback. There is nothing like sparking up some new flower, and having everyone in the smoke circle give props about its flavour and potency. Sharing is caring; sharing products, knowledge and advice.

Ashenafè Nealè

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s day means a lot of different things to me. It represents courage, leadership, strength, determination and most importantly foundation. To me women are the the backbone of society. Women worldwide are the glue that keeps reminding young women and little girls to keep fighting and celebrating. We’ve come so far, between gender equality, having a right to vote..etc but we still have ways to go.

‍

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
Don’t be quite, do not minimize your thoughts or settle for what people think is the “right” look/path/job for you.

The world is your canvas; use all the colors within you and paint the path YOU desire for yourself.

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
A favourite moment of mine, would be when Kronic Relief invited myself and many other POC in cannabis space to their facility. I’m not used to seeing people who look like me in the cannabis space. So this made me feel more comfortable to just be me without judgement. Which ties into that leadership role I mentioned earlier. When you see someone who looks like you; it gives a different kind of courage and confidence.

‍

Andrea Feldman-Kohlver

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day to me means acknowledging how far we have come (and still have to go!) in regards to gender equality. This day gives us all time to reflect and be conscious of the very many barriers women face in the quest for equality. Around the world and even in Canada, there are fundamental human rights that are still denied to many women and girls, from equal pay for equal work, to access to clean drinking water and freedom from violence at the hands of a partner or family member. There is still a long way to go to achieving true equality, but through International Women's Day, women and allies can pause and reflect on where we were, where we are now and what we would like to see for the next generation of women.

‍

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
Cannabis is one of the fastest growing markets with a lot of opportunity for growth, and one of the biggest opportunities we have right now is finding the right talent and fostering it. One thing I cannot stress enough to emerging female leaders is to use your voice effectively. Confidently throw out your ideas and take the credit for your ideas- do not stand behind someone because you feel that they hold more merit over you. You and your ideas matter and need to be fostered and nurtured.

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
After being in this industry for a year, I've had many professional highlights such as opening 5 more stores with Cannabis Xpress and assisting in our next expansion into New Brunswick. I have been able to meet and build connections with amazing Budtenders, Managers, leaders and LP partnerships, many of whom are women, and take our relationship seriously because of its common goal. It is proof that women in this inclusive industry thrive and pave the way for future women in leadership.

‍

Melanie Bekevich

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is about celebrating women as being unique and powerful in their own right. It’s about remembering the women who came before us and fought for our rights.

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
Be inspired by the plant in all her glory- she is female. And if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong. Weed is supposed to be fun.

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
4/20 in 2021. The shop was lit, we had soooo many people come celebrate with us. The playlist was fantastic! Even in a pandemic, we still brought the spirit. We hosted our 4/20 scavenger hunt for the first time which meant that ‘420 Man’ showed up as soon as we opened. It was all the fun!

‍

‍Brittany Coates

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day to me is a day to recognize and celebrate women everywhere. It’s a day to empower each other, and raise awareness to the inequalities we face constantly.

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
I would say to remember your worth. Your thoughts and ideas are important and valued and don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise! You’re doing amazing, we got this.

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
It’s difficult to choose just one! But attending KIND summer fair last summer was such an unforgettable experience. I loved the learning aspect of it, and getting to connect and sesh with pals I knew from Instagram for the first time!

‍

Christina Sventanic

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
Empowering women to be incredibly independent and outspoken.  There is a space for all of us and Women lead by doing.

‍

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
Female representation is so important.  Never stop innovating.  Break the Grass Ceiling!

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
Providing education to those who have been stigmatized to Cannabis. It's been empowering to be able to offer a safe space for family and friends to ask the questions they may otherwise not feel comfortable asking.Being a cannabis consumer allows me to share my journey and experience, firsthand, on how Cannabis can positively impact women’s health, wellbeing and their overall happiness.

‍

‍Ashley Pawliw

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day means an opportunity to be heard and seen as the powerful, creative, dynamic people that we are!  It is also an opportunity to come together and support each other to make our experience of womanhood more collaborative instead of competitive.

‍

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
Cannabis crosses all barriers, know that you have a place here.  You always have a friend in the weed biz, you just need to show up! There's no harm in starting your own thing too ;) (congratulations to all those who have so far!)    

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
Can I pick all of them?!  Anytime we cannabis-lovers get together! For budtender/public events, special shout-outs to KIND, O2O/Reef Agency, Cannareps and Karma Cup - these are always great gatherings. But, I really love facility tours, connecting with the plant and the people/growers that bring it to us!

Les

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day is a reminder for all women to unite and support each other! Not just one day but everyday!

‍

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
One message is that we are stronger together and there is enough room for everyone to flourish, stay humble and don't let anyone put out your flame!

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
My absolute favourite memory was meeting Chef Wagmen at The High Buds Club dinner party where I was a guest! An incredible experience I'll never forget!

‍

Katherine

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It means having a voice to bring attention to the issues that women continue to face. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the voices that grow stronger each year to help with that movement.

‍

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
Know your worth. Women bring incredible value but without having the proper support system to provide access to ideas and opportunities, women get overlooked or missed entirely. Being able to recognize and own your value and worth is very powerful.

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
It’s hard to just pick one over five years but I would have to say making the move to leave a dream team I built, to start anew and build a fresh one. It’s one thing to say the right thing but it’s entirely different to do the right thing. I’ve recognized that I have a strong voice in this space for women and many look up to me. Making a decision to leave something I built from the ground up was the hardest decision I have ever made, but also the most fulfilling. It’s all about the people you surround yourself with.

‍

Elyse

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
To me IWD is a day to be able to share love and respect to all the women in your life.We have come a long way and have had to fight for equal rights. March 8th is a great time to remember this and to love and support each other.

‍

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
We need to support each other. We are a huge force in this industry and if we stick together we will all be heard. Kill the competition and let’s be proud of each other and grow in this industry!!

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
It’s hard to pick one.I absolutely loved going to the KIND summer fair and to be apart of history. Such a great event and got to connect with so many people.Also winning the 2nd annual Blunttalks Budtender of the Year was huge. I still can’t believe it happened. Feel so honoured!!

‍

Tamara Lilien

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
IWD is an opportunity to honour all the incredible trailblazers who came before us. It is a day to take pause and reflect on how far we have come and how far we have to go.It’s also a perfect time to tell the women in your life how much they mean to you.

‍

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
My message today is one I learned from my best friend: life is short, and riddled with adversity, so the best option is to celebrate everything along the way. Celebrate Everything. The biggest and smallest wins, and even the losses that are lessons in disguise. Constantly remind yourself of your value and all you have to offer. Especially in such a male-dominated industry, we owe it to ourselves; celebrate yourself and your worth every damn day!

‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
My favourite moments in the cannabis space are the “a-ha moments”. The shining eyes of someone who has just learned something new are both awesome and inspirational!

‍

Melissa Ferguson

‍

‍

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It is a day to celebrate strong women around the world, whom make a difference and make a difference for all of us as women.

2. If you could share one message for women in the cannabis space, what would it be?
For decades, women have fought for their right to be equal. Do not allow anyone to put you down, because you are a woman in cannabis.
‍
3. What is your favourite moment in the cannabis space?
I love making a difference in a customers day - whether is be a discount or just a mouth full of information they need.

‍

‍

‍