Women Owned Cannabis Businesses Archives -

Alexis Berends Women's Cannabis Chamber of Commerce

May 30, 2023Cannabis Business Stories, Cannabis Businesses, Women Owned Cannabis Businesses, Women Who Inspire

Alexis Berends Chief Visionary Officer

Alexis Berends job title is Chief Visionary Officer at Union Chill Cannabis Company llc. In Lambertville, NJ. The title fits her.

Alexis has lived in Lambertville, NJ, (Nishowmensa, Lenapehoking) most of her life. At best calculation, her son is the seventh generation to call her beloved river city home. Hailing from a line of activists, musicians, and artists, she deeply believes in inclusivity and change, and that the fledgling NJ cannabis industry can be utilized as a catalyst to shape our collective future.

After receiving a Bachelors of Honors in Globalization, Development and Human Rights from Arcadia University in 2009, Alexis continued on to pursue her Masters in International Peace & Conflict Resolution. Her studies brought her to the Middle East where she studied the plight of the Palestinian people in the context of environmental justice. Her research was focused on water access and indigenous rights through the lens of international law. After a series of divine interventions – including a vision quest with an AWOL Israeli soldier and a kidnapping in revolutionary Egypt – her life path was forever altered.

Upon returning to the United States, Alexis promptly moved to St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. During her time in the USVI, Alexis began to immerse herself in the Rastafarian culture and their deep relationship with cannabis. After leaving the USVI, Alexis found her way to Humboldt County, California where she was introduced to the cultivation side of cannabis. Not dissimilar to the USVI, in California Alexis gained an intimate glimpse into the lives of many of our Native American brothers & sisters who have been so negatively impacted by the war on drugs and industries at large.

It is Alexis’ goal to create a cannabis industry that honors the First Nations Peoples of the world and a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as one that offers sincere equity to the communities most impacted by the War on Drugs.

Alexis Berends is also a Divemaster, Master Shark Diver, Yoga Teacher, and Reiki Master. She enjoys anything related to vampires, the ocean, and the spacetime continuum. Of her revolving titles at Union Chill Cannabis, Chief Visionary Officer seems to best encompass her passions and vision. She deeply believes in the medicine of cannabis, especially in treating PTSD in conjunction with mindfulness and intention.

Laurie McHugh Women's Cannabis Chamber of Commerce

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023Cannabis Business Stories, Cannabis Businesses, Women Owned Cannabis Businesses

Laurie McHugh Setting the Standard

Laurie McHugh had a vision to bring high quality safe cannabis to the New Jersey recreational market and employ a diverse staff. She believes employees should have a living wage, benefits, and be supported in volunteering their time to community organizations. Laurie’s vision is a reality. Laurie is the co-founder and CEO of Union Chill Cannabis Company llc, 204 Union, Lambertville, N.J. It is Laurie’s goal is to be the Gold Star standard of dispensaries in New Jersey with a curated inventory of quality products and strains.

Laurie is an active part of her community. She is well known in her community for founding Bucks County Dragon Boat Association, a competitive club that competes on the world stage and is dedicated to easing food insecurity. She is committed to healthy living, and she has first-hand experience with the benefits of cannabis use.

She also currently serving her second term as elected member of the New Hope Borough Council, where she serves as a liaison to the community at large, businesses, and state government. Prior to her involvement in the cannabis industry, Laurie served as the Vice President of an international real estate investment firm and as VP of her family’s industrial manufacturing company.

Laurie brings her passion for the plant, commitment to her community and educational background to Union Chill Cannabis Company LLC.

Laurie holds an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from the Lansdale School of Business in Pennsylvania. Laurie received a Certificate of Completion at the Cannabis Training University covering cannabis cultivation, cooking and extractions, cannabis laws and regulations, bud tending, dispensary operations, delivery service operations, medicinal cannabis, cannabis business training, and cannabis careers. She also received Certificates of Completion from Stockton University’s Continuing Studies program in risk management and insurance for cannabis businesses, cultivation, law, research in medical and adult-use cannabis, and general cannabis studies.

March 23, 2023May 30, 2023Women Owned Cannabis Businesses

Suzan Nickelson History Maker

Suzan Nickelson made history when she was awarded a New Jersey medicinal dispensary license in the NJ RFP 2019 round. Then she made news when Holistic Solutions opened on February 10th, 2023, in Waterford Township N.J.

Holistic Solutions is a 4,000 square foot dispensary with 11 POS stations for seamless purchasing, a private consultation room for discussions with onsite medical professionals, and a drive-thru window. Holistic Solutions provides compassionate care and education to patients enrolled in New Jersey’s Medicinal Cannabis Program.

Suzan Nickelson has curated an assortment of THC and CBD products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, tinctures, vaporizers, concentrates, ingestible, topicals, accessories, its own strain called “Girlie” after Suzan’s mother, Elaine Campbell-Cohen.

Holistic Solutions stocks its shelves with products from independent entrepreneurs such as Miss Grass cannabis, artisan jewelry from Jamaican designer Kristie Stephenson, and women and BIPOC-owned cannabis brands.

“When you walk in, you’ll see art, culture—you’ll see some great cannabis and you’ll feel welcome,” Suzan said. “Cannabis teaches that out of many people we are one. We believe cannabis is a universal incubator. It’s a connector and we’re looking to connect.”

Holistic Solutions opened with 10 employees including women, minorities, veterans, and others who are normally underrepresented in the workforce. Suzan’s business plans include keeping about a third of its payroll for people living in the immediate area. She understands the value of investing in the community and in people.

Suzan started developing Holistic Solutions five years ago while working full time and raising three children as a single mother. She had been working in the cannabis market for over twenty years. And is the CEO of Ital Daughters LLC, a cannabis and hemp consulting company that helps minorities, women, and veterans understand the compliance and regulatory aspects of the industry.

“Like the women who raised me, I believe cannabis is a plant of reverence and spirituality that has been given to people to heal – however intentional stigmatization led to what we went through in the War on Drugs that disproportionately hurt entire communities of Black and brown people. This is what fueled me to work relentlessly to open the doors of Holistic Solutions,” stated Suzan Nickelson. “The women in my family passed down generational knowledge of working with various herbs for healing and spirituality to me, and I look forward to using that knowledge to run my own cannabis business so others can understand just how powerful this plant can be in a pursuit of wellness and healing.”

“I used my own seed money and started my company on my iPhone 6,” Nickelson told MarketWatch. “We felt that plant-based medicine was an option that many people should have, so we pursued that.”

Suzan, attributes Marissa Edmonds, chairwoman of New Jersey-based optical components maker Edmund Optics Inc. with helping to open doors for her in the business community.

Holistic Solutions also received backing from The Collective. The Collective was launched in April 2022, by Patrick Jonsson, a former Northeast Regional President for Curaleaf.

Suzan has done more than opening a dispensary; she is dispelling the myths and stigma around cannabis and paving the way for women entrepreneurs. She is honoring her rich Jamaican heritage and the generations of women herbalists in her family. Suzan Nickelson has just begun her journey into the history of women of color trailblazers in the cannabis industry.

Madison and Montana

Madison and Montana Marzario story of what inspired them to enter the cannabis industry begins like most women’s stories, with a health crisis. Sisters, Madison and Montana learned first hand there was nothing natural that could help with all the trauma that comes with a head injury.

Montana grew up as a competitive ski racer and eventually competed at a D1 level. She was an All-Star and Athlete of the Year for the Alpine skiing team at the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy in Colorado…She had 11 top-five finishes in FIS events in 2014-15, including a first-place finish in the National Junior Slalom race in December 2014. After suffering from an injury, she came across CBD, this is when she gained the passion and desire to give people more knowledge about it.

During this time, she earned a double major in Business and Economics. at St. Lawrence University, providing her with the framework and passion to open a company. After seeing incredible and promising benefits from CBD, Madison and Montana knew they needed to share this discovery with others. This is when the Care Division was created, based on a mission to create the highest quality products and an affordable price.

Inspired by traditional herbalism, utilizing modern science with development in a CGMP facility, Care Division creates all of their products using pure CBD isolate sourced and processed in Colorado. Care Division formulas are designed to enhance the effects of hemp by blending it with synergistic compounds from plants, nootropics, and nutraceuticals while ensuring affordability.

“Care Division tinctures are handcrafted to enhance the effects of THC and CBD by pairing them with synergistic compounds from other herbal extracts, nootropics, and nutraceuticals. Our products aren’t about getting you high, we are trying to improve your quality of life. Not your standard tincture.”

FYI: Montana’s favorite Care Division product is the Dream tincture.

Madison was first introduced to the legal Cannabis industry in 2011 when her parents became owners/operators in the legal Colorado market. This early exposure to navigating the emerging legal cannabis ignited her passion for industry. Madison began her career by disrupting the market with a product line focused specifically on health and wellness, Care Division. She had played on her high school ice hockey team and was aware of the chronic pain endured by active adults. Madison and Montana understand the importance of high quality, effective, natural pain relief. Care Division has become one of the most reputable brands based on their innovation, transparency and partnerships with several Doctors, Professional Sports Teams and pharmacies.

Madison co-founded Wyldfire Concentrates in Colorado with the same goal in mind, quality, and affordability. Wyldfire Concentrates became the first female-owned/operated extraction company in the state of Colorado with an emphasis on proceeds towards wildfire containment in the state.

Wyldfire Concentrates was founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with a mission to help the Forest Service prevent and remediate wildfires. In doing so, Wyldfire proceeds benefit National Forests and Firefighter Relief Funds. “Protect the forest we all love, smoke Wyldfire.”

Their state-of-the-art facilities located in Colorado and Michigan are equipped with the highest grade machinery, including closed-loop-hydrocarbon systems, proprietary techniques and high production standards. Wyldfire Concentrates pride themselves on producing clean, high potency, flavorful concentrates with the highest quality starting material and cannabis-derived terpenes to ensure a smooth draw, however, you consume. Wyldfire Concentrates contain no additives, such as MCT Oil or Vitamin E Derivatives and are thoroughly tested to ensure potency and the absence of any harmful compounds.

Madison’s relationships and experience led her to start her own consulting company, Vedas Consulting. Since launching Vedas Consulting, Madison has supported over 30 unique licenses, including cultivation, manufacturing, and retail. Her projects have consisted of, SPACs, acquisitions, lease agreements, Cannabis real estate buy/sell, internal audits, granted license to operate, Metrc/POS training, compliance, SOPs, restructuring business models, license buying/selling and more. Madison continues to expand their brands in multiple states while encouraging those who are less familiar in the industry to seek her support.

Both Madison and Montana Marzario embody the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating cannabis products and companies built on integrity. Madison echoes the sentiments of other young women in the cannabis industry –

“We are a female-founded, locally owned and operated company,” Madison said. “This is our whole life. I used to work in a corporate office and Montana graduated from an amazing college with connections to work anywhere. We took a risk to jump into this industry because we believe in it. We’re a family that’s built our health and lifestyle around these products.”

Follow Care Division on Facebook – LinkedIn – Instagram

Follow Wyldfire on Facebook – LinkedIn – Instagram

Join the conversation with Madison and Montana Marzario, Wednesday, October 05, 6:30 Est

Women Cultivating Success – Conversations with Women in the Cannabis Industry Details & Registration

September 7, 2022November 8, 2022Women Owned Cannabis Businesses

Lisa Pickett Winning llc

Lisa Pickett (CLDP, CMT, CLC) was born and raised in Queens, New York, and has been bi-coastal for many years until finally making Los Angeles her home.

Lisa is an active Learning & Development specialist with years of experience, multiple certifications, and the necessary empathetic sensibilities needed to lead in today’s complex workplace. She maintains her deep interest in the following: Employee development, modern workplace learning strategies, social and self-directed learning, design of online learning experiences, and interactive workshops. Lisa is a master collaborator, aligning L&D strategy, employee skill sets, and an organization’s driving goals and initiatives.

Lisa P. creates effective and impactful HR, coaching, and workshops as part of Winning Coaching. Lisa’s intention is to leave every person and place she encounters better than before they met, or she arrived. lisa@winning-1.com

Coach Ash and Lisa Pickett developed and facilitate the HIGHer Executive Leadership Development Course.

Join guest, Lisa Pickett, September 28th, 6:30 est at Women Cultivating Success Conversations with Women in the Cannabis Industry Online – Interactive – Free. Hosted by the Women’s Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.

Join In The Conversation. Register Here

September 7, 2022November 8, 2022Women Owned Cannabis Businesses

Coach Ash Winning llc

Ashley Hill, founder of Winning Coaching, is a native Californian who has been in the cannabis industry since 2013. After obtaining her B.S. Degree in Hospitality and Tourism, she has boldly transitioned and become an influencer into the Cannabis Industry. She now seeks to educate and empower people into this industry and business through her frequent media outlets.

Hill gained 51⁄2 years of experience in cannabis cultivation and shares the behind the scene operations. She has managed several multi – million dollar commercial indoor and greenhouse facilities and produced a flower product entered into the High Times Awards. She subsequently has transitioned to the culinary aspect of the industry as a Cannabis Entrepreneur, International Selling Author, and the Co-Owner of Green Light Project (an infused catering and event service).

A Domestic & Global Extreme Execution Coach certified by the No 1 Speaker in the world, Dr. Eric Thomas (also known as E.T. the Hip-Hop Preacher). Coach Hill is a results-driven leader who seeks to empower others to increase self-awareness, create alignment, and execute at a high level. She has been considered by many in Leadership as a Coach’s Coach within the Extreme Execution Leadership.

Ms. Hill continues to advance her scientific research by enrolling in the Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Master’s Degree program. This is the first and only M.S. program of its kind in the United States of America.

She is also the Southern California meetup coordinator and West Coast Accountability Lead for Dr. Eric Thomas’s Breathe University. She hosts and moderates calls with community leaders, business owners and multimillionaires giving her the opportunity not only to be exposed to their success habits but she has created her own along the way. She continues to expose and share with her personal clients – so they too, can operate, perform and execute like the top 1% of our world. coachash@winning-1.com

Coach Ash and Lisa Pickett developed and facilitate the HIGHer Executive Leadership Development Course.

Join guest, Coach Ash, September 28th, 6:30 est at Women Cultivating Success Conversations with Women in the Cannabis Industry Online – Interactive – Free. Hosted by the Women’s Cannabis Chamber of Commerce.

Join In The Conversation. Register Here