Choose to Challenge: International Women’s Day 2021 at Hashtag Cannabis
by Christine Bryant, marketing and creative director
In honor of #IWD2021, we interviewed three of the women who own and operate some of the Washington state cannabis brands we carry at Hashtag: Wendy Hull of Fairwinds, Bethany Rondeaux of Falcanna, and Lo Friesen of Heylo.
Wendy Hull offers this advice to women who want to take on a greater role within the cannabis industry:
Be proactive, and take charge of your life! Figure out where your passion lies ... where do you need to gain more knowledge to succeed? And set very specific goals for yourself. I was abandoned on the streets of Korea, and I learned to depend on myself very quickly ... It made me a strong person, and growing up, I had no mentor and no guidance. I learned very quickly where my strengths and weaknesses lie, and I always work on improving my weaknesses to this day.
If you're interested in the cannabis industry, join an industry association such as WACA, The Cannabis Alliance, The Craft Cannabis Coalition, or the Sungrowers Association. Get involved, and introduce yourselves to others in the industry who can take you under their wings and can provide mentorship opportunities. Don't just wish for it ... take steps to make it happen.
Wendy Hull
Fairwinds
1. Why did you choose the cannabis industry?
First of all, I'd like to thank you for highlighting minorities and women in the cannabis industry. It's really important to highlight diversity, and my hope is that at least one person will read these stories and gain a little more confidence in themselves and feel inspired to follow their passion ... so, thank you.
I certainly did not come from the cannabis industry. I had a high level position in the Federal Government for 26 years and always thought I would retire as a Federal employee. When my husband and I decided to apply for a producer/processor license … we both gave up very secure positions to start Fairwinds ... it's been the best decision we've ever made.
We were driven to help people in a different way than we had ever experienced. We wanted to be a part of establishing the foundation in the cannabis industry ... we knew with our backgrounds and drive that we could provide very high quality, consistent products to patients relying on cannabis as medicine. As we were building out our facility, we focused on innovation and technology in the design of our facility and focused on technology methods that allowed us to maintain a small carbon footprint.
I have also been on a mission to change people's negative perception of cannabis and the cannabis user. It's still mind boggling to me that people don't hesitate to take a prescription that may have five side effects, including heart attack and death, yet they refuse to consume a natural plant-based product because they can't get past the stigmatism of cannabis. I love having these conversations with people and opening their minds to alternative medicine. I do believe that with legalization spreading throughout the states that it is significantly changing people's perception of cannabis ... I notice a big shift since 2015. I am proud to be in this industry. I'm proud to be providing medicine to those in need, and I'm proud of the technology we are developing that will help grow and support the industry.
2. And why did you choose to make these particular products?
Each year we look at where the voids are in the industry and we design products based on need and specific feedback. We are typically in R&D with 6-7 products at any given moment. We don't want to put out products that are "noise" in the industry ... we prefer to fill a need for the consumers which is why we developed such products as suppositories, Digestify, FECO, Deep Sleep. I am very grateful for our competitors and for companies getting into the wellness market, because it keeps us on our toes, we never stay complacent and we're always striving to be leaders in education and product formulation.
3. What’s something you (and/or your brand) are looking forward to in the near future?
We are launching a new product line in the next couple of months that we are excited to introduce. We've also got some interesting new products that will hit the market in 2021.
With the new Administration, it will be interesting to see what happens to national legalization and in turn, how that potentially changes the landscape of the Washington market. I'm hoping we are able to travel this year and that we can schedule a meeting to Washington DC to get back on track and meet with Representatives and Congresspeople for their continued support of the cannabis industry and to help educate them on topics like 280E and banking restrictions. In past years when I went to DC, I couldn't believe how many Representatives and Congresspeople had no idea about the tax restrictions we currently face. Education and awareness is paramount in moving this industry forward.
Bethany Rondeaux
Falcanna
1. Why did you choose the cannabis industry?
I feel that the cannabis industry chose me in a way ... 13 years ago I experienced painful migraines that I couldn't find any relief from regardless of what I was prescribed by a doctor. I found a treatment in cannabis that gave me relief from my migraines without all the side effects from traditional pills.
We then started growing medical cannabis, as we were never sure of the growing practices of who we purchased from. During the process of growing and selecting strains to treat my migraines, we were driven by a growing passion to help others experience relief from health problems. Justin and I spent years learning about growing organic cannabis, while making personal connections that would provide us with some of the best cannabis genetics on the west coast.
We opened our Medical Dispensary, Olympic Sinsemilla, in Port Angeles, Washington in 2009 and were able to help so many patients until recreational cannabis became law. When the laws changed and the Washington State Government closed the medical cannabis program we decided to continue growing and got our i502 recreational license in 2015.
2. And why did you choose to make these particular products?
I love growing cannabis flowers! I think a beautiful, organically grown cannabis plant that is then properly slow-cured and carefully hand-trimmed provides the most wholesome experience in consuming cannabis. She is perfect, with no additional processing required. We also provide flower pre-rolls and concentrate with no additives to the cannabis market.
3. What’s something you (and/or your brand) are looking forward to in the near future?
We just recently finished our expansion so we shouldn't have any more limited menus for stores! We're very excited about this as it gives us more room to continue selecting and growing our in-house genetic crosses. We'll have enough room to grow more Candy Queen, Tree Octopus, Dutch Haze and Lemon Cookies with each having their own room.
Lo Friesen
Heylo
1. Why did you choose the cannabis industry?
The cannabis industry gives me hope! To promote the impact of nature on our health and wellness, to learn about our body chemistry at a deeper level, to improve quality of life, to fight for social justice. I am grateful to have found a career that benefits the world, incorporates my love of chemistry, and fills me with passion and joy.
2. And why did you choose to make these particular products?
I personally love vapes because they take immediate effect, they amplify the experience of the taste and essence of cannabis, and I often use cannabis on the go. Also, as markets develop, I believe there are a lot of people who don't want to or can't smoke. Vaping is a better alternative. Heylo also loves to produce topical products because our skin is our largest organ with tons of cannabinoid receptors and ample benefits from cannabis. What an incredible way to experience the benefits of cannabis without getting high. You can always pair a vape with your topical for amplified effects. ;)
3. What’s something you (and/or your brand) are looking forward to in the near future?
We are looking forward to product development, expansion, and hosting in-person events again someday!