Conversations with the Inspiring Chelsi Katz – TheCannaFairy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsi Katz – TheCannaFairy.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey started in Florida, helping the non-profit FLCAN (Florida Cannabis Action Network) to get medical cannabis on the Florida ballot in 2014. I then moved to Colorado in 2015 to pursue a career in the legal cannabis industry and became the Manager of Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility at one of the largest dispensary chains in Colorado. Over the past four years, I increased revenue and awareness, cut internal costs, helped implement multiple volunteer programs, streamlined internal processes and more. I’m now the Marketing Director for Irie Weddings & Events, a wonderful woman-owned company that provides wedding and event planning services as well as mobile cannabis consumption bars. We are the only company with Social Cannabis Consumption Liability Insurance, so booking with us means you’ll be consuming compliantly and responsibly. I’m also a Board Member and Director at the new non-profit Cannabis for a Cause, where we host charity events to bring funds and awareness to local programs and projects. I offer social media management and business consulting to help share my knowledge and skills with others looking to grow and monetize their passions, and on top of all that I’m getting my real estate license!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been ROCKY, to say the least. You should always be ready to go off-roading! I’ve had to deal with people close to me not understanding my career choice being in cannabis. I’ve dealt with being underestimated in the professional world many times for either my age or my gender – even to this day. The best advice I can give is to stick to your gut feeling. Even if others are disappointed in you, tell you that you’re not doing the right thing, or even blatantly show resentment, you have to go with what you feel is right. Does the energy feel off around a certain person? Trust that feeling. Does an idea keep you up at night even though others have said it won’t work? Follow your gut. Every single celebrity, entrepreneur, millionaire, business owner, etc. was told no so many times before they made their big break.

Tell us about your organization. What do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I specialize in helping companies and individuals find where they can improve and grow their business. Whether that’s event planning, non-profit fundraising, social media management, merchandise development, process streamlining, organizing PR releases, launching a new brand, or re-branding all together. I’m known for my hard work and creative problem solving because in the cannabis industry a LOT can change in an instant. I truly care about the customer experience and employee satisfaction, rather than what will make the most money. You have to think of every person involved in your business. One of my favorite accomplishments is organizing volunteer programs for employees at a large dispensary chain. I got to partner with multiple local non-profits ranging from feeding people experiencing homelessness to planting gardens. The most recent event we (Irie Weddings & Events) hosted in partner with Cannabis Doing Good and Mason Jar Events – the Cannabis Doing Good Awards Charity Gala – raised over $10,000 for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains!

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Look up local events pertaining to your interests! You can find them by searching online, Facebook and Instagram are two great ways to find events. Put yourself out there! Figure out who you are, what your voice is, and what you need help with. Go to local small shops. Wanting to be a yoga teacher? Visit yoga apparel stores and tea shops to start creating relationships. Want to make craft beer? Go to the breweries and make friends with the brewmasters. It’s truly about creating a family or support.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecannafairy_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecannafairy/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/thecannafairy/

Image Credit:
o5creativelabs, Karli Canna, Sydney Slabs

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