Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle Braemer, Co-Founder and CEO of Lolly Cannabis, located in Ontario, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Lolly is a boutique cannabis retail brand. We work with cannabis consumers or people who are interested but not yet sure about it. Our boutique-style experiential space that feels like you've walked into a post-modern painting boasts a welcoming atmosphere with hand-picked premium products offered at a variety of price points.
Tell us about yourself
Being actively involved in the shift from anything once taboo to now common gives me pleasure. I still grin when people that look like my nonna and baba stand at the counter hmming and hawing over which pre-rolls to try. Before opening Lolly, I had the pleasure of working at an architecture firm founded and owned by a woman- probably the most male-dominated industry (design and construction)- who I would consider a mentor and a source of motivation. That experience opened my eyes to the realities of women in business in general.
I am optimistic that the pendulum is swinging as awareness of the benefits of diversity in the workplace in all respects is becoming more and more apparent. I am proud to be swinging that pendulum a little harder along with the other women and minorities working hard to pave the way. Being first to market in Caledonia and as an early participant in the recreational cannabis retail game, it was incredibly important to me to create an experience. I felt responsible for defining what walking into a store to buy cannabis felt and looked like.
I had the pleasure of working with the husband-and-wife duo behind MaNa Works. The couple has been instrumental in designing a number of high-profile projects, including OCAD University’s Rosalie Sharp Pavilion, while working for Bortolotto Design. They brought Lolly’s vision to life- designed in support of our values- Community, Unbridled Living, and Craftsmanship- the design intends to provide an experience akin to walking into a postmodern painting; bold, bright and beautiful.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
“The stigmas and misconceptions about my involvement with cannabis— especially pre-“legalization” haven’t come without a price, but I take great comfort in knowing that people from all walks of life obtained relief as a result of my civil disobedience. If you were lucky enough to be there before it happened, you’d know the challenges we’ve faced.
If you missed it, my heart goes out to you, but the best is still yet to come at Lolly!” – Nathan Turner, Regional Manager, Lolly. Every aspect of our business has evolved from prioritizing uniqueness and authenticity. We considered traditional retail best practices from concept to our day-to-day operations -from the design of the space to our hardworking team of product consultants and experts. We have worked with incredibly talented teams, from our branding graphic designers to our millworkers.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Authenticity, resilience, and integrity
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lollycannabis.com/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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