It’s Women’s History Month, and we want to highlight the women of Lightshade!
March is Women’s History Month, an annual celebration of women’s achievements and a time to honor their essential role in history, not only in the United States but also globally.
Women’s History Month is the perfect opportunity to shed light on women’s essential cannabis industry contributions.
We’re proud to have a strong group of women on our team, so we decided to ask some of them about their role in the cannabis industry and why our favorite plant is beneficial for women.
Keep reading to learn what they had to say!
Aja Mills – District Manager
Can you describe your cannabis industry journey?
My cannabis journey started with Lightshade over six years ago!
I got my badge after I turned 21, and Lightshade hired me as a receptionist in 2015. I worked my way up from there, and my first day as Store Manager was on my first anniversary with the company.
I’ve worked at 5 of our 9 locations, and today I’m the District Manager for our Aurora and South Denver stores.
How does cannabis help you every day?
Cannabis helps me in so many ways as a woman! Not only does it help me cope with the world’s craziness and a global pandemic, but it also helps me sleep and relax.
Also, CBD is a lifesaver for my PMS symptoms!
What does it mean to be a woman in the cannabis industry?
Being a woman in the cannabis industry is about being assertive and strong. It’s also about vulnerability and compassion. Women in cannabis are on the front lines of an ever-changing industry. And we’re making a difference every single day.
From a woman’s perspective, where do you want to see our industry go?
I’d like to see more women involved at all business levels.
The cannabis industry continues to evolve and change daily. We must embrace change to impact the industry and the people surrounding us positively!
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month is a celebration of all women!
We’ve come so far as a society, and if that’s not something to celebrate, then I don’t know what is!
Women are powerful as heck!
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Lightshade is terrific! They do a fantastic job of embracing our strong female personalities. I am lucky and grateful to work for a company like ours.
Karen Walkden – Dayton Store Manager
My first cannabis industry job was a budtending position in a shop that catered to Medical patients. The incredible boss that trained me developed an empathic relationship with our customers.
It was humbling and motivating to be a source of comfort to people who needed it. I hope I still emulate this empathy seven years later.
We all juggle so many different projects on any given day that the ability to navigate all of them with a clean heart and calm soul is a gift.
Walks, talks, music, and food are all enhanced when cannabis is involved.
I’ve been encouraged by so many outrageous, courageous, and utterly brilliant women in my career.
As a mother of four (three of whom are girls), it brings me joy knowing that if they work hard and dig some proverbial ditches (or real ones), they’ll be nurtured and encouraged by a generation of strong, successful, slightly rebellious lady leaders.
Financial growth is essential. It pays for all the experiments in our industry and social change, not to mention our paychecks. There is also a hallmark of compassion and responsibility I know we will fight hard to keep as a vanguard.
The conversations sparked between all of us are what I love about this month. It’s not just about how wonderful women are; it’s also about how wonderful we are when we do this world together.
For the first time, I feel like I’m helping to change the world!
Miranda Garcia – Holly Store Manager
Can you describe your cannabis industry journey?
I entered the cannabis industry at age 21. It’s been six years, and in that time, I’ve expanded my knowledge of not only cannabis but also the professional world.
I’ve also grown as a person.
I have learned a lot about people and business. Cannabis is still a male-dominated industry, and it’s always taken extra work to earn respect from fellow industry employees, especially when people also learn my age.
Former coworkers have told me since women “can’t decide what they want for dinner, why would they listen to my work decisions?” Despite people having that type of thoughts on women, I believe my determination and strong work ethic have helped me get to the Store Manager position I am now in, and I will only continue to climb the ranks!
How does cannabis help you every day?
Cannabis helps ease stress and frequent physical aches and pains.
What does it mean to be a woman in the cannabis industry?
It means that people are starting to accept that everyone is equal.
From a woman’s perspective, where do you want to see our industry go?
I would love to see more women running the show!
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It means that at some point, not everyone was thought to be equal. No matter race or gender, every person can do anything they set their minds to, and they should all be treated equally!
A look back through history shows women’s strength and ability to attain their goals.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
The world still has a long way to go, but I’m happy to be part of an industry that treats people equally. I’m proud to be surrounded by the fantastic team I see every day!
Aryana Rodriguez – HR Generalist
Can you describe your cannabis industry journey?
My cannabis journey is motivating. I had many wonderful mentors and great work friends that never stopped inspiring me to go after it all.
How does cannabis help you every day?
Cannabis feeds me daily relief through the simple reflection of an elevated mind.
It’s go, go, go, from the time I wake until the moment I rest. As a mom and wife who works a full-time position, the workload never eases. When I reflect on my day after consuming cannabis, it slows down just long enough to think of ways to better everything I am passionate about.
Cannabis uplifts my perspective.
What does it mean to be a woman in the cannabis industry?
Cannabis, to me, signifies workplace equality. I’m fortunate to leave my mark in a male-dominated industry and represent the rest of my strong, hardworking women.
From a woman’s perspective, where do you want to see our industry go?
I slowly see where I want the industry to go. There are a ton of badass women people recognize for their contributions to our workplace.
I want equality regardless of who you are, where you’re from, or what you believe.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It’s a time to reflect. And it’s also a time to appreciate women who have paved the way for the special ladies in my life. They had no fear, stood firm in what they believed, and demanded more.