In this episode, Nancy sits down with Shirley Xu-Weldon, a former Google executive turned entrepreneur who's redefining what it means to live and lead with purpose. Shirley shares her inspiring journey from her childhood in China to becoming a successful businesswoman in New York, where her curiosity, discipline, and drive helped her navigate industries as varied as finance, advertising, and tech.
When the pandemic hit, Shirley used that pause to reflect deeply on what she wanted next. The result? A bold pivot into the cannabis and wellness space, where she founded Leafology (a welcoming, stigma-free dispensary in White Plains, NY) and later Muze, a clean-label cannabis beverage line that's redefining what it means to relax and unwind—without the sugar, chemicals, or shame.
Key Takeaways
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From Corporate to Cannabis: After a decade at Google, Shirley wanted her next chapter to be about purpose and passion. She saw an opportunity to make cannabis approachable and accessible for people like her, moms, professionals, and health-conscious consumers.
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Creating a New Kind of Space: With Leafology, Shirley built a dispensary that welcomes everyone, from longtime cannabis users to curious first-timers, by focusing on education, safety, and community.
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Muze: Wellness in a Can: Her clean, functional cannabis beverages blend THC with vitamins and adaptogens, providing a modern, mindful alternative to alcohol. Muze is now distributed in several states, from Connecticut to New Jersey and soon New York and Virginia.
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Lessons from Google: Shirley credits her success to embracing what Google calls being "uncomfortably excited" staying adaptable, curious, and open to change in fast-moving industries.
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Community and Connection: Coworking spaces like HAYVN have provided the environment and energy she needs to separate work and home life, stay focused, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.
This episode is equal parts business insight, personal reinvention, and cultural education. Perfect for anyone curious about entrepreneurship, the evolving wellness market, or redefining success on your own terms.
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