In this episode we got a chance to interview Danicka Brown-Frazier & Olamiji Pearse. The dynamic duo currently operates Greenish Vibes, a Cannabis accessory & CBD boutique that will soon transition into a Cannabis Microbusiness in California. Greenish Vibes also focuses on projects to improve equity for black farmers of industrial hemp in the US and West Africa.
Check out this episode to learn about the mission at Greenish Vibes.
Connect w/ Greenish Vibes:
www.GreenishVibes.com
https://www.instagram.com/getgreenishvibes
https://twitter.com/GreenishVibes
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Ronjini Joshua (00:10):
In this interview with greenish vibes,
Danicka Brown Frazier andOlamiji Pearse talk about social
equity and getting into thecannabis market as black
founding women and even theirexperience at their first
mjbizcon. They also talk aboutupcoming cultural trips and how
they're bringing social equityto South Africa and back to
(00:32):
California. Again, join us andthis interview with Danica and
Olameji. Okay, today we arebeing joined by Danicka Brown
Frazier and Olamiji Pearse fromgreenish vibes. Hi, ladies, how
are you guys doing? Hi. Good.
Thank you for joining us on thegreen room podcast. So we are
going to be talking a little bitabout mjbizcon today. And then
(00:55):
we're also gonna be talkingabout what you guys are doing in
this space, your journey how yougot here. We were kind of, you
know, vibing right before here,so I could get a little
background. But can you guysgive me and your individual
stories of like, just time yougot to this point, like how you
get into cannabis?
Danicka Brown Frazie (01:14):
Certainly, so I have a bachelor's in
finance and economics. I amoriginally from Chicago, I
thought that I would be like inthe corporate finance world, you
know, which led toentrepreneurship in real estate.
So I've done real estate andinvested in businesses for the
last 13 plus years. When I cameto San Diego, we didn't know a
(01:37):
single person and um, it wasreally just starting over so
while I thought that I wouldcontinue my practice being
licensed in Illinois andCalifornia, I thought that you
know, that would be the path.
Yeah. And it just turned intocannabis.
Ronjini Joshua (01:50):
Yeah. Like I was stressed out. So go different
route.
Danicka Brown Frazier (02:00):
You're not no seriously but as a
cannabis, the cannabis industrybecame are starting to become
legal in Illinois, where I'mfrom, we started to research the
low barrier way to enter theindustry. And so that's how the
online accessory store began. Sowe have we curate collections of
smoking accessories, plus CBD,wellness products from women and
(02:22):
black owned brandsintentionally. And we also host
educational lifestyle events, welead with passion and purpose
and you know, just a way to tellour, you know, consumers how to
integrate cannabis into theirlifestyles.
Ronjini Joshua (02:37):
So take it back a little bit more for me, like
how did you get into wanting towork in the cannabis industry?
Danicka Brown Frazier (02:44):
Um, you know, I think that I just
recognized that it was anindustry like I've been an
entrepreneur, I'm always lookingat the trends I'm looking at, I
own the Juice Bar, way back, youknow, 10 years
Ronjini Joshua (02:56):
ago job trends, yeah, juice bar.
Danicka Brown Frazier (02:59):
I mean, you have the trends, but you
also have business and you know,how can you be strategic in that
market and make your impact? Andyou know, for me, I was
passionate about fitness and,you know, all those things, I'm
leading with my passion, and Ilove how can I align with that
industry. So cannabisspecifically, is such a large
industry that has, you know,impacted black and brown people
a lot in a lot of ways. And so,I came from that perspective,
(03:22):
like, we want to haverepresentation in the industry,
we want to get ahead so thatthose coming behind us can have
some resources, you know, fromthe, you know, people that are
already in the industry to helpthem and we just want to create
some generational wealth.
Ronjini Joshua (03:37):
Yeah, so yeah, how about your energy? Um,
Olameji Pierce (03:40):
so I have a little more personal experience
with cannabis. I grew up in ahousehold where it was
normalized most of my family wasusing it in some capacity and so
just having it around it justwas just something that was
around you know, wasn't is isbecoming something new to the
(04:01):
world you know, now that islegal and people are able to
enjoy it for a variety ofreasons that they are but in my
household it just was somethingthat was there just mail was
just there you just Yeah, youreally didn't even know what it
was it just was there yes it'salmost a blended with the
incense right um, I am firstgeneration born in America I am
Nigerian heritage and so thatculture of senses and smells and
(04:28):
things that was big in ourhouse, like I said, it blended
with the instance I reallydidn't even know really what it
was until I became a like,preteen teenage years. When I
started my, my menstruation,period, and I was getting I have
really bad cramps. And so theboyfriend I had at the time, he
was like, why don't you try youknow, smoking and may help. And
(04:50):
it actually helps.
Ronjini Joshua (04:51):
I have never heard of that. That is crazy.
Okay, so big.
Olameji Pierce (04:55):
I know, some of the and you know, we'll speak
about research and developmentwe wants to do with the plant in
ways in ways that they can helpthe quality of life with women,
right? women's health,reproductive systems and things
like that. So it was that Itried it. And any other time I
would try with friends andwhatever in high school, I would
(05:18):
get really paranoid. And itwasn't something that I enjoyed
to do outside of the pain reliefthat it gave me that during that
time of the month, and so, I'malso similar to the Nika I am
entrepreneur. For the last 10years, I have been in public
relations, communications andstrategic brand strategy. I'm
(05:39):
currently work for marketingcompany, national marketing
company, my nine to five as abrand specialist. And so this is
my world, you know, what, whatare your What's the trend? What
are people doing? What arepeople talking about? And
because I'm Nigerian, similar tomy best friend, um, I lead with
my passion. Yeah, Africa is, um,that's my heart and soul. And so
(06:04):
with that in mind, whenever I'mtraveling to Africa, I'm looking
at what are the trends inAmerica? What are we what can we
take back to Africa, or what isgoing to be coming into Africa?
So, in 2019, right before thepandemic, I traveled to Gambia,
I was preparing to travel toGambia, and you know, just in my
(06:27):
speaking to myself, mymeditative state, what are you
taking to Africa? What are yougoing to take? What business?
What are you going to create?
What's going to be yourenterprise? And I walked out of
the restaurant and I saw CBD? Ofcourse, yeah, of course they
are. Yes. This is a culturalexperience, this plant this is
this belongs to people ofAfrican descent, since time
(06:50):
immemorial, since we've knownabout it right. And it was a
black market, it was illegal,you know, now, that is a
different story. But that whole,you know, coming to light of,
that's what you're going to takeback, allow me to engage with
the Ministry of Agriculture inGambia to advocate for the
development and cultivation ofindustrial hemp, um, ultimately
(07:14):
wanted to gift me some land sothat we could, you know, yeah,
bring some professionals over totrain their young people who are
of, you know, labor and engaged,yes, to master this industry. I
really believe that this issomething that could change the
face of the continent on avariety of levels. We're still
(07:35):
in the process of thatconversation. It's not legal in
Gambia. But it was in 2015, thatI was traveling to South Africa,
I had the opportunity to travelfor some cultural engagement.
And I was gifted land there. Andso recently, this year, as we've
started to work with each other,just in the last year, I guess,
(07:59):
couple years now, because we're
Ronjini Joshua (08:03):
in 2021. Yeah, time is fine. Like to
Olameji Pierce (08:10):
2022 is like a ton. Yeah. I'm working on it. So
don't judge me, too, when itcomes up, and I'm still
struggling. But um, we weretalking about, you know, what we
were going to be working on thisyear, I told her, we got to get
to South Africa to takeadvantage of this land that they
(08:30):
gifted me. So we're having theconversation of how I wanted to
come about and utilize thisland. However, when there was a
gift, it was gifted, just, youknow, for novelty to build a
house of beautiful cars on. Andso, and this last year, I'm
like, you know, forget house islegal in South Africa. Let's go
(08:51):
Yeah. Oh, you know, let's go andsee what we can really do. Yeah,
you know, and so that's reallyhow our cannabis and culture
trip came into fruition. Andthat's kind of what we're
working on currently.
Ronjini Joshua (09:04):
So, tell us a little bit more about that.
Yeah, I guess your personalthat. Yeah, you segwayed into it
really nicely. So tell us alittle bit about the cannabis
and culture. Okay. I know thatit feels so good to like talk
with the sound. Yeah.
Danicka Brown Frazier (09:21):
About that under here. Does it matter?
can't
Ronjini Joshua (09:24):
push them push them up? So they're like, tight
now? No, no, because they won'tgo past or you gonna hold on to
him like that? Yeah. Okay. Yeah.
So the cannabis plus culturebusiness trip. Let me let me
should I ask that again? I mean,I think your question was good
enough right beforehand, but ifit helps lead him into it. Yeah,
(09:45):
absolutely. Yeah. Tell us alittle bit about the cannabis
and culture trip and what thatexactly entails.
Danicka Brown Frazier (09:54):
So the cannabis plus culture business
trip will be held November 13through the 23rd of 20. 21 in
Johannesburg, South Africa. Inaddition to Durban, during this
time, we're traveling with asmall group of travelers. The
greenish vive site will createexperiences during our travel,
(10:15):
so we'll do cannabis plus yoga,we'll do a awaken make sessions.
So we've curated theseexperiences during that trip, we
will attend the InternationalTrade Fair that brings millions
of people, and about $40 billionin trade. As attendees that's in
Durban, we will set up anexhibition during that festival,
(10:39):
I'm in basically a mock of whatour retail store would look like
the raw the product poppin,Barclay Cush, clean session
goods, a curated selection ofproducts to introduce to the
market. So you're introducingproducts
Ronjini Joshua (10:52):
to the South American market, South Africa,
South African, sorry, SouthAfrican market. Okay. So, um, so
you guys have established thesepartnerships? How did how did
you guys do that? And kind ofwhat was your process?
Danicka Brown Frazier (11:03):
Um, so it began, you know, 2020, early or
2019, when we started planning,I started the business, like a
business, you know, so I get mypaperwork set up and created
these wholesale accounts with,you know, the brands that I
would like to, you know, workwith. And I would say those
partnerships and relationshipshave developed over that time.
(11:24):
So, you know, I would orderproducts when I was going to do
a pop up event, when I had anorder, you know, I would ask
them, do you do drop shipping?
No, okay, what's the minimumorder? You know, I got started
in a very small way. And sothat's how the relationships
began pop and Barkley was reallywith me from the beginning. And
so
Ronjini Joshua (11:41):
yeah, they're very cool. They're, um, so yeah,
how do you? How do you kind ofchoose? I think you were
mentioning that you work a lotwith black owned businesses, of
course. And then women ownedbusinesses. So how do you guys
vet, the companies that arecoming? I mean, there's so many
brands are coming out right now.
So how do you vet that and kindof determine what you want to
partner with?
Olameji Pierce (12:02):
I think we're just choosing what we like.
Yeah, to get started. Yeah,absolutely. Um, we have a
relationship. But after that,
Ronjini Joshua (12:13):
you kind of dive into the look and feel. And then
if they respond,
Danicka Brown Frazier (12:18):
I mean, the quality, you know, the
integrity of the company, whatyour social mission is, you
know, we really care about themission, the company, like the
fabric of the culture, becausethat's important for our brand.
So we really want to make surethat the brands align first,
right. So you know, we startthere, and then the research
about the quality and you know,all that things, and then
whether or not they want to, youknow, have engaged because what
(12:41):
we're doing is new, but it's youknow, it's trailblazing, it's
groundbreaking, and you know,the more rooms that we sit into,
it gives us the confidence tokeep moving.
Ronjini Joshua (12:50):
So are you guys focused on doing the retail side
of it? And then you're justbringing together all the
different types of brands? Or isthere anything like and of
course, you're doing the cultureside? What is your kind of
overall mission for greenishvibes and what you guys will be
maybe five years in the future.
Danicka Brown Frazier (13:08):
So I'd like to think of us as the
target of cannabis accessories,you know, we are going to curate
those collections. From thosebrands that we'd like, we're
going to create thoseexperiences though, that's
what's gonna make us differentbecause it's going to be music
led and, you know, culture ledand you know, what it means to
be black and you know, just havethose create this community, a
collective hub, a safe place,you know, podcast recording, a
(13:31):
music recording studio, coworking space, a smoking lounge,
like I mean, it's a culturespace. Yeah, that is where we'll
be.
Ronjini Joshua (13:40):
I'm glad that you mentioned that. So being
women of color, obviously, andblack women specifically, like
have you found what what kind ofchallenges have you guys run
into and not from the creating abusiness side? But have you run
into challenges from theconsumer side? Like, for the
people you're serving? Like, dothey? Are they still, you know,
(14:01):
there's that stigma? So do theystill have that stigma? How do
you help them overcome that and,and also serving women
specifically to like, I thinkthere's always like that little
veil that, you know, you have todeal with,
Danicka Brown Frazier (14:14):
um, I'll use Copic markers, like the oil,
you know, as an example, whenwe're at pop up events, I will,
you know, put some oil in yourhand and ask you to rub it into
your neck, rub it wherever youfeel tension, and, you know, go
and then you smell it and youcome back to us and you know, so
that's like the icebreakerbecause I want you to know that
it works. And if you haven'tpaid right now, put it there.
(14:37):
And then you know, that's howyou get to see the work. So
Ronjini Joshua (14:40):
like experience was, which is really cool that
you're doing this experience inSouth Africa. Are you doing
experiences now? In likeCalifornia, around California?
What have you guys done?
Danicka Brown Frazier (14:51):
So we've done experiences in San Diego,
LA, Chicago, Atlanta, SouthCarolina Palm Springs. We were
headed to DC before theinauguration, so, yeah, we
definitely knew from thebeginning that it was important
to travel to these places andbuild our community because we
(15:12):
are restricted from advertising.
So you know, can't advertise onFacebook, we can't buy a
billboard, you know, you reallyhad to be ground level and
grassroots building ourcommunity.
Ronjini Joshua (15:22):
Yeah. I mean, social equity is obviously a
huge conversation this year, andmany years, but this year, in
particular, at mjbizcon. Andobviously, partnering with
people like pop on Berkeley,they talk about it a lot. How do
you feel like that the impact ofwhat's happening in the world is
impacting the industry? And whatis like your responsibility to
(15:44):
kind of, you know, moveeverything forward.
Danicka Brown Frazier (15:48):
You want to take that heavy. Talk about
that today. So you can start. Itry not to go on record. I weigh
in the lightweight.
Ronjini Joshua (16:00):
Well, you know, yeah, I mean, I think I'm
talking about a general idea oflike, you know, yeah, what, what
do you what do you think I mean,just not not just you guys as a
brand, but all brands that arein your position, we have, like,
you know, responsibilities tokind of help move things forward
in a way where I don't know, ina way where it works.
Absolutely. What does that looklike that?
Olameji Pierce (16:22):
Um, we're definitely blessed. We're
definitely creating andtrailblazing a movement forward.
However, we're not in thedecision making seats. Yeah. To
really, you know, this is aquestion for people who, who
need to really look atthemselves and ask themselves if
(16:43):
they're exploiting an industrythat was built by a group of
people without involving thosepeople. Like, are you the person
shutting the door? Like? Yeah,that's the question. No, today,
because we have really run intosome challenges. And we're
sharp, we're good. You know,we're like, we're the best. So
(17:04):
the people behind us some ofthese who are not as qualified
or prepared. Yeah. Because ofcircumstances of
Ronjini Joshua (17:12):
full, you're prepared? Because you have to be
right. If not, you're not justprepared. Like, yeah.
Danicka Brown Frazier (17:19):
So so people who have, who have
aspirations of this industry,they don't have the life
experiences that we've had, thatwere college graduates, you
know, we're scholars, childrenof people who have soared in the
world, you know, without callingout all of our, our ancestors,
and our parents accolades werereally good. But these people
(17:40):
that we know, some of our peers,they don't have the access,
right, you know, because oftheir circumstances, because
maybe their father was the onewho's who was in jail for 20
years for, you know, I've gotfriends like that, from Chicago.
Yeah. You know, so thatquestion, I feel like people who
(18:00):
are in decision making seatsneeds to really be making some
decisions, they need to beopening up some doors, and it
needs to be documented, like,put your money where your mouth
is, period and substantial, youknow, like, we have the the
accolades on paper, it's like,you know, really, you know,
invest in my company moved meforward. You know, I mean, I'm a
(18:20):
part of the incubator programsat the moment, it's like, you
know, we need that access. So Imean, you know, those people in
those seats need to really beactively engaging in that way. I
mean, Gal individuals like us topartner with, yeah, because we,
we go in, we're pulling otherpeople, we're going to introduce
you to the people who who don'thave access, right, yeah, we'll
bring them to the table. Becausethey are talented. They are
(18:44):
qualified, but we are where weare. We know where the cream of
the carpet, we know, we've hadto sacrifice to sit at the
table. We know we've had tosacrifice to gain some access to
the little bit of access that wehave, you know, so
Ronjini Joshua (18:57):
yeah, I mean, that also brings up the point. I
mean, yes, doors have beenclosed and shut for a long time.
What about how do you feel aboutthe opportunities that people
are also now creating? Because Imean, obviously, it's a big
topic of conversation. And soI'm seeing a lot more brands, I
mean, I talked to a lot ofpeople. So we're seeing a lot
more brands come up with theseprograms. I don't know how
effective the programs are. Idon't know if they're just for
(19:19):
show and tell. You know, it'sreally hard to tell, how do we
put ourselves in a positionwhere we don't have to wait for
somebody to tell you like thatyou're invited. You know, like,
it's, there's that conversationtoo. It's like, yes, they should
be inviting us to the table. Butyou also can't wait around. I
mean, that's not my
Olameji Pierce (19:38):
living proof of that. Yeah. And I think we
strategically are moving inAfrica. Yeah. You know, because
Africa is still the wild wildwest. There's a lot that can, I
was able to say with theMinistry of Agriculture. That
was years ago. Yeah. Able togain access before that, you
know, I was in the room with thepresident of Germany multiple
times for business that I had todo in that country. If it's a
(19:59):
allowing me to get in that worldquickly, then that's where we
need to be. Yeah, those are thepeople we want to be talking to.
And so it's uncomfortablesometimes it does definitely
drain our pockets. self funded,you know, definitely need to say
that. Yeah, um, that we arepulling our own self up by our
(20:20):
bootstraps, and we're making it,we're making it, we're making a
way for ourselves, ya know,using our culture, using our
resources and our blessings.
Because I won't ever go over thefact that we are definitely
blessed. We know that we'relucky, we know that things are
happening for us because we'redivinely chosen. And we know
that it's not happenstance thatjust so happen to arrive to meet
(20:40):
this person. Oh, you just don'thappen to be able to
Ronjini Joshua (20:46):
know that it's done anyway. Yes.
Olameji Pierce (20:49):
You know, yeah, you know, we're gonna take all
that we're gonna make it well,we make it get ready, because
then then you can't not listento what we have to say, then
you're gonna have to be facedwith the hard truth. Because
we're, that's what we're herefor. We're here for people like
us who don't have the access whodon't have the resources, who
(21:10):
don't have the pair? Becauselike, we know, people who
parents was locked up while wewas in high school.
Ronjini Joshua (21:15):
Yeah. Yeah.
Seriously, like,
Danicka Brown Frazier (21:19):
I remember when I had my it was my
high school sweethearts, mother.
She when she came on, and wewere not together at that point.
Yeah, this was just like afriend. And when he told me, my
his mom, she had been gone for awhile. And when I cry and told
my mom, my doctor, Washington,Pierce, mother, my experience
(21:39):
with this, and I sit there andcry, that is unacceptable. Those
are the experiences our childrenhave, you understand? Or have
had to have, we need restoreration for that. Yeah, we
definitely need people to beacknowledging it at the minimum.
And then we need to be able tobe at that table to make
decisions and help our peoplethrough because it's just, it
(22:01):
doesn't make any sense for thisto exist if those people do not
benefit in some capacity fromit. Yeah. So from Oakland, to
competence to LA, to Chicago, toSierra Leone, to oil to South
Africa, Johannesburg, like, allthe way through and through and
(22:21):
through where brown people are,they have to be eating from this
industry. Yeah, period untilthen, and our work isn't done.
So. And to add to that, youknow, just yeah, they you just
to get started, you just jumpin, I think that you can't be
afraid you got to be in thecommunities, you have to be, you
know, showing up at theconferences, and just, you know,
I have made my way here just byDMing people, just by messaging
(22:43):
them just literally jumping inand having our goals and say,
okay, back up, how do we getthere?
Ronjini Joshua (22:51):
I think that's one of the biggest, like
exciting things about thisindustry, too. It's like, kind
of at this volatile time whereif you are persistent and get
yourself in there, you can makesomething happen. And I think I
think like people are oftenscared to jump into something
new, and especially where it's,like, still regulated and still
illegal. I haven't gottentotally across the finish line
(23:13):
yet. But I think now and you cansee the energy when you guys
head over to that conference.
Like, that's what the energy is.
It's like, there's so muchopportunity, but you could tell
it's so very like, infant, youknow, like, there's a lot of big
brands great. But like lots oflittle infants, like develop
Danicka Brown Frazier (23:30):
to where the potential is. I mean,
amazing. It's mind blowing theamounts and pages of notes that
we have you. Oh my gosh, we haveprojects for the next five
years. Yeah, I mean, really,
Ronjini Joshua (23:40):
it's time to like took it and grab it and run
with it. Yeah,
Olameji Pierce (23:43):
serious. Yeah.
Absolutely. Connect with peoplelike us. I mean, if you just
open your eyes and just be openand willing to you will find
people who are willing topartner with you who are willing
to give you information to haveto stay optimistic and positive.
Ronjini Joshua (23:59):
Yeah, I mean, one of the conversations I had
this week was, he was justsaying like, yeah, in an
industry, like, you know, I comefrom a background of technology.
So like, in the tech industry,when I started it was infant and
it was kind of like how this isnow but like now you can't get
to CEOs of companies. And soright now in the cannabis
industry, you still can youstill can reach them. And all
(24:20):
you have to do is like putyourself out there. So I think
that's a really good message tokind of take away from this too.
It's like 10 Now's the time todo it. What have been your What
have been your biggestchallenges to kind of getting up
and running for greenish, but
Danicka Brown Frazier (24:37):
access to capital number one? Uh huh. Um,
you know, from now, you know,needing a compliant bank account
that cost $2,000 And it's like500 a month. I mean, you know,
how do you get started like thatstops you because like I said,
we started the business, youknow, the right way.
Ronjini Joshua (24:50):
Yeah. How do you get money if you don't have
money? Like,
Danicka Brown Frazier (24:53):
on a recurring basis? It's like,
okay, I'm gonna start thisbusiness with what I have. But
if I fly through my money, youknow, right. I'm Nowhere. So,
you know, access to capital hasbeen the number one thing.
Everything else I think has justbeen flowing, you know,
Ronjini Joshua (25:09):
going slowly but surely what, why we always like
to try to kind of lead off withlike some tips to people who are
trying to get into the industryor people who are in the
industry trying to make it work.
What would you say is maybe likea lesson learned or some tips
that you guys, maybe each of yougive you a couple of your best
tips of people, what they shouldbe doing looking for trying?
Danicka Brown Frazier (25:33):
My first tip would be with our logo, not
to put the cannabis logo,cannabis leaf in your logo. That
was a number one. We got flackright away, Facebook, Instagram,
I mean, you know, thatperpetuated our inability to
advertise because we wouldn'thave gotten Flack. So, you know,
it was like the sinking ofcreative marketing is what
(25:53):
you're saying, you know, runningthrough your brand strategist,
you know, you know, you have todo some of that a little bit of
research, but it really somepeople do have their leaf in
there. And some people don't,but it's like, you know, it's
personal preference. And is atthis point, it's like, No, we
should just go modern clean.
Yeah,
Ronjini Joshua (26:09):
survival of the change attend you when you can
right now. Yeah, you can changeyour brand.
Danicka Brown Frazier (26:16):
Because we have enough other barriers,
though. If right away, the doorsare getting shut because we're
not we don't sell. We're notplaying touching. So you know,
it just sends a bad connotation.
We already have a room full ofYeah. Room for the bad
experiences
Ronjini Joshua (26:30):
already that don't add don't pile on to the
stuff that you already have togo through that. That's a good
point. Yeah, and I think that'sunique to Black Business Owners.
I don't think I don't thinkother other groups have the same
challenges. So that's definitelya good thing. What about what
about yourself? Um,
Olameji Pierce (26:48):
I would say look where other people may not be
looking, don't be afraid to lookat other people right now
looking. A lot of people say,Okay, I want to get into this
and I want to still, you know,flower or I want to look at what
do you call it? A company and goor complementary businesses?
(27:10):
Yeah,
Ronjini Joshua (27:10):
accessories or
Olameji Pierce (27:11):
something like that. It's infinite. You know,
it's infinite. The opportunitiesin this industry, because it's
it is in its infancy stages. Soit's developing, and it's
growing into all kinds ofcorporations need professional
people, they need to righttechnology, they need
everything, not just people whoare specifically working with
(27:34):
this plant.
Ronjini Joshua (27:35):
Right. There's other industry as an industry.
Yeah. So
Olameji Pierce (27:39):
I think definitely, don't be afraid to
look where it may not be popularto look, just, you know, keep
your
Ronjini Joshua (27:45):
mind. Yeah, we had a guy a while back. And he
was working in someone to sayfinance. And he just loved
cannabis. And he's like, Well, Iwant to work in there. But I
don't know how to do it. And hejust transitioned what he did in
finance to cannabis. That was, Imean, I think a lot of a lot of
people can do whatever they'redoing today in the cannabis
(28:07):
industry, and they meet people,right? Like, yeah, they're
they're still building theinfrastructure. So that I think
that's like the big excitingopportunity. So I feel like
yeah, you don't have to smoke ortouch the plan or do any of
those things. There's a lot ofother things to do. Plus, you
could do that others. Yeah,
Danicka Brown Frazier (28:22):
I mean, you know, I have a background in
finance. And now waiting forher, you know, that I was gonna
ask that you can start where youare. We need creatives we need,
you know, black and brown facesin the cannabis industry. So you
can be marketing, you can be anattorney, and just specialize in
the industry. And you can have awhole business right there.
Yeah, you know, that's it. Yeah.
Just operate where you are andwhere you are natural, and where
(28:44):
your strengths are.
Ronjini Joshua (28:47):
So are you guys taking people on this trip with
you? And if you are, where canpeople find that information
Olameji Pierce (28:55):
at sea beach was sad to me, and I think we still
want to mention something aboutthe trip to but it's sad this
trip dot info. And so all theinformation how to make
payments, we are taking a verysmall group of people. So
there's only a few spots left.
And we want it to add talk aboutthe traditional communities that
(29:16):
we'll be visiting there. Youknow, I think we left off the
second part of Yeah, I'm gonnaleave it at the culture part of
Israel. We are going to bevisiting a number of royal
palaces in South Africa. Ifyou're not familiar, the same
way that there is a queen ofEngland, there is a queen of
Zulu land. Okay. You may knowShaka Zulu. Yeah, their
(29:38):
descendants are still in throne.
There are a number oftraditional rulers and kingdoms
around South Africa. And becauseof my cultural relationships in
America, I'm able to enter intosome of those palaces, they'll
be welcomed. We're going to betaking our brands there.
introducing some of thesefamilies to Pop it in Berkeley
(30:01):
sessions goods, it's legalthere. The people are utilizing
it medicinal Lee they have beenin since Aeons and so we just
want to elevate their experiencewe want to show them some of the
nice things that America has tooffer to enhance their, their
you know, whatever they they'reinto we're taking some Well, we
(30:22):
haven't inked the partnershipbut we're interested in taking
redbelly honey it's a CBDinfused Honey When I mean
delicious I literally was justeating the honey like trying to
take it out of our partners giftbag and everything he
does he walk this walk you justput one Don't you want to get
(30:46):
him to cuz he's he has a wife.
So like, let's give him you haveany more money? Yeah. Right
things you like he's gonna usethem and we can use. That was
the deliberation because I onlybrought a handful. It's like
(31:08):
we're hearing.
What is wrong with you? Yeah, itwas funny. We that's what we're
going to be doing. Yeah.
Engaging, introducing thetravelers to this culture, this
rich culture that they have inSouth Africa. Yeah, that's for
the most part. What's what'shappening with the palaces and
(31:28):
cultural experiences we're goingto be visiting. Sorry, I just
didn't Oh, yeah. We're going tobe visiting. Shaka Zulu, his
burial site, as well as Kingthinky swales burial site. Like
I say, it will probably be goingto the intead trois dingus while
Kingdom household. We know wherewe'll be visiting the zoo
(31:53):
householding. Who knows whereelse do you know? Where they
take you everywhere? Yeah, wantto take you everywhere because I
just want to show you know theirfamilies in town and, and we'll
have gifts so we'll be rich.
Yeah, like come in. Yeah.
Ronjini Joshua (32:10):
Well, that's fairly really exciting. That's
really cool. So we'll have allyour information and this link,
if you guys want it in the shownotes. But thank you so much for
joining me here. I know it's abusy busy week for everybody. So
enjoy, do your business. Andyeah, we hope hopefully we can
(32:31):
like reconnect and see you guyson the next time around
Olameji Pierce (32:34):
for happiness.
Thank you.
Ronjini Joshua (32:35):
Thank you. The Green Room podcast is brought to
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(32:57):
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(33:22):
green hyphen room. Thanks forlistening and be well
In this interview with greenish vibes,
Danicka Brown Frazier andOlamiji Pearse talk about social
equity and getting into thecannabis market as black
founding women and even theirexperience at their first
mjbizcon. They also talk aboutupcoming cultural trips and how
they're bringing social equityto South Africa and back to
(00:32):
California. Again, join us andthis interview with Danica and
Olameji. Okay, today we arebeing joined by Danicka Brown
Frazier and Olamiji Pearse fromgreenish vibes. Hi, ladies, how
are you guys doing? Hi. Good.
Thank you for joining us on thegreen room podcast. So we are
going to be talking a little bitabout mjbizcon today. And then
(00:55):
we're also gonna be talkingabout what you guys are doing in
this space, your journey how yougot here. We were kind of, you
know, vibing right before here,so I could get a little
background. But can you guysgive me and your individual
stories of like, just time yougot to this point, like how you
get into cannabis?
Danicka Brown Frazie (01:14):
Certainly, so I have a bachelor's in
finance and economics. I amoriginally from Chicago, I
thought that I would be like inthe corporate finance world, you
know, which led toentrepreneurship in real estate.
So I've done real estate andinvested in businesses for the
last 13 plus years. When I cameto San Diego, we didn't know a
(01:37):
single person and um, it wasreally just starting over so
while I thought that I wouldcontinue my practice being
licensed in Illinois andCalifornia, I thought that you
know, that would be the path.
Yeah. And it just turned intocannabis.
Ronjini Joshua (01:50):
Yeah. Like I was stressed out. So go different
route.
Danicka Brown Frazier (02:00):
You're not no seriously but as a
cannabis, the cannabis industrybecame are starting to become
legal in Illinois, where I'mfrom, we started to research the
low barrier way to enter theindustry. And so that's how the
online accessory store began. Sowe have we curate collections of
smoking accessories, plus CBD,wellness products from women and
(02:22):
black owned brandsintentionally. And we also host
educational lifestyle events, welead with passion and purpose
and you know, just a way to tellour, you know, consumers how to
integrate cannabis into theirlifestyles.
Ronjini Joshua (02:37):
So take it back a little bit more for me, like
how did you get into wanting towork in the cannabis industry?
Danicka Brown Frazier (02:44):
Um, you know, I think that I just
recognized that it was anindustry like I've been an
entrepreneur, I'm always lookingat the trends I'm looking at, I
own the Juice Bar, way back, youknow, 10 years
Ronjini Joshua (02:56):
ago job trends, yeah, juice bar.
Danicka Brown Frazier (02:59):
I mean, you have the trends, but you
also have business and you know,how can you be strategic in that
market and make your impact? Andyou know, for me, I was
passionate about fitness and,you know, all those things, I'm
leading with my passion, and Ilove how can I align with that
industry. So cannabisspecifically, is such a large
industry that has, you know,impacted black and brown people
a lot in a lot of ways. And so,I came from that perspective,
(03:22):
like, we want to haverepresentation in the industry,
we want to get ahead so thatthose coming behind us can have
some resources, you know, fromthe, you know, people that are
already in the industry to helpthem and we just want to create
some generational wealth.
Ronjini Joshua (03:37):
Yeah, so yeah, how about your energy? Um,
Olameji Pierce (03:40):
so I have a little more personal experience
with cannabis. I grew up in ahousehold where it was
normalized most of my family wasusing it in some capacity and so
just having it around it justwas just something that was
around you know, wasn't is isbecoming something new to the
(04:01):
world you know, now that islegal and people are able to
enjoy it for a variety ofreasons that they are but in my
household it just was somethingthat was there just mail was
just there you just Yeah, youreally didn't even know what it
was it just was there yes it'salmost a blended with the
incense right um, I am firstgeneration born in America I am
Nigerian heritage and so thatculture of senses and smells and
(04:28):
things that was big in ourhouse, like I said, it blended
with the instance I reallydidn't even know really what it
was until I became a like,preteen teenage years. When I
started my, my menstruation,period, and I was getting I have
really bad cramps. And so theboyfriend I had at the time, he
was like, why don't you try youknow, smoking and may help. And
(04:50):
it actually helps.
Ronjini Joshua (04:51):
I have never heard of that. That is crazy.
Okay, so big.
Olameji Pierce (04:55):
I know, some of the and you know, we'll speak
about research and developmentwe wants to do with the plant in
ways in ways that they can helpthe quality of life with women,
right? women's health,reproductive systems and things
like that. So it was that Itried it. And any other time I
would try with friends andwhatever in high school, I would
(05:18):
get really paranoid. And itwasn't something that I enjoyed
to do outside of the pain reliefthat it gave me that during that
time of the month, and so, I'malso similar to the Nika I am
entrepreneur. For the last 10years, I have been in public
relations, communications andstrategic brand strategy. I'm
(05:39):
currently work for marketingcompany, national marketing
company, my nine to five as abrand specialist. And so this is
my world, you know, what, whatare your What's the trend? What
are people doing? What arepeople talking about? And
because I'm Nigerian, similar tomy best friend, um, I lead with
my passion. Yeah, Africa is, um,that's my heart and soul. And so
(06:04):
with that in mind, whenever I'mtraveling to Africa, I'm looking
at what are the trends inAmerica? What are we what can we
take back to Africa, or what isgoing to be coming into Africa?
So, in 2019, right before thepandemic, I traveled to Gambia,
I was preparing to travel toGambia, and you know, just in my
(06:27):
speaking to myself, mymeditative state, what are you
taking to Africa? What are yougoing to take? What business?
What are you going to create?
What's going to be yourenterprise? And I walked out of
the restaurant and I saw CBD? Ofcourse, yeah, of course they
are. Yes. This is a culturalexperience, this plant this is
this belongs to people ofAfrican descent, since time
(06:50):
immemorial, since we've knownabout it right. And it was a
black market, it was illegal,you know, now, that is a
different story. But that whole,you know, coming to light of,
that's what you're going to takeback, allow me to engage with
the Ministry of Agriculture inGambia to advocate for the
development and cultivation ofindustrial hemp, um, ultimately
(07:14):
wanted to gift me some land sothat we could, you know, yeah,
bring some professionals over totrain their young people who are
of, you know, labor and engaged,yes, to master this industry. I
really believe that this issomething that could change the
face of the continent on avariety of levels. We're still
(07:35):
in the process of thatconversation. It's not legal in
Gambia. But it was in 2015, thatI was traveling to South Africa,
I had the opportunity to travelfor some cultural engagement.
And I was gifted land there. Andso recently, this year, as we've
started to work with each other,just in the last year, I guess,
(07:59):
couple years now, because we're
Ronjini Joshua (08:03):
in 2021. Yeah, time is fine. Like to
Olameji Pierce (08:10):
2022 is like a ton. Yeah. I'm working on it. So
don't judge me, too, when itcomes up, and I'm still
struggling. But um, we weretalking about, you know, what we
were going to be working on thisyear, I told her, we got to get
to South Africa to takeadvantage of this land that they
(08:30):
gifted me. So we're having theconversation of how I wanted to
come about and utilize thisland. However, when there was a
gift, it was gifted, just, youknow, for novelty to build a
house of beautiful cars on. Andso, and this last year, I'm
like, you know, forget house islegal in South Africa. Let's go
(08:51):
Yeah. Oh, you know, let's go andsee what we can really do. Yeah,
you know, and so that's reallyhow our cannabis and culture
trip came into fruition. Andthat's kind of what we're
working on currently.
Ronjini Joshua (09:04):
So, tell us a little bit more about that.
Yeah, I guess your personalthat. Yeah, you segwayed into it
really nicely. So tell us alittle bit about the cannabis
and culture. Okay. I know thatit feels so good to like talk
with the sound. Yeah.
Danicka Brown Frazier (09:21):
About that under here. Does it matter?
can't
Ronjini Joshua (09:24):
push them push them up? So they're like, tight
now? No, no, because they won'tgo past or you gonna hold on to
him like that? Yeah. Okay. Yeah.
So the cannabis plus culturebusiness trip. Let me let me
should I ask that again? I mean,I think your question was good
enough right beforehand, but ifit helps lead him into it. Yeah,
(09:45):
absolutely. Yeah. Tell us alittle bit about the cannabis
and culture trip and what thatexactly entails.
Danicka Brown Frazier (09:54):
So the cannabis plus culture business
trip will be held November 13through the 23rd of 20. 21 in
Johannesburg, South Africa. Inaddition to Durban, during this
time, we're traveling with asmall group of travelers. The
greenish vive site will createexperiences during our travel,
(10:15):
so we'll do cannabis plus yoga,we'll do a awaken make sessions.
So we've curated theseexperiences during that trip, we
will attend the InternationalTrade Fair that brings millions
of people, and about $40 billionin trade. As attendees that's in
Durban, we will set up anexhibition during that festival,
(10:39):
I'm in basically a mock of whatour retail store would look like
the raw the product poppin,Barclay Cush, clean session
goods, a curated selection ofproducts to introduce to the
market. So you're introducingproducts
Ronjini Joshua (10:52):
to the South American market, South Africa,
South African, sorry, SouthAfrican market. Okay. So, um, so
you guys have established thesepartnerships? How did how did
you guys do that? And kind ofwhat was your process?
Danicka Brown Frazier (11:03):
Um, so it began, you know, 2020, early or
2019, when we started planning,I started the business, like a
business, you know, so I get mypaperwork set up and created
these wholesale accounts with,you know, the brands that I
would like to, you know, workwith. And I would say those
partnerships and relationshipshave developed over that time.
(11:24):
So, you know, I would orderproducts when I was going to do
a pop up event, when I had anorder, you know, I would ask
them, do you do drop shipping?
No, okay, what's the minimumorder? You know, I got started
in a very small way. And sothat's how the relationships
began pop and Barkley was reallywith me from the beginning. And
so
Ronjini Joshua (11:41):
yeah, they're very cool. They're, um, so yeah,
how do you? How do you kind ofchoose? I think you were
mentioning that you work a lotwith black owned businesses, of
course. And then women ownedbusinesses. So how do you guys
vet, the companies that arecoming? I mean, there's so many
brands are coming out right now.
So how do you vet that and kindof determine what you want to
partner with?
Olameji Pierce (12:02):
I think we're just choosing what we like.
Yeah, to get started. Yeah,absolutely. Um, we have a
relationship. But after that,
Ronjini Joshua (12:13):
you kind of dive into the look and feel. And then
if they respond,
Danicka Brown Frazier (12:18):
I mean, the quality, you know, the
integrity of the company, whatyour social mission is, you
know, we really care about themission, the company, like the
fabric of the culture, becausethat's important for our brand.
So we really want to make surethat the brands align first,
right. So you know, we startthere, and then the research
about the quality and you know,all that things, and then
whether or not they want to, youknow, have engaged because what
(12:41):
we're doing is new, but it's youknow, it's trailblazing, it's
groundbreaking, and you know,the more rooms that we sit into,
it gives us the confidence tokeep moving.
Ronjini Joshua (12:50):
So are you guys focused on doing the retail side
of it? And then you're justbringing together all the
different types of brands? Or isthere anything like and of
course, you're doing the cultureside? What is your kind of
overall mission for greenishvibes and what you guys will be
maybe five years in the future.
Danicka Brown Frazier (13:08):
So I'd like to think of us as the
target of cannabis accessories,you know, we are going to curate
those collections. From thosebrands that we'd like, we're
going to create thoseexperiences though, that's
what's gonna make us differentbecause it's going to be music
led and, you know, culture ledand you know, what it means to
be black and you know, just havethose create this community, a
collective hub, a safe place,you know, podcast recording, a
(13:31):
music recording studio, coworking space, a smoking lounge,
like I mean, it's a culturespace. Yeah, that is where we'll
be.
Ronjini Joshua (13:40):
I'm glad that you mentioned that. So being
women of color, obviously, andblack women specifically, like
have you found what what kind ofchallenges have you guys run
into and not from the creating abusiness side? But have you run
into challenges from theconsumer side? Like, for the
people you're serving? Like, dothey? Are they still, you know,
(14:01):
there's that stigma? So do theystill have that stigma? How do
you help them overcome that and,and also serving women
specifically to like, I thinkthere's always like that little
veil that, you know, you have todeal with,
Danicka Brown Frazier (14:14):
um, I'll use Copic markers, like the oil,
you know, as an example, whenwe're at pop up events, I will,
you know, put some oil in yourhand and ask you to rub it into
your neck, rub it wherever youfeel tension, and, you know, go
and then you smell it and youcome back to us and you know, so
that's like the icebreakerbecause I want you to know that
it works. And if you haven'tpaid right now, put it there.
(14:37):
And then you know, that's howyou get to see the work. So
Ronjini Joshua (14:40):
like experience was, which is really cool that
you're doing this experience inSouth Africa. Are you doing
experiences now? In likeCalifornia, around California?
What have you guys done?
Danicka Brown Frazier (14:51):
So we've done experiences in San Diego,
LA, Chicago, Atlanta, SouthCarolina Palm Springs. We were
headed to DC before theinauguration, so, yeah, we
definitely knew from thebeginning that it was important
to travel to these places andbuild our community because we
(15:12):
are restricted from advertising.
So you know, can't advertise onFacebook, we can't buy a
billboard, you know, you reallyhad to be ground level and
grassroots building ourcommunity.
Ronjini Joshua (15:22):
Yeah. I mean, social equity is obviously a
huge conversation this year, andmany years, but this year, in
particular, at mjbizcon. Andobviously, partnering with
people like pop on Berkeley,they talk about it a lot. How do
you feel like that the impact ofwhat's happening in the world is
impacting the industry? And whatis like your responsibility to
(15:44):
kind of, you know, moveeverything forward.
Danicka Brown Frazier (15:48):
You want to take that heavy. Talk about
that today. So you can start. Itry not to go on record. I weigh
in the lightweight.
Ronjini Joshua (16:00):
Well, you know, yeah, I mean, I think I'm
talking about a general idea oflike, you know, yeah, what, what
do you what do you think I mean,just not not just you guys as a
brand, but all brands that arein your position, we have, like,
you know, responsibilities tokind of help move things forward
in a way where I don't know, ina way where it works.
Absolutely. What does that looklike that?
Olameji Pierce (16:22):
Um, we're definitely blessed. We're
definitely creating andtrailblazing a movement forward.
However, we're not in thedecision making seats. Yeah. To
really, you know, this is aquestion for people who, who
need to really look atthemselves and ask themselves if
(16:43):
they're exploiting an industrythat was built by a group of
people without involving thosepeople. Like, are you the person
shutting the door? Like? Yeah,that's the question. No, today,
because we have really run intosome challenges. And we're
sharp, we're good. You know,we're like, we're the best. So
(17:04):
the people behind us some ofthese who are not as qualified
or prepared. Yeah. Because ofcircumstances of
Ronjini Joshua (17:12):
full, you're prepared? Because you have to be
right. If not, you're not justprepared. Like, yeah.
Danicka Brown Frazier (17:19):
So so people who have, who have
aspirations of this industry,they don't have the life
experiences that we've had, thatwere college graduates, you
know, we're scholars, childrenof people who have soared in the
world, you know, without callingout all of our, our ancestors,
and our parents accolades werereally good. But these people
(17:40):
that we know, some of our peers,they don't have the access,
right, you know, because oftheir circumstances, because
maybe their father was the onewho's who was in jail for 20
years for, you know, I've gotfriends like that, from Chicago.
Yeah. You know, so thatquestion, I feel like people who
(18:00):
are in decision making seatsneeds to really be making some
decisions, they need to beopening up some doors, and it
needs to be documented, like,put your money where your mouth
is, period and substantial, youknow, like, we have the the
accolades on paper, it's like,you know, really, you know,
invest in my company moved meforward. You know, I mean, I'm a
(18:20):
part of the incubator programsat the moment, it's like, you
know, we need that access. So Imean, you know, those people in
those seats need to really beactively engaging in that way. I
mean, Gal individuals like us topartner with, yeah, because we,
we go in, we're pulling otherpeople, we're going to introduce
you to the people who who don'thave access, right, yeah, we'll
bring them to the table. Becausethey are talented. They are
(18:44):
qualified, but we are where weare. We know where the cream of
the carpet, we know, we've hadto sacrifice to sit at the
table. We know we've had tosacrifice to gain some access to
the little bit of access that wehave, you know, so
Ronjini Joshua (18:57):
yeah, I mean, that also brings up the point. I
mean, yes, doors have beenclosed and shut for a long time.
What about how do you feel aboutthe opportunities that people
are also now creating? Because Imean, obviously, it's a big
topic of conversation. And soI'm seeing a lot more brands, I
mean, I talked to a lot ofpeople. So we're seeing a lot
more brands come up with theseprograms. I don't know how
effective the programs are. Idon't know if they're just for
(19:19):
show and tell. You know, it'sreally hard to tell, how do we
put ourselves in a positionwhere we don't have to wait for
somebody to tell you like thatyou're invited. You know, like,
it's, there's that conversationtoo. It's like, yes, they should
be inviting us to the table. Butyou also can't wait around. I
mean, that's not my
Olameji Pierce (19:38):
living proof of that. Yeah. And I think we
strategically are moving inAfrica. Yeah. You know, because
Africa is still the wild wildwest. There's a lot that can, I
was able to say with theMinistry of Agriculture. That
was years ago. Yeah. Able togain access before that, you
know, I was in the room with thepresident of Germany multiple
times for business that I had todo in that country. If it's a
(19:59):
allowing me to get in that worldquickly, then that's where we
need to be. Yeah, those are thepeople we want to be talking to.
And so it's uncomfortablesometimes it does definitely
drain our pockets. self funded,you know, definitely need to say
that. Yeah, um, that we arepulling our own self up by our
(20:20):
bootstraps, and we're making it,we're making it, we're making a
way for ourselves, ya know,using our culture, using our
resources and our blessings.
Because I won't ever go over thefact that we are definitely
blessed. We know that we'relucky, we know that things are
happening for us because we'redivinely chosen. And we know
that it's not happenstance thatjust so happen to arrive to meet
(20:40):
this person. Oh, you just don'thappen to be able to
Ronjini Joshua (20:46):
know that it's done anyway. Yes.
Olameji Pierce (20:49):
You know, yeah, you know, we're gonna take all
that we're gonna make it well,we make it get ready, because
then then you can't not listento what we have to say, then
you're gonna have to be facedwith the hard truth. Because
we're, that's what we're herefor. We're here for people like
us who don't have the access whodon't have the resources, who
(21:10):
don't have the pair? Becauselike, we know, people who
parents was locked up while wewas in high school.
Ronjini Joshua (21:15):
Yeah. Yeah.
Seriously, like,
Danicka Brown Frazier (21:19):
I remember when I had my it was my
high school sweethearts, mother.
She when she came on, and wewere not together at that point.
Yeah, this was just like afriend. And when he told me, my
his mom, she had been gone for awhile. And when I cry and told
my mom, my doctor, Washington,Pierce, mother, my experience
(21:39):
with this, and I sit there andcry, that is unacceptable. Those
are the experiences our childrenhave, you understand? Or have
had to have, we need restoreration for that. Yeah, we
definitely need people to beacknowledging it at the minimum.
And then we need to be able tobe at that table to make
decisions and help our peoplethrough because it's just, it
(22:01):
doesn't make any sense for thisto exist if those people do not
benefit in some capacity fromit. Yeah. So from Oakland, to
competence to LA, to Chicago, toSierra Leone, to oil to South
Africa, Johannesburg, like, allthe way through and through and
(22:21):
through where brown people are,they have to be eating from this
industry. Yeah, period untilthen, and our work isn't done.
So. And to add to that, youknow, just yeah, they you just
to get started, you just jumpin, I think that you can't be
afraid you got to be in thecommunities, you have to be, you
know, showing up at theconferences, and just, you know,
I have made my way here just byDMing people, just by messaging
(22:43):
them just literally jumping inand having our goals and say,
okay, back up, how do we getthere?
Ronjini Joshua (22:51):
I think that's one of the biggest, like
exciting things about thisindustry, too. It's like, kind
of at this volatile time whereif you are persistent and get
yourself in there, you can makesomething happen. And I think I
think like people are oftenscared to jump into something
new, and especially where it's,like, still regulated and still
illegal. I haven't gottentotally across the finish line
(23:13):
yet. But I think now and you cansee the energy when you guys
head over to that conference.
Like, that's what the energy is.
It's like, there's so muchopportunity, but you could tell
it's so very like, infant, youknow, like, there's a lot of big
brands great. But like lots oflittle infants, like develop
Danicka Brown Frazier (23:30):
to where the potential is. I mean,
amazing. It's mind blowing theamounts and pages of notes that
we have you. Oh my gosh, we haveprojects for the next five
years. Yeah, I mean, really,
Ronjini Joshua (23:40):
it's time to like took it and grab it and run
with it. Yeah,
Olameji Pierce (23:43):
serious. Yeah.
Absolutely. Connect with peoplelike us. I mean, if you just
open your eyes and just be openand willing to you will find
people who are willing topartner with you who are willing
to give you information to haveto stay optimistic and positive.
Ronjini Joshua (23:59):
Yeah, I mean, one of the conversations I had
this week was, he was justsaying like, yeah, in an
industry, like, you know, I comefrom a background of technology.
So like, in the tech industry,when I started it was infant and
it was kind of like how this isnow but like now you can't get
to CEOs of companies. And soright now in the cannabis
industry, you still can youstill can reach them. And all
(24:20):
you have to do is like putyourself out there. So I think
that's a really good message tokind of take away from this too.
It's like 10 Now's the time todo it. What have been your What
have been your biggestchallenges to kind of getting up
and running for greenish, but
Danicka Brown Frazier (24:37):
access to capital number one? Uh huh. Um,
you know, from now, you know,needing a compliant bank account
that cost $2,000 And it's like500 a month. I mean, you know,
how do you get started like thatstops you because like I said,
we started the business, youknow, the right way.
Ronjini Joshua (24:50):
Yeah. How do you get money if you don't have
money? Like,
Danicka Brown Frazier (24:53):
on a recurring basis? It's like,
okay, I'm gonna start thisbusiness with what I have. But
if I fly through my money, youknow, right. I'm Nowhere. So,
you know, access to capital hasbeen the number one thing.
Everything else I think has justbeen flowing, you know,
Ronjini Joshua (25:09):
going slowly but surely what, why we always like
to try to kind of lead off withlike some tips to people who are
trying to get into the industryor people who are in the
industry trying to make it work.
What would you say is maybe likea lesson learned or some tips
that you guys, maybe each of yougive you a couple of your best
tips of people, what they shouldbe doing looking for trying?
Danicka Brown Frazier (25:33):
My first tip would be with our logo, not
to put the cannabis logo,cannabis leaf in your logo. That
was a number one. We got flackright away, Facebook, Instagram,
I mean, you know, thatperpetuated our inability to
advertise because we wouldn'thave gotten Flack. So, you know,
it was like the sinking ofcreative marketing is what
(25:53):
you're saying, you know, runningthrough your brand strategist,
you know, you know, you have todo some of that a little bit of
research, but it really somepeople do have their leaf in
there. And some people don't,but it's like, you know, it's
personal preference. And is atthis point, it's like, No, we
should just go modern clean.
Yeah,
Ronjini Joshua (26:09):
survival of the change attend you when you can
right now. Yeah, you can changeyour brand.
Danicka Brown Frazier (26:16):
Because we have enough other barriers,
though. If right away, the doorsare getting shut because we're
not we don't sell. We're notplaying touching. So you know,
it just sends a bad connotation.
We already have a room full ofYeah. Room for the bad
experiences
Ronjini Joshua (26:30):
already that don't add don't pile on to the
stuff that you already have togo through that. That's a good
point. Yeah, and I think that'sunique to Black Business Owners.
I don't think I don't thinkother other groups have the same
challenges. So that's definitelya good thing. What about what
about yourself? Um,
Olameji Pierce (26:48):
I would say look where other people may not be
looking, don't be afraid to lookat other people right now
looking. A lot of people say,Okay, I want to get into this
and I want to still, you know,flower or I want to look at what
do you call it? A company and goor complementary businesses?
(27:10):
Yeah,
Ronjini Joshua (27:10):
accessories or
Olameji Pierce (27:11):
something like that. It's infinite. You know,
it's infinite. The opportunitiesin this industry, because it's
it is in its infancy stages. Soit's developing, and it's
growing into all kinds ofcorporations need professional
people, they need to righttechnology, they need
everything, not just people whoare specifically working with
(27:34):
this plant.
Ronjini Joshua (27:35):
Right. There's other industry as an industry.
Yeah. So
Olameji Pierce (27:39):
I think definitely, don't be afraid to
look where it may not be popularto look, just, you know, keep
your
Ronjini Joshua (27:45):
mind. Yeah, we had a guy a while back. And he
was working in someone to sayfinance. And he just loved
cannabis. And he's like, Well, Iwant to work in there. But I
don't know how to do it. And hejust transitioned what he did in
finance to cannabis. That was, Imean, I think a lot of a lot of
people can do whatever they'redoing today in the cannabis
(28:07):
industry, and they meet people,right? Like, yeah, they're
they're still building theinfrastructure. So that I think
that's like the big excitingopportunity. So I feel like
yeah, you don't have to smoke ortouch the plan or do any of
those things. There's a lot ofother things to do. Plus, you
could do that others. Yeah,
Danicka Brown Frazier (28:22):
I mean, you know, I have a background in
finance. And now waiting forher, you know, that I was gonna
ask that you can start where youare. We need creatives we need,
you know, black and brown facesin the cannabis industry. So you
can be marketing, you can be anattorney, and just specialize in
the industry. And you can have awhole business right there.
Yeah, you know, that's it. Yeah.
Just operate where you are andwhere you are natural, and where
(28:44):
your strengths are.
Ronjini Joshua (28:47):
So are you guys taking people on this trip with
you? And if you are, where canpeople find that information
Olameji Pierce (28:55):
at sea beach was sad to me, and I think we still
want to mention something aboutthe trip to but it's sad this
trip dot info. And so all theinformation how to make
payments, we are taking a verysmall group of people. So
there's only a few spots left.
And we want it to add talk aboutthe traditional communities that
(29:16):
we'll be visiting there. Youknow, I think we left off the
second part of Yeah, I'm gonnaleave it at the culture part of
Israel. We are going to bevisiting a number of royal
palaces in South Africa. Ifyou're not familiar, the same
way that there is a queen ofEngland, there is a queen of
Zulu land. Okay. You may knowShaka Zulu. Yeah, their
(29:38):
descendants are still in throne.
There are a number oftraditional rulers and kingdoms
around South Africa. And becauseof my cultural relationships in
America, I'm able to enter intosome of those palaces, they'll
be welcomed. We're going to betaking our brands there.
introducing some of thesefamilies to Pop it in Berkeley
(30:01):
sessions goods, it's legalthere. The people are utilizing
it medicinal Lee they have beenin since Aeons and so we just
want to elevate their experiencewe want to show them some of the
nice things that America has tooffer to enhance their, their
you know, whatever they they'reinto we're taking some Well, we
(30:22):
haven't inked the partnershipbut we're interested in taking
redbelly honey it's a CBDinfused Honey When I mean
delicious I literally was justeating the honey like trying to
take it out of our partners giftbag and everything he
does he walk this walk you justput one Don't you want to get
(30:46):
him to cuz he's he has a wife.
So like, let's give him you haveany more money? Yeah. Right
things you like he's gonna usethem and we can use. That was
the deliberation because I onlybrought a handful. It's like
(31:08):
we're hearing.
What is wrong with you? Yeah, itwas funny. We that's what we're
going to be doing. Yeah.
Engaging, introducing thetravelers to this culture, this
rich culture that they have inSouth Africa. Yeah, that's for
the most part. What's what'shappening with the palaces and
(31:28):
cultural experiences we're goingto be visiting. Sorry, I just
didn't Oh, yeah. We're going tobe visiting. Shaka Zulu, his
burial site, as well as Kingthinky swales burial site. Like
I say, it will probably be goingto the intead trois dingus while
Kingdom household. We know wherewe'll be visiting the zoo
(31:53):
householding. Who knows whereelse do you know? Where they
take you everywhere? Yeah, wantto take you everywhere because I
just want to show you know theirfamilies in town and, and we'll
have gifts so we'll be rich.
Yeah, like come in. Yeah.
Ronjini Joshua (32:10):
Well, that's fairly really exciting. That's
really cool. So we'll have allyour information and this link,
if you guys want it in the shownotes. But thank you so much for
joining me here. I know it's abusy busy week for everybody. So
enjoy, do your business. Andyeah, we hope hopefully we can
(32:31):
like reconnect and see you guyson the next time around
Olameji Pierce (32:34):
for happiness.
Thank you.
Ronjini Joshua (32:35):
Thank you. The Green Room podcast is brought to
life by green seed PR, cannabisgreen tech focus PR agency, and
a dedicated production team ofeditors mixers and show
Booker's. A huge thank you tothe vessel team for providing
their studio for our recording.
Don't forget to subscribe andshare the greenroom podcast with
friends, colleagues, and family.
(32:57):
That way you'll never miss anepisode and we can keep the
lights on. If you're feelingextra generous. Please leave us
a review on favorite podcastlistening platform. You can also
find us on Instagram at GreenTPR answered live video versions
of all of our podcasts onYouTube. Would you like to be on
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Awesome. Submit your guests atGreen CPR comm slash the hyphen
(33:22):
green hyphen room. Thanks forlistening and be well
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