Honeysuckle is proud to present "Black Gold: A Celebration of Black Cannabis Community Movers and Shakers" in partnership with the Equity Trade Network! Next up in this series of Black History Month profiles, Marshaun Marsh of Conscious Mindz.
Black Gold: Honeysuckle Magazine And Equity Trade Network Celebrate Black History Month
Drop the needle on Nina Simone's iconic anthem, "Young, Gifted, and Black," because Honeysuckle Magazine is joining forces with Equity Trade Network to unleash a whirlwind of stories, values, and pure personality from the cream of the crop in Black-owned craft brands. This is a celebration with swagger: We’re shining a spotlight on the trailblazers who walk the walk - the community leaders are carving out paths of impact with every puff, pour and product.
Who And What Are The Equity Trade Network?
Who is the Equity Trade Network? They’re the fearless leaders behind the groundbreaking Equity Trade Certification Mark. It's not just a stamp; it's a badge of honor that shouts, "We're here to shake things up!" It’s earned by those dedicated to building equitable ecosystems, where every dollar spent packs a punch of purpose. So get ready to groove to the rhythm of empowerment and progress. Because when Honeysuckle Magazine and Equity Trade Network join forces, history doesn’t repeat itself - it roars into the future.
Who is Marshaun Marsh, founder of Conscious Mindz.
In the bustling streets of Oakland, California, Marshaun Marsh stands tall as a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, championing empowerment, equity, and excellence with his brand Conscious Mindz. As we celebrate Black History Month, let's shine a spotlight on Marshaun—a true pioneer reshaping the cannabis landscape with his commitment to community and craft.
Founded in 2020, Conscious Mindz isn't just a cannabis company; it's a movement—a testament to Marshaun's vision of empowerment and equity. From delivery and distribution to manufacturing, Conscious Mindz offers a holistic approach to cannabis, delivering premium products and unparalleled service to customers across California.
Cultural Connection:
For Marshaun, cannabis is a cultural cornerstone—a legacy passed down through generations. Growing up in Oakland, cannabis was a part of everyday life, sold on the streets and shared among family members. This deep-rooted connection to cannabis fuels Marshaun's passion for advocacy and equity in the industry.
Soundtrack for Success:
With a playlist spanning rap, hip-hop, jazz, and Afro beats, Marshaun's smoking sessions are a symphony of urban rhythms—a melodic journey through the streets of Oakland and beyond.
Favorite “Go To” Munchie:
From fresh fruit to savory garlic noodles and BBQ delights, Marshaun's munchies are a fusion of flavors—a culinary ode to his Louisiana roots and Oakland upbringing.
Chill Sessions and Connections with Key People:
If given the chance, Marshaun's perfect "chill session" would be with none other than the legendary Snoop Dogg—a moment of connection, camaraderie, and cannabis culture.
*Editor's Note: Anthony Jenkins, Jr., founder of Next Level Edibles, chose Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams' "It Blows My Mind" as one of his Black History Month selections. Want more beats from Snoop Dogg? Click here and here.
Favorite Cannabis-Fueled Activity:
Whether it's a workout session, a drive through the city, or a tranquil moment in nature, Marshaun finds joy and inspiration in every cannabis-infused experience, a true testament to the plant's transformative power.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Despite the strides made, Marshaun acknowledges the challenges facing Black business owners—federal regulations, lack of funding, and community poverty. Yet he remains undeterred, forging ahead with resilience, determination, and a commitment to positive change.
Looking to the Future:
As Marshaun sees it, the future of cannabis for the Black community is on a positive trajectory, a path paved with opportunity, empowerment, and equity. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, Marshaun envisions a future where cannabis serves as a catalyst for social and economic change.
Making a Difference:
At Conscious Mindz, community is a way of life. From affordable medicine to serving as role models for Black businesses, Marshaun and his team are committed to making a difference, one bud at a time.
As we reflect on Black History Month, let's salute pioneers like Marshaun Marsh, whose entrepreneurial spirit, cultural pride, and commitment to community are lighting the way forward in the ever-evolving world of cannabis. Join the movement, and let's pave the way to a more conscious, equitable future—for cannabis and for all.
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Written By:
Jake Wall is the Chief Innovation Officer and one of the trio of co-founders of MAISON BLOOM, the cannabis industry’s first strain-specific, whole-plant, single-barrel beverage brand. A veteran brand builder and growth marketing leader, Wall has a depth of experience across consumer brands, luxury fashion, digital and e-commerce, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and food and beverage/hospitality industries. Wall has played an integral role in shepherding numerous brands to their high-growth and adoption phases including eHOW, LIVESTRONG, JAKE Clothing, Haute Couture French Bubbles, Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke, and Chef Michael Mina’s empire of restaurants (MINA).
During his time with MINA, Wall oversaw branding and market adoption for 45+ different worldwide locations across 10 brands delivering $220M+ in annual revenues. Prior to MINA, he served as Creative Director at JAKE, where he managed a lifecycle of four seasonal product lines, as well as developing a unique custom operation that could operate at scale to deliver $10M+ in annual revenues and secure a successful exit for stakeholders. He has been profiled in publications including BizBash, Inc.com, SF Chronicle, WWD, Marie Claire, and Huffington Post.
@jakesonetoknowone (IG)
Jaime Lubin is Honeysuckle's Editor-At-Large. Her writing has appeared in HuffPost, Observer, Billboard and more. Also an actress and singer, she can be found on Twitter and Instagram.
@jaimelubin (IG)
@jaimelubin (Twitter)
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Featured image: Marshaun Marsh, founder of Conscious Mindz (C) Conscious Mindz
