Women continue to be the fastest-growing demographic in cannabis consumption, and reports from the past two years have shown that increasing numbers of people feel more comfortable purchasing cannabis from women-owned brands. But whether you are buying consumables from ganja goddesses, or doing business with the fabulous females leading the evolution in ancillary spaces, it's clear that women are paving the way for the future of the plant revolution.
For our Honey Spotlight - and Women's History Month - we reached out to some of the top communicators, service providers, and brand innovators in our community. They opened up to us about their inspirations, their ambitions, and what nobody else talks about when it comes to being women entrepreneurs in the cannabis space. We're thrilled to give these ladies their flowers.
Who Is Ice Dawson? The Cannabis Socialite Of Multiple Roles: From She Blaze To The WeedHead To TCC Media
Ice Dawson’s nickname, The Cannabis Socialite, is fitting as she loves to talk about everything related to the plant and can do so with aplomb. Her life is cannabis communications galore, a specialty she shares with her older sisters Imani and Dasheeda. Among her many roles, Ice is executive producer and co-host of the award-winning podcast She Blaze, showcasing cannabis culture; Executive Director of the Community Education Advocacy Symposium and Expo (CEASE), an organization that educates consumers about the plant’s medical and economic benefits; Brand Manager and co-owner of The WeedHead™, a lifestyle brand empowering aspiring cannabis professionals; and a partner in TCC Media, an award-winning communications agency founded by Imani.
“As a long-time cannabis enthusiast, I was drawn to the industry following my mother's passing,” Ice says. “My older sister, Dasheeda Dawson, recommended that I join her in Arizona to explore opportunities in the cannabis sector.”
How Does Ice Dawson Recommend Getting Started In Cannabis Media?
After journeys across the country, today the Dawson Sisters take the cannabis world by storm in their native New York. As she juggles her various leadership responsibilities, Ice loves being able to usher other canna-fans into the sector.
“Beyond managing my family's media company, I oversee operations in several businesses within and outside the cannabis industry,” she explains. “For those venturing into media within the plant-based sector, my advice is to stay adaptable, foster innovation, and remember that media is only a facet of the industry; the core work lies in managing the supply chain.”
HONEYSUCKLE MAGAZINE: What is your hope for the future of New York’s cannabis industry?
ICE DAWSON: I firmly believe that New York will maintain its status as a global cannabis hub. The state's market is unparalleled in size, diversity, and dynamism. I hope to see it excel, especially in the industrial agricultural hemp segment of the industry.
What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment in the space thus far?
Selecting a single accomplishment from so many is challenging, but a recent highlight is my role on the board of the Cultivated Community Foundation (CCF). There, I contribute technical support to adult-use applicants and have launched the CHEM Cooperative, a farming initiative tackling food and housing insecurity.
How do you like to consume cannabis?
I enjoy cannabis in various forms, but my favorite method is using a chillum.
What’s the best thing about being a woman in the cannabis industry?
In my view, the most rewarding aspect of being a woman in the cannabis industry is the ability to birth new opportunities across all its facets.
For more about Ice, follow @cannabissocialite and @she_blaze on Instagram. To learn more about TCC Media, visit tccmedia.co.
*A version of this article originally appeared in Honeysuckle's 17th print edition, featuring Havoc of Mobb Deep. Get your copy now at dispensaries nationwide or click here to order!
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Featured image: Ice Dawson, The Cannabis Socialite. Courtesy of Ice Dawson @cannabissocialite.
