Victoria Williams: The Rise of Wake and Vape: A Cannabis Success Story

Victoria Williams: The Rise of Wake and Vape: A Cannabis Success Story My guest on #thePOZCAST is Victoria Williams, a trailblazer in the cannabis industry and a pioneer for women of color. As the first African American woman to carry a product in an Illinois dispensary, Victoria has broken barriers at every turn. From launching the Kaviar brand and leading the first predominantly Black-owned craft grow, to opening dispensaries and championing Responsible Vendor Training, her journey embodies resilience and dedication to quality. With a commitment to advancing the industry responsibly, Victoria is shaping the future of cannabis in Illinois and beyond. We will dig into Wake n Vape and so much more. Connect with Victoria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-williams-912636229/ Learn more: https://www.wakenvape.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wakenvapevlp?igsh=ZTA1YnpnNGF5anlr&utm_source=qr #thePOZcast is proudly brought to you by Fountain - the leading enterprise platform for workforce management. Our platform enables companies to support their frontline workers from job application to departure. Fountain elevates the hiring, management, and retention of frontline workers at scale. To learn more, please visit: https://www.fountain.com/?utm_source=shrm-2024&utm_medium=event&utm_campaign=shrm-2024-podcast-adam-posner. Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com Summary: Summary: Adam Posner interviews Victoria Williams, a pioneering figure in the cannabis industry. Victoria shares her journey from a challenging childhood influenced by her father's incarceration for marijuana to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for social equity in cannabis. The conversation delves into the complexities of the cannabis industry, the importance of education, and the challenges faced by minority-owned businesses. Victoria discusses her brand, Wake and Vape, and the lessons learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey. In this engaging conversation, Victoria shares her journey in the cannabis industry, focusing on her brand 'Wake and Vape.' She discusses the importance of branding, product quality, and the challenges of gaining consumer trust. Victoria emphasizes the need for women to feel empowered in the cannabis space and highlights the significance of community and support among cannabis entrepreneurs. The discussion also touches on the current state of the cannabis market, offering insights and advice for aspiring business owners. Key Takeaways: - Victoria Williams is a trailblazer in the cannabis industry. - Her father's incarceration for marijuana shaped her perspective on the industry. - Education and advocacy are crucial in navigating the cannabis landscape. - The Social Equity Program in Illinois aims to support those impacted by drug laws. - Victoria's brand, Wake and Vape, evolved from her experiences in the industry. - Challenges in the cannabis business require constant adaptation and pivoting. - The cannabis industry is still grappling with systemic issues and inequities. - Victoria emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making in cannabis entrepreneurship. - Her journey highlights the need for legislative change and accountability. - Victoria's story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of social justice. Victoria launched 'Wake and Vape' through a social experiment. - Branding and packaging are crucial for standing out in dispensaries. - Their appearance and consistency can assess quality of cannabis products. - Overcoming skepticism from previous product failures was a challenge for Victoria. - Empowering women in cannabis is a key focus of her brand. - Current challenges include market saturation and payment issues from retailers. - It's essential to have a pivot plan in the cannabis industry. - Building relationships with dispensaries is vital for success. - Bud tenders are crucial in product sales and should be appreciated. - Success is defined by freedom and creating opportunities for others.