March is Women’s History Month so I’m seeing lots of stats floating through my social feed focused on women. And I gotta say, I find it alarming that women compose 51% of the population yet only own 1% of the land. And as a woman in business, it was a punch in the gut to see that in 2022, less than 2% of funding went to female entrepreneurs even though the research shows year over year that women-led businesses outperform their male counterparts.

And here I am, a loud and proud woman working in hemp and cannabis still showing up eight years later hellbent on making a difference doing what I love - ready for my financials to reflect my worth.

My parents think I’m nuts for not going back to the corporate world I left eleven years ago where I made great money. But that would be like going back to an old relationship that wasn’t working. I’m not willing to do something simply for the fat paycheck, especially when it doesn’t align with my values - no matter how big that check is.

I am, however, crazy enough to believe that everything is working out perfectly, no matter what it looks like in the moment. My sister Crystal calls gals like us sturdy girls. We don’t get toppled over by adversity. Sturdy girls can stand strong in emotional tsunamis and financial shit storms. So many amazing women are in the midst of this struggle, so I called up another sturdy girl I know to learn more about her latest adventures in educating and empowering women on the path to financial freedom.

Kyra Reed is the founder of Women Employed in Cannabis, the only International association for women working in cannabis, hemp and CBD. She is a marketing, branding and social media expert, called a pioneer by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2011 for her cutting-edge work with the legendary Sunset Strip. In 2019 and 2020 she was acknowledged as one of the “100 Most Important Women in Weed” by Green Market Report and awarded the Women’s Leadership Award for Community Activism in 2022. She has been a speaker on branding and marketing at MJ BizCon, Global Cannabis Conference and New West Summit. She currently hosts a podcast, Women Leading in Cannabis, on the PodConx Network.

If you woke up this morning stressed about not having the money you need to run your business, this potcast is for you. It’s also for anyone just starting out, seeking education and business mentorship, and a roadmap to funding. Kyra shares fundraising truths, options for funding your business, and lessons learned to help women ditch the scarcity mentality, evaluate their business model, and get ready for the investor conversation with confidence.

And fellas, this is an important conversation for you to hear, too. Looking at business and entrepreneurship through the lens of a woman’s experience can dial in how you support the ladies in your life. So smoke ‘em if you got ‘em and settle in. It’s time to get casually baked.

This Potcast Is Covered By MJ Relief

‘After the Show’ Notes

The Panther Group and Women Employed in Cannabis have joined forces to bring you The Roadmap to Funding, the ultimate guide to securing funding for women entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry.

This free guide is packed with valuable information that will help you navigate the complex world of funding.  Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your existing business, The Roadmap to Funding will provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to embark on your funding journey.