Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hanna Brand . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Hanna, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I have been a part of my family’s farming business for as long as I can remember. Even during my high school years, I would work during the busy seasons, such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. My father instilled in me the value of hard work and the importance of carving out a place for myself in this world. With his guidance, I have learned that with determination, consistency, and a strong mindset, I can achieve anything I set my mind to. He has also taught me the importance of confidence, whether it be through introducing myself to every room I enter or pushing me to take on volunteer work with rotary at a young age.
My father’s support and encouragement have been unwavering throughout my life. From cheering me on in my sports career to making me a partner in Autumn Brands, he has always believed in my capabilities. He has taught me the value of working hard for what I want, which was evident when I was in the 6th grade. I participated in a fundraiser for our school where the top prize was a new Wii, and I was determined to win it. I worked tirelessly, selling wrapping paper, chocolates, bows, cards, and more to family members, at events, and even around my neighborhood. In the end, I was the top sales student, and I proudly earned that Wii.
As someone who is dyslexic, English has always been a struggle for me. I would often skim through chapters to keep up in my reading class, and during tests, I would only half-read questions or become so overwhelmed that I would rush through them. However, once I recognized my habits, I made a conscious effort to slow down and take my time. As a result, my grades improved significantly. This practice of working slowly and efficiently has not only helped me in my academic life but also in my business endeavors. While I am no stranger to hard work and long days, I have also learned the importance of working smart and efficiently, rather than rushing to keep up.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As CSO, I oversee strategic planning, marketing, product development, packaging and sales. I lead a team of 20 in the harvesting and packaging departments and have transitioned into a deeper focus of product development and sales. I grew up on the family farm and learned best agricultural practices and sales from my Dad, Hans. Only a few years after graduating from Cal Poly with a degree in Environmental Horticultural Science, I’ve proven myself to be a force in the cannabis industry. I am a sought after public speaker on cannabis cultivation and sales. Under my leadership, the company continues to focus on quality control, higher post-production yields, develop new pre-roll blends and increase revenue. I’m a proud Rotarian and a member of the local Sunset Rotary Club. I live in Carpinteria, California with my boyfriend, Elias and enjoy skiing, wake surfing and traveling in my free time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being a women and family owned and operated business that stays true to its values and provides a consistent product are qualities that shape Autumn Brands. Along with running a large-scale cannabis operation presents a variety of challenges for any commercial grower. Every aspect of cultivation requires strategic precision, from selecting the hardiest strains to keeping up with increasing demand for products. In a notoriously competitive market, many sellers rely on organic or inorganic pesticides to speed the growth process and obtain more weight to their plants. Under the watchful eye of our Head Grower Johnny Brand, we far surpass state regulatory standards, offering powerfully potent strains of clean, pesticide-free cannabis from a name customers trust for quality and consistency.
“You can wash your lettuce but not your weed” – the saying is a regular reminder that drives our team toward an uncompromising approach to clean, safe practices. While other growers may claim a “pesticide-free” process relying on neem and similar oils, Autumn Brands’ “no spray” policy means just that… and customers can look for the ladybug PURE stamp of approval as the gold standard in integrative growing techniques ensuring clean, pesticide-free cannabis products they can count on for quality and safety. The brand’s PURE guarantee marks a product that is:
● Pesticide-free, grown and nurtured by hand according to integrative, no-spray techniques that allow beneficial creatures like ladybugs to coexist peacefully
● User-first, always keeping the safety and experience of customers top-of-mind during every step of the process
● Responsibly-grown, using hydroponic methods and natural well water on a closed-loop system
● Eco-friendly, incorporating into the grow process earth elements like sustainably sourced coco noir that keep the brand’s carbon footprint small
As someone working in the cannabis industry, my advice to others looking to enter this field would be to stay informed and educated about the ever-changing laws and regulations surrounding cannabis. Also, networking and building relationships with other professionals in the industry can provide valuable insights and support. It is also important to prioritize quality and safety in all aspects of your business, from cultivation to distribution. Never lose sight of the potential impact and responsibility that comes with being a part of the cannabis industry and always strive to promote responsible and ethical practices.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Growing – Despite facing challenges due to heavy rainfall and dark weather, we have remained determined and committed to our work of sourcing and testing new genetics. Our efforts have paid off as we have discovered some of our most beloved strains, including Sweet ZZZ’s CBD, Peach Dreams, and RIP OG. As a no-spray operation, we continuously test all new genetics to ensure they are compatible with our system and resistant to pests and mildews.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://autumnbrands.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnbrands_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autumnbrands
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-brand-a77550bb/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/autumnbrands/
Image Credits
Autumn Brands
