We were lucky to catch up with Karin Lazarus recently and have shared our conversation below.
Karin , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from believing in my ability to succeed and knowing I am good at what I do. Optimism is the ability to go forward with hope and confidence. Successful outcomes begin with optimism. People are drawn to confidence because it fosters trust. Even so I also know that no one can do it alone. Seek and receive support! There is strength in being vulnerable, in being human. Successful people are conscious and interested in continuous personal and professional growth, and who courageously ask for and openly receive support are stronger. Support from others breeds optimism.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Sweet Mary Jane is a food first cannabis company. We are a family owned and women led company that just so happens to believe that good food with cannabis baked in can make the world a better place. I am the owner of Sweet Mary Jane, in Boulder, CO. My partner is my brilliant, capable, amazing daughter Lucienne.
Back in 2009 I entered my Chocolate-Filled Pandan Dumplings recipe in the Scharffen Berger’s Chocolate Adventure Contest and won the grand prize. This gave me enough startup money to open our bakery. I chose to go with a cannabis bakery rather than a traditional bakery because combining my passion for baking and healing properties of this amazing plant is a dream come true. The rebellious part of me wanted a challenge by stepping into the unknown, the political part of me wanted to prove that cannabis was safe & not something to be punished for, and the compassionate part of me to show that cannabis heals.
I wanted our confections to create an experience, to be something you enjoy, and savor, not something you take, like medicine! I also wanted to make sure Sweet Mary Jane would have something for everyone, even those who are just dipping their toes into the world of cannabis. That’s where our low-dose confections, like our delightful line of popcorn, come in – perfect for those who are curious and looking for a gentle introduction. We want you to enjoy the adventure!
Get ready …we are working on some fabulous new products. Sweet Mary Jane wants to bake your day!
Over the 15 years SMJ has been in business some of the most important things I learned are:
1.To be successful you must be strategic. We need be sure of ourselves. Surround yourself with a team of great people to work with and be fair, inclusive, and respectful. Build trust.
2.Cannabis benefits communities by generating tax revenue, economic growth, creating jobs, providing social equity programs, cannabis money is addressing America’s moral debt. To me, those are a few of the best reasons to be working in this industry.
For the first time we are looking to expand into legal markets outside of Colorado. This is an exciting adventure for us, we have a lot of work ahead of us but I know we will get there!
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?
Be authentic. Celebrate who you are. Show your unique talents and strive for greatness! Be humble! Be honest about what your strengths and weakness are. There is so much value in learning from others. Remain true to who you are and how you want to shine in the world.
Never give up. Embark on your journey with trust in yourself. Even in the face of failures and setbacks, keeping a positive outlook will keep you on your path. The road may be long and arduous to get to where you want to be but do not let temporary challenges stand in the way of your goals. It’s through the rough times that you’ll uncover your greatest strengths. It takes mindfulness and practice.
Speak your truth. Use your voice with strength and purpose. Be willing to say what you believe and be heard, even if your message challenges the status quo or isn’t popular. Choose your words thoughtfully but remember that your voice is your most powerful tool for creating your success.
I know this is all a lot of hard work, but it will all be worth it, so step joyfully into your bright future!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
At Sweet Mary Jane, we take pride in being a female-owned business and a food-first cannabis company. Our roots are in crafting delicious, high-quality snacks that just happen to be infused with cannabis. As we look to expand our brand into new markets, we’re eager to partner with individuals and companies who align with our passion for food, innovation, and compliance.
We’re especially interested in collaborating with businesses that share our commitment to elevating the cannabis experience through well-crafted, snackable products. Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or a company looking for a unique product to bring to market, we want to work with partners who understand the value of blending gourmet flavors with cannabis in a way that truly resonates with consumers.
As a woman-owned brand, we’re always excited to work with those who support diversity and the growth of female leadership in the cannabis and food industries. If you’re reading this and feel we’d make a great team, we’d love to connect! Reach out through our website at www.sweetmaryjanebakery.com or send us a DM on Instagram. Let’s create something special together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweetmaryjanebakery.com
- Instagram: @sweetmaryjanebakery
- Facebook: Sweet Mary Jane
Image Credits
Povy Atchison
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