We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Miele recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren , 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 derive my work ethic from the apprehension of falling behind. Creating a unique product has instilled a daily sense of alertness and determination, driving me to achieve more while maintaining focus. My work ethic is deeply rooted in the values that have shaped both myself and my brand, making it a genuine reflection of my identity.
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?
Greetings! I’m Lauren Miele, the Founder & CEO of KushKards; The Original Cannabis Greeting Card, offering a unique way to combine a thoughtful message with a practical gift. The inception of KushKards stems from my frustration in finding suitable cards to accompany cannabis gifts back in 2013. As a young professional seeking to give personalized presents, I embarked on creating my own solution.
The genesis of KushKards occurred during my commute on the #1 Train Local from Washington Heights to 34th Street. Fresh out of The Fashion Institute of Technology in June 2013, working as a junior Fashion Bath Accessory Home Designer in New York City, I was brimming with creative energy. Surrounded by this vibrant environment, the concept behind KushKards emerged as a solution that not only addressed a need but also fostered connections among people.
The initial prototype, conceived during that fateful commute, was a single-sided 5″ x 7″ card featuring the phrase “A Special Treat For a Special Person” at the top, a weed brownie recipe at the bottom, and an empty space in the middle. In this space, I meticulously hand-sewed blunts in the shape of initials, numbers, or other symbolic elements. With each subsequent card, I honed this idea further, incorporating personalized touches such as initials or numbers into the rolled blunts. It was during this creative process that the name “KushKard with a K” was coined by a friend, marking the official birth of the “Hallmark of Marijuana” in December 2013, right in the heart of New York City.
Over the next year and a half, I dedicated myself to perfecting the prototypes, refining my creative techniques, and sharpening my pun skills. An interesting tidbit: all the early KushKards from 2013 to 2015 featured only the phrase “A Special Treat For A Special Person” and were one-sided. As time went on, the design evolved to include a match sticker and a match attached to the card, eliminating the need for a lighter.
In 2015, I made the decision to scale up production, officially launching the KushKard brand. Balancing my entrepreneurial pursuits with a day job, I spent a year moonlighting before relocating across the country to Denver, Colorado, to nurture and expand the brand. And here I remain, continuing to cultivate KushKards and its community to this day!
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?
Three crucial areas of expertise that significantly impact the journey of entrepreneurship include:
Visual Presentation: The ability to professionally and visually introduce various aspects of your brand is paramount. I take great care to craft presentations that captivate and enamor audiences with the concept of KushKards and my unwavering passion. Leveraging my AS Degree in Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, I incorporate design principles daily to ensure a compelling visual representation of my brand.
Product Development: Leveraging the knowledge acquired during my college education and applying it to product development is instrumental. Harnessing my expertise in this area allows me to create innovative products and utilize my skill set effectively, ultimately bolstering financial success.
Social Media: Proficiency in utilizing social media platforms to effectively communicate the mission and values of your brand is essential. Whether through compelling images, engaging memes, or concise 7-second videos, I ensure to share the narrative behind the brand, as it serves as the cornerstone of my continued success in business.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
The most significant area of progress in the last year has been ensuring that each member of my team is positioned in roles that align with their strengths. A colleague suggested the book “Traction” by Gino Wickman which provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs in solidifying their business foundation. Delving into this resource has been instrumental in gradually aligning the puzzle pieces of my business. It’s imperative to ensure that team members leverage their strengths, as this is essential for fostering growth. The adage “hire people smarter than you” rings true in this regard, emphasizing the importance of assembling a talented and capable team.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kushkards.com
- Instagram: @kushkards
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-miele-532a1422/
