Selena Jochumsen Shares About Her Organic THC & CBD Business

Hi, Selena! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

Selena is a dynamic serial entrepreneur, currently thriving in her third and most beloved business venture in the ever-evolving world of cannabis. As the founder of Greenhouse Girls, one of the pioneering dispensaries to legally open under the 2018 Farm Bill, Selena has established a reputation for quality and innovation in the cannabis industry. Greenhouse Girls Dispensary is renowned for its commitment to producing organic, vegan gummies free from artificial colors and flavors, preserving the natural integrity of the cannabis plant. With a nationwide shipping capability, Selena and her team are dedicated to delivering the finest cannabis products across the country, making Greenhouse Girls a trusted name in the industry. In her free time, Selena loves to stroll through nature or watch movies with her wife and pup, embracing the simple joys of life.

Who are your customers?

Anyone over 21, More specifically anyone looking to try cannabis products, THC or CBD.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before starting Greenhouse Girls, I successfully ran two other businesses: Can't Believe It's Thrifted and Luxe Picnic Co. Although I loved both ventures, they weren't the perfect fit for me. I have a passion for thrifting, but wanting to keep the clothes became a bit of a problem! Prior to my entrepreneurial journey, I worked as a Chef in Las Vegas. One of the highlights of my career was receiving the dream call to be a Chef for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Super Bowl LV in 2021. It was a life-changing experience, but nothing compares to the fulfillment of owning and running your own business.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

What motivated me to take the leap into starting my own business was the realization that my earning potential could shift from the limitations of a boss' raise to being absolutely limitless. The freedom and the knowledge that anything is possible were enough to inspire me to take that bold step.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I didn't always know I wanted to be an entrepreneur. While I always aspired to achieve great things, I wasn't sure how to get there. Growing up, my parents owned a business, and they didn't enjoy being business owners. Now, as a business owner myself, I recognize that there are ups and downs, but I believe the rewards far outweigh the challenges.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I first launched my business, we were incredibly fortunate not to need any marketing. Our primary location was at a weekend market, open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 4pm. Outside those hours, customers would call to place orders, which I fulfilled during the week. All our customers came through word of mouth, visitors, and people shopping at the market. I didn't realize the importance of marketing until we opened our brick-and-mortar store. Thankfully, we are very adaptable and have quickly gotten the hang of it.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

The biggest challenge we encountered was having our payment processors cancel on us because the cannabis industry is considered "high risk." There was a time when we had a line of customers ready to check out, but all their cards kept declining. It was so embarrassing when they had to resort to paying with cash or Zelle. This didn’t just happen once or twice, but three times! Now, we have a backup processor just in case. I've also learned that when something unexpected like this happens, reaching out to the community for help can be incredibly beneficial—someone always knows someone who can lend a hand.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

One of the achievements that brings me the most pride is our beautiful brick and mortar store! Inside, we've created an exquisite manufacturing room where we bring all our products to life. Additionally, we've designed a welcoming retail space where customers can come in and explore our offerings. Education is a cornerstone of our mission! Cannabis offers numerous benefits, yet there's a lack of understanding about how it can truly work with and for you. Our brick and mortar location has provided us with the perfect venue to host seminars and enlighten our community about the wonders of cannabis. Opening our store has not only exceeded our expectations but has also opened doors to exciting opportunities ahead!

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

One of our recent victories that we're absolutely thrilled about was celebrating our grand opening for our brick-and-mortar location! It was an incredible milestone for Greenhouse Girls, marking a new chapter in our journey to bring quality cannabis products and education to our community. The grand opening event was a culmination of hard work, dedication, and the support of our amazing customers and community. We were thrilled to showcase our exquisite retail space and state-of-the-art manufacturing room, where our products come to life. The event not only highlighted our commitment to excellence but also served as a platform to connect with our customers on a deeper level. We're grateful for the overwhelming positive response and look forward to continuing to serve and grow with our community!

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Looking ahead, Greenhouse Girls is poised for growth, not just in our product offerings but also in our ability to educate about cannabis. We're excited to announce our upcoming Greenhouse Girls Podcast, where we'll delve deeply into cannabis topics, including how hemp has revolutionized the free cannabis market in the U.S. Our goal is to expand understanding and provide valuable insights, making cannabis education accessible and empowering for everyone. Stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey of growth and enlightenment!

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

One of my top productivity tips is maintaining a consistent to-do list on my phone. This practice helps me stay organized and ensures that I always know what tasks need my attention each day. Since adopting this method, I've noticed a significant increase in my completion rate for tasks. Having a clear list of priorities at my fingertips enables me to focus on what's important and stay on track throughout the day. It's been a game-changer for my productivity, allowing me to accomplish more efficiently and effectively.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

One key lesson I've learned on my Entreprenista journey is that as you grow, the dynamics of your relationships can shift, and sometimes you may outgrow certain connections. This evolution can sometimes lead to resentment from those who feel limited by their own choices while witnessing your progress and ambition. It's crucial to stay committed to your own path and continue making bold moves, even in the face of criticism or negativity from others.

Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family

No children, unless my pup counts?

Do you have a co-founder? If so, how did you find the right one for you and what are your best partnership tips?

Absolutely! My amazing wife is not just my life partner but also my co-founder in all the ventures I've pursued—I couldn't imagine embarking on these journeys with anyone else by my side. When choosing a co-founder, it's crucial to ensure that your shared passion and commitment to the company align seamlessly. Look for someone who embodies the mission and values of your business, as a strong foundation in partnership lays the groundwork for a thriving business journey together. Beyond shared passion and values, consider their complementary skills and strengths. A successful co-founder should bring expertise and perspectives that enhance the overall capabilities of your team. Additionally, prioritize open and effective communication to foster transparency and collaboration. Trust, mutual respect, dedication, and resilience are key attributes for navigating challenges and celebrating successes together. Choose a co-founder who shares your drive and determination for long-term success and ensure alignment on fundamental goals and strategies to steer the business towards mutual objectives.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

One of my go-to business tools is a toss-up between Canva and Perplexity! Canva is my go-to for all things social media, packaging, marketing, and brand building—it's incredibly versatile. On the other hand, Perplexity is an AI assistant that has become indispensable for research. I absolutely love how Perplexity goes beyond traditional search engines by providing factual information backed with article links and academic papers, ensuring I always have the most accurate data at my fingertips. It's a game-changer for staying informed and making well-informed decisions in my business ventures.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

The advice I would offer to fellow entrepreneurs is to persevere relentlessly—this is something I emphasize wholeheartedly. There are countless challenges and reasons that might tempt you to give up, but overcoming them is where true success lies. It's crucial not to let negative thoughts or setbacks define your journey. While dedicating yourself to growing your business is essential, it's equally important to prioritize self-care and personal growth. Remember, nurturing yourself ensures you have the resilience and clarity needed to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with grace and determination.

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