#52 - S6:E8 - Krista Zaragoza: From Brand Ambassador to Leading Territory Sales at Rosin Tech Labs

#52 - S6:E8 - Krista Zaragoza: From Brand Ambassador to Leading Territory Sales at Rosin Tech Labs

From Budtender to Cannabis Industry Leader: Krista Zaragoza’s Journey into Hash and Rosin In Season 6, Episode 8 of the Women in CannaBusiness Podcast, host Olivia Castaldy sits down with Krista Zaragoza, Account Executive for Rosin Tech Labs’ Northern California territory, live from Hall of Flowers Ventura. Krista’s cannabis career began as a brand ambassador which helped her develop a deeper understanding of the plant, consumer preferences, and the sensory experience behind choosing quality products as well as retail. s. She shares how that foundation led her into brand representation, cannabis sales, and eventually a leadership role within the growing solventless extraction industry. Krista explains why smell, texture, touch, and education all play an important role in helping consumers understand cannabis products. She also discusses the growing interest in concentrates, how rosin technology and extraction methods have evolved, and where she believes the hash and solventless markets are heading next. The conversation also explores the challenges women continue to face in cannabis, the value of building confidence and industry knowledge, and Krista’s advice for professionals and entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the space. * How Krista began her cannabis career as a budtender * Developing a palate and understanding cannabis through sensory experiences * Transitioning from retail into brand representation and industry sales * The importance of cannabis education for consumers and professionals * The evolution of rosin technology and solventless extraction * Innovation and growth within the hash and concentrates market * * Challenges and opportunities for women working in cannabis * Advice for newcomers entering the cannabis or concentrates industriesKrista’s vision for the future of hash, rosin, and cannabis extraction   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction from Hall of Flowers Ventura 00:12 – Krista’s background and how she developed her cannabis palate 00:42 – Transitioning from budtender to brand ambassador and industry professional 01:10 – The role of smell, texture, and touch when selecting cannabis products 02:05 – How education shapes consumer decisions and industry standards 03:15 – The evolution of rosin technology and extraction innovation 04:30 – Challenges for women in cannabis and advice for building confidence 05:55 – Current trends within the concentrates industry 07:10 – Advice for professionals entering cannabis and solventless extraction 08:25 – Krista’s vision for the future of hash and rosin   Learn more about Rosin Tech Labs: https://rosintechlabs.com/ RTL Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rosintechlabs/?hl=en⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/rosintechlabs/?hl=en]   Connect with Krista Zaragoza on Socials: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-zaragoza/ Instagram - @bugeyednfried   Follow the Women in CannaBusiness Podcast for more conversations with the women building, leading, and transforming the cannabis industry,

#51 - S6:E7 - Meet the Four Women Behind Uncle Arnie’s California Sales Team | Women in Cannabis Beverages

What does it take to build and grow one of California’s leading cannabis beverage brands? In Episode 51 / Season 6: Episode 7 of Women in CannaBusiness, Olivia Castaldy sits down live at Hall of Flowers with four women from the Uncle Arnie’s [https://unclearnies.com/] California sales team: Christine Riedel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-riedel/], Lexi Salas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-salas-56b770258/], Amanda Jacoby [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-jacoby-5a450837/], and Tara DoBucki [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taradobucki/]. It is rare to meet four women working at the same cannabis company, let alone within the same department and region, who are willing to come together and share their experiences. At Uncle Arnie’s, however, women make up more than half of the company’s team and play an important role in growing the brand throughout California and beyond. Christine and Lexi are two of Uncle Arnie’s original team members, joining during the company’s early days and helping build its California presence from the ground up. Amanda brings experience from L’Oréal and the traditional consumer packaged goods industry, while Tara has transitioned her background in alcohol sales into the rapidly growing cannabis beverage category. Together, they discuss how their different professional backgrounds led them to cannabis, what it takes to succeed in California cannabis sales, and how they build lasting relationships with dispensaries, buyers, retailers, and industry partners. The conversation also explores the realities of working in cannabis sales, the value of having women represented across the same team, and how collaboration has helped Uncle Arnie’s become a recognizable name in THC-infused beverages. Tune in for an honest conversation about women in cannabis, California sales, cannabis beverage growth, career transitions, brand building, and the team helping bring Uncle Arnie’s products to consumers across the state. Learn more about Uncle Arnie’s [https://unclearnies.com/] and connect with Christine Riedel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-riedel/], Lexi Salas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-salas-56b770258/], Amanda Jacoby [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-jacoby-5a450837/], and Tara DoBucki [https://www.linkedin.com/in/taradobucki/] on LinkedIn.

#50 - S6:E6 - Wendy Baker: From Humboldt Grower to Award-Winning Solventless Edibles

In Episode 50, Season 6 Episode 6 of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, Olivia sits down with Wendy Baker, Founder and CEO of Love Gem Inc., DBA Space Gem, an award-winning cannabis edibles company rooted in Humboldt County while at Hall of Flowers Ventura 2026. Wendy shares how she began building Space Gem in 2013 and why she chose to focus on premium solventless edibles made with ice water hash. She discusses the intentional approach behind Space Gem’s products, including thoughtfully formulated edibles featuring functional mushrooms designed around focus, vitality, wellness, and sleep. The conversation explores what it takes to build an edibles brand centered on product quality, innovation, and responsible cannabis use. Wendy also speaks about preserving Humboldt County’s craft cannabis heritage, creating local jobs, educating consumers, and maintaining a commitment to the community that helped shape the brand. Wendy reflects on Space Gem’s recognition at the California State Fair Cannabis Awards, the realities of growing a company in an evolving industry, and her experience building a cannabis business as a woman founder. From honoring Humboldt’s legacy to creating products for the modern cannabis consumer, Wendy’s story demonstrates how innovation, intention, and craft can come together to build an award-winning brand with staying power. Listen to hear Wendy’s journey, the story behind Space Gem, and her advice for the next generation of women entrepreneurs entering the cannabis industry. Follow Wendy Baker: Instagram: @wendythespacegem [https://www.instagram.com/wendythespacegem/] Follow Space Gem: Instagram: @space_gem_ca [https://www.instagram.com/space_gem_ca/] Website: spacegemcandy.com [https://www.spacegemcandy.com/]

#49 - S6:E5 - Maha Haq - From Oaksterdam to VICE: Building a Career Through Cannabis Education

How do you build a career that spans nearly every corner of the cannabis industry? In this episode of Women in CannaBusiness, Olivia Castaldy sits down with Maha Haq, cannabis journalist, educator, researcher, and industry advocate, to explore the career that has taken her from budtender to one of the industry's most respected educational voices. With experience across retail, testing labs, consulting, higher education, research, media, and social equity, Maha shares why understanding the entire cannabis supply chain has been one of the greatest advantages in her career. She reflects on founding CannaClub at UCLA, teaching the next generation of cannabis professionals at Oaksterdam University, mentoring entrepreneurs through Los Angeles' Social Equity Program, and writing about cannabis culture, products, and consumer trends as a contributor for VICE. The conversation also takes a personal turn as Maha opens up about her experience using medicinal cannabis during postpartum, how it supported her mental health, and why honest conversations around women's health and cannabis are so important. Whether you're looking to break into the industry, grow your career, or simply better understand where cannabis is headed, this episode is filled with practical advice, thoughtful perspectives, and inspiration from someone who has helped shape the industry through education and community. In this episode, you'll learn: * How Maha built a career across nearly every sector of cannabis * Why education and mentorship are essential for industry growth * The value of understanding the full cannabis supply chain * Cannabis, postpartum recovery, and mental health * Social equity, community building, and creating opportunities for others * Actionable advice for anyone pursuing a career in cannabis About Maha Haq Maha Haq has spent more than a decade working throughout the commercial cannabis industry, consulting for retailers, consumption lounges, brands, and events. She is currently a Cannabis Staff Writer at VICE, covering cannabis products, consumer trends, shopping news, and culture. She serves on the Los Angeles chapter boards of NORML and the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, teaches at Oaksterdam University, and coaches entrepreneurs through the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation's Social Equity Program. After beginning her cannabis career in Los Angeles in 2012, Maha gained experience across nearly every stage of the supply chain, including cannabis testing laboratories. She later founded CannaClub at UCLA, growing it into a national student organization spanning more than 60 universities and over 9,000 members. She also conducted research through the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative and earned her M.S. in Medical Cannabis Science & Therapeutics from the University of Maryland. Connect with Maha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highmaha/ [https://www.instagram.com/highmaha/]  Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/highmaha/ [https://www.twitch.tv/highmaha/]

#48 - S6:E4 - Shelbie Vasquez: From Brand Ambassador to Multi-Brand Sales & Marketing Leader

In this episode of the Women in Cannabusiness Podcast, Olivia sits down with Shelbie Vasquez, Sales and Marketing professional at Beyond Legends Distribution, to discuss building a career fueled by passion, authentic relationships, and community. Shelbie shares her journey from starting as a Brand Ambassador with Yummi Karma in 2018 to representing a growing portfolio of cannabis brands through Beyond Legends Distribution, including Pretty Dope, Side Hustle, Crave, Daily Dose, Yummi Karma, and High Gorgeous. Along the way, she reflects on how sales, marketing, networking, and storytelling have shaped her career and opened doors throughout the industry. In addition to her work in distribution and brand development, Shelbie is also a podcast host with Respect My Region, where she spotlights the people, brands, and stories driving cannabis culture forward. Together, Olivia and Shelbie discuss balancing full-time work with podcasting, the importance of building genuine connections, and what it means to create opportunities for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Shelbie also shares the advice she would give her younger self and why staying passionate about the plant and the community has led to a career she truly loves. Whether you're just entering the cannabis industry, building your personal brand, or looking to grow your career, this episode is a reminder that curiosity, consistency, and authentic relationships can take you further than you ever imagined. In this episode, you'll hear about: * Shelbie's career journey from Brand Ambassador to Sales & Marketing * Working with brands including Pretty Dope, High Gorgeous, Yummi Karma, and more * Building a career across multiple cannabis brands through Beyond Legends Distribution * Balancing a full-time career while hosting an industry podcast * The value of networking and authentic relationship-building * Supporting women and creating community within cannabis * Advice for young professionals entering the industry * Why staying passionate about your work can open unexpected doors If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is building their own career in cannabis. About Beyond Legends Distribution Beyond Legends Distribution connects innovative cannabis brands with retailers across California through wholesale distribution, sales, and strategic marketing support. Their family of brands includes Pretty Dope, Side Hustle, Crave, Daily Dose, Yummi Karma, and High Gorgeous, helping consumers discover premium products while giving emerging brands the support they need to grow. Follow Shelbie: @shlebie.xoxo [https://www.instagram.com/shelbie.xoxo] Follow We R Legends: @beprettydope [https://www.instagram.com/beprettydope/?hl=en]   This episode is sponsored by CannaWorld Launching a cannabis brand is hard. Driving sell-through and securing re-orders is even harder. CannaWorld is a premier wholesale brokerage and cannabis marketing agency dedicated to helping brands successfully launch and scale in legal markets. Beyond traditional brokerage, CannaWorld provides experienced brand ambassadors, sales representatives, budtender education, retail activations, and consumer marketing that help products move off the shelf—not just onto it. By integrating directly with retailers, dispensary staff, budtenders, and consumers, CannaWorld creates the awareness and urgency brands need to drive long-term retail success. The team proudly prioritizes women-owned, LGBTQ+, local, and minority-owned brands across every legal market. Learn more at ShopCannaWorld.com [https://shopcannaworld.com/] or call 508-813-7963.