Danielle Rosellison
Co-owner
Trail Blazin’ Productions
Bellingham, WA
Forget everything I said about things being awesome.
Money is tight. The race to the bottom is disgusting. Big money is doing everything they can to squash the cottage industry. And positive regulatory and legislative changes move at a snail’s pace while the small farmers are starving. The struggle is real. Basically, the world is ending and we’re all going to die.
On the bright side, I feel like we’ve come leaps and bounds from an acceptance perspective on the national level. Baby boomers and medical practitioners are coming forward in mass numbers, asking questions about cannabis. More consumers are now familiar with the word “terpenes” (which have been known for centuries for their medicinal benefits). The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced in December that doctors can discuss cannabis use with any veteran requesting the information, although they still cannot recommend or make a referral for their patient, nor will the VA cover the medication costs.
So, we ARE getting somewhere. It’s just painfully slow when you are on the front line.
During the tough times, the only thing to do is focus on your business plan. What can be adapted? What do the changing circumstances require of me? What new SKUs can I add to be competitive and cost effective? What costs can be cut while maintaining our morals and values? What local or legislative items require my attention because the fallout will be harmful to the dream that we are building? (If this isn’t part of your business plan, it should be.) How can I change the flow of a workspace to be more efficient? How do I keep morale high?
Trail Blazin’ is in this for the long haul. We will weather all storms. And I am reminded that when things are difficult, it means they will be that much better on the other side. So, put your head down, and focus on what you CAN do to make your business successful and make your dreams come true.
And know that this too shall pass …