Honeysuckle is proud to present "Black Gold: A Celebration of Black Cannabis Community Movers and Shakers" in partnership with the Equity Trade Network! Next up in this series of Black History Month profiles, it's Tiana Woodruff, founder of Queen Mary. She's reigning supreme with empowerment.
Black Gold: Honeysuckle Magazine And Equity Trade Network Celebrate Black History Month
Drop the needle on Nina Simone's iconic anthem, "Young, Gifted, and Black," because Honeysuckle Magazine is joining forces with Equity Trade Network to unleash a whirlwind of stories, values, and pure personality from the cream of the crop in Black-owned craft brands. This is a celebration with swagger: We’re shining a spotlight on the trailblazers who walk the walk - the community leaders are carving out paths of impact with every puff, pour and product.
Who And What Are The Equity Trade Network?
Who is the Equity Trade Network? They’re the fearless leaders behind the groundbreaking Equity Trade Certification Mark. It's not just a stamp; it's a badge of honor that shouts, "We're here to shake things up!" It’s earned by those dedicated to building equitable ecosystems, where every dollar spent packs a punch of purpose. So get ready to groove to the rhythm of empowerment and progress. Because when Honeysuckle Magazine and Equity Trade Network join forces, history doesn’t repeat itself - it roars into the future.
Who Is Queen Mary Founder Tiana Woodruff?
In the vibrant landscape of California's cannabis scene, one brand stands out as a beacon of empowerment and wellness: Queen Mary. Led by the visionary Tiana Woodruff, Queen Mary isn't just a brand; it's a movement—a movement rooted in the values of community, empowerment, and holistic health.
The company’s mission statement reads: “At Queen Mary, we're not just in the business of selling products; we're on a mission to revolutionize wellness. With our award-winning Social Equity brand, we're redefining what it means to prioritize mental health and holistic wellness. From our carefully formulated blends to our commitment to social justice, Queen Mary is more than just a brand; it's a lifestyle.”
Cultural Connection:
For Tiana Woodruff, cannabis is a legacy passed down through generations of music, culture, and resilience. From her father's love of cannabis to her family's personal experiences with addiction, Tiana's journey with cannabis is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and commitment to healing.
Soundtrack for Success:
With Sade's "No Ordinary Love," Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight," and Nina Simone's "Sinnerman" setting the tone, Tiana's smoking playlist is a symphony of soul, rhythm, and reflection. Each song is a tribute to the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect—a sentiment that resonates deeply with Tiana and her mission at Queen Mary.
Listen to Sade's "No Ordinary Love":
Listen to Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight":
*Editor's Note: Want more beats from Phil Collins? Click here.
Listen to Nina Simone's "Sinnerman":
Favorite “Go To” Munchie:
When the munchies strike, Tiana turns to the comforting embrace of a grilled cheese—a nostalgic indulgence that satisfies both the body and the soul.
Chill Sessions and Connections with Key People:
In a perfect "chill session," Tiana dreams of sharing a smoke with the incomparable Tiffany Haddish. For her, cannabis is about connection, laughter, and forging bonds that transcend time and space.
Favorite Cannabis-Fueled Activity:
From hiking through the scenic trails of California to exploring the great outdoors, Tiana finds joy and inspiration in the simple pleasures of nature. Her cannabis experience isn’t about getting high, but about enhancing the sensory experience and reconnecting with the world around her.
Challenges and Opportunities:
As a Black entrepreneur in the cannabis industry, Tiana understands the obstacles that stand in her way. From lack of funding to systemic inequalities, she's faced her fair share of challenges. Yet, through it all, she remains steadfast in her belief that with perseverance and community support, anything is possible.
Looking to the Future:
Looking ahead, Tiana envisions a future where the Black community is no longer disproportionately affected by cannabis criminalization. Through advocacy, education, and social justice initiatives, she's committed to creating a more equitable and just cannabis industry for all.
Making a Difference:
At Queen Mary, giving back is a way of life. From supporting charities like the Downtown Women's Center to advocating for social justice reform, Tiana and her team are dedicated to making a difference in their community, one donation at a time.
As Black History Month unfolds, we celebrate trailblazers like Tiana Woodruff, whose entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to wellness are reshaping the cannabis landscape. Through her passion, her resilience, and her unwavering dedication to excellence, she's building a legacy of empowerment, healing, and social change.
For more about Tiana and Queen Mary, visit queenmarybrand.com.
To learn more about Equity Trade Network, visit equitytradenetwork.org. You can also read about Equity Trade Network in Honeysuckle's 17th print edition, featuring Havoc of Mobb Deep. Get your copy now at dispensaries nationwide or click here to order!
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Written By:
Jake Wall is the Chief Innovation Officer and one of the trio of co-founders of MAISON BLOOM, the cannabis industry’s first strain-specific, whole-plant, single-barrel beverage brand. A veteran brand builder and growth marketing leader, Wall has a depth of experience across consumer brands, luxury fashion, digital and e-commerce, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and food and beverage/hospitality industries. Wall has played an integral role in shepherding numerous brands to their high-growth and adoption phases including eHOW, LIVESTRONG, JAKE Clothing, Haute Couture French Bubbles, Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke, and Chef Michael Mina’s empire of restaurants (MINA).
During his time with MINA, Wall oversaw branding and market adoption for 45+ different worldwide locations across 10 brands delivering $220M+ in annual revenues. Prior to MINA, he served as Creative Director at JAKE, where he managed a lifecycle of four seasonal product lines, as well as developing a unique custom operation that could operate at scale to deliver $10M+ in annual revenues and secure a successful exit for stakeholders. He has been profiled in publications including BizBash, Inc.com, SF Chronicle, WWD, Marie Claire, and Huffington Post.
@jakesonetoknowone (IG)
Jaime Lubin is Honeysuckle's Editor-At-Large. Her writing has appeared in HuffPost, Observer, Billboard and more. Also an actress and singer, she can be found on Twitter and Instagram.
@jaimelubin (IG)
@jaimelubin (Twitter)
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Featured image: Tiana Woodruff, founder of Queen Mary (C) Queen Mary
