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, Chelsea Candelaria, founder of Calling Marijane.
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 Calling Marijane Founder Chelsea Candelaria?
In the vibrant tapestry of cannabis culture, Chelsea Candelaria emerges as a beacon of empowerment, reshaping the industry with her brand Calling Marijane. From her roots in Oxnard, California, to her journey through El Paso, Texas; rural North Carolina; and Des Moines, Iowa, Chelsea's path reflects the mosaic of her diverse cultural influences—one that embodies resilience, determination, and an unyielding commitment to community.
Calling Marijane isn't just a brand; it's a movement: a celebration of culture, truth, and empowerment. Inspired by her grandfather's backyard cannabis teas and her cousin's legacy in Lake County, Chelsea's foray into the cannabis space is a testament to the transformative power of the plant. With Calling Marijane, she's reclaiming a narrative, breaking down taboos, and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Cultural Connection:
For Chelsea, cannabis is a thread that weaves through the fabric of her identity—a legacy passed down through generations. From the secretive whispers in the Black church to the open embrace of truth and liberation, Chelsea's story reflects the evolution of cannabis culture within her family and community—a journey marked by honesty, advocacy, and empowerment.
Soundtrack for Success:
With Khya + Son Ray's "Mary's Strain 144BPM," Sango's "Drifted feat Jayla Darden," and SIR's "No Evil," Chelsea's smoking playlist is a melodic ode to liberation—a soundtrack that echoes the rhythm of resilience and the melody of empowerment.
Listen to Khya and Son Ray's "Mary's Strain 114BPM":
Listen to Sango's "Drifted" Featuring Jayla Darden:
Listen to Sir's "No Evil":
*Editor's Note: Want more beats from SIR? Click here.
Favorite “Go To” Munchie:
When the munchies strike, Chelsea turns to the vibrant flavors of fruit with chili, a culinary fusion that mirrors the richness and diversity of her cultural heritage.
Chill Sessions and Connections with Key People:
If given the chance, Chelsea's perfect "chill session" would be with her maternal grandfather, sharing a joint and a gin martini—a moment of connection, reflection, and shared wisdom.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Despite the strides made, Chelsea recognizes the hurdles that still stand in the way of Black entrepreneurs—lack of funding, overbearing regulations, and a lack of accountability. Yet, she remains undeterred, championing community, collaboration, and accountability as the keys to overcoming these challenges.
Looking to the Future:
For Chelsea, the future of cannabis is rooted in reparations—an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and empower Black communities economically. Through community, collaboration, and collective action, Chelsea envisions a future where cannabis serves as a vehicle for empowerment, justice, and liberation.
Making a Difference:
At Calling Marijane, community is a way of life. From intentional sourcing to active support of local events and organizations like the Equity Trade Network, Chelsea is leading by example, demonstrating that true success in cannabis comes not just from profit, but from purpose, passion, and community impact.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us raise a joint to trailblazers like Chelsea Candelaria, whose entrepreneurial spirit, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to community are reshaping the landscape of cannabis—one bud at a time.
For more about Chelsea and Calling Marijane, visit callingmarijaneshop.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: Chelsea Candelaria, founder of Calling Marijane (C) Calling Marijane
