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, Eric Washington of Oaklien and OMNI .
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 Oaklien and OMNI founder Eric Washington?
In the heart of Oakland, California, where the streets echo with the rhythm of resilience and the spirit of innovation, Eric Washington stands as a beacon of cannabis culture—a testament to the city's enduring legacy and unwavering spirit. As a second-generation cannabis entrepreneur, Eric's journey is not just about building brands; it's about rewriting the narrative, reclaiming the past, and reshaping the future of cannabis with unparalleled style and unyielding advocacy.
Oaklien is a tribute to the soul of Oakland, a city that has long been a stronghold of creativity, community, and cannabis. Born from the experiences of its founder, Oaklien embodies the resilience and passion of a community that has faced the brunt of the War on Drugs. With OMNI, Eric elevates cannabis to new heights of luxury and sophistication, offering connoisseurs a sensory journey like no other.
Cultural Connection:
For Eric, cannabis is beyond a plant. It’s a part of his DNA—a legacy passed down through generations. Growing up in Oakland, he witnessed firsthand the impact of cannabis on his family and community. From therapeutic use to financial necessity, cannabis was woven into the fabric of everyday life, shaping his perspective and fueling his entrepreneurial spirit.
Soundtrack for Success:
With Tupac Shakur's "Me Against the World," Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's "They Reminisce Over You," and 3x Krazy's "Keep It On the Real," Eric's smoking playlist is a melodic homage to the streets of Oakland—a soundtrack of resilience, reflection, and revolution.
Listen to Tupac Shakur's "Me Against the World":
Listen to Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's "They Reminisce Over You":
Listen to 3x Krazy's "Keep It On the Real":
Favorite “Go To” Munchie:
When the munchies strike, Eric turns to the timeless comfort of tacos—a culinary delight that mirrors the vibrancy and diversity of Oakland itself.
Chill Sessions and Connections with Key People:
If given the chance, Eric's perfect "chill session" would be with none other than Tupac Shakur—a visionary whose words and wisdom continue to inspire generations.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Eric remains steadfast in his commitment to building a future where Black-owned businesses thrive. With a keen eye on sustainability and equity, he envisions a cannabis industry where legacy brands like Oaklien and OMNI take center stage.
Making a Difference:
Through initiatives like "Canna Kick It," Eric and his partner Evelyn LaChapelle are bridging the gap between cannabis and community. By providing a platform for education, advocacy, and positive experiences, they're not just building brands; they're building a movement—one puff at a time.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us raise a joint to trailblazers like Eric Washington, whose entrepreneurial spirit, cultural pride, and unwavering commitment to excellence are shaping the future of cannabis—one nug at a time.
For more about Eric, Oaklien and OMNI, follow @oldmoneynewink on Instagram. To learn more about Canna Kick It, visit cannakick-it.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!
--
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)
--
Find Out More On Social
--
Featured image: Eric Washington, founder of OMNI (C) OMNI
