In honour of International Women’s Day, we want to highlight the incredible female voices on the Eggs Canna team. From our woman founder to our women store managers the diversity is strong. From “dude culture” to big business other industries can be very patriarchal, and Eggs Canna wants to change this – to make it a safe space not only for women but for everyone. Throughout our community Eggs Canna aims to amplify the power of women and crack down the gender bias.

Join us leading up to International Women’s Day as we shine the light on the incredible women that are a part of the Eggs Canna team. The fifth person we want to highlight is Oana Cappellano, our fearless leader, our president & Co-Founder at Eggs Canna. Oana’s Cannabis journey is featured in this Q+A.

Oana Cappellano:

President & Co-Founder Eggs Canna

President and Co-Founder of Eggs Canna | Oana Cappellano

Why/how did you get into the cannabis industry?

Andrew (our other Co-Founder) has been cultivating cannabis for many years; one day, he approached me and just said, “Would you open a cannabis retail store with me?” At the time, I was working at the BC Cancer Agency as a Nursing Coordinator and had seen firsthand the many benefits of cannabis for a wide range of illnesses including cancer – so I was very excited for this opportunity. The first thing I did was let my parents know that I would be resigning from the Cancer Agency to open a cannabis retail store — which at the time was very much in a “grey area” of legality. I picked both my parents off the floor after they had a mini heart attack, and Andrew and I began the hunt for our first location.

What advice do you have for women looking to make an impact in the cannabis space?

I have met many talented women in the cannabis industry, and I’ve found for the most part this industry has been one of the most inclusive. I believe that women have a natural knack for cultivation (we are generally nurturing by design), and I have had the pleasure of meeting many talented women growers. The best advice I have for any woman getting into any industry is to be brave and try it – there could be someone out there less qualified doing what you love only because they had the fortitude to try something new!

Did you ever dream of being in cannabis industry?

This is a hard question for me! As I have stated, Andrew has been a grower for 20+ years and so I have been around cannabis for a very long time. I have always been passionate about the subject – I believe in its many healing properties and during the early prohibition days, I did a lot of advocacy work. Having said all of that, did I think that Andrew and I would have built Eggs Canna to become a well-recognized brand and now be launching our cultivation facility? That part is still surreal to me at times and if I had my pick of any industry, this would still be my first choice!

What are some of the challenges that still exist that made you WANT to be in this industry?

I have been fortunate to be part of this industry pre-legalization and have seen its growth (or lack thereof) from the start. Some of the difficulties that as a budding industry we are still experiencing that I personally would like to help with are: government overreach, over-regulation, monopolization, and ensuing subsidizing by taxpayers of government retail outlets.

How does a women’s presence in cannabis change the way that the industry is viewed and perceived?

I believe that women can bring a softer presence — during the early days, this “woman presence” was beneficial in curbing many of the stigmas attached to both cannabis cultivation and its use. As a woman and mother, I was able to speak to the use of CBD as an anti-seizure and antispasmodic in both children and pets, and people listened with an open mind. I think this same information delivered by a man would not have resonated as impactfully. During the early days of our stores, we were on a mission of sorts to change the perception of cannabis, and a large part of that was research and how we should deliver the information found — many of our female managers took it upon themselves to teach our customer community about the multitude of awesome and healing properties of cannabis.

What do you think helped you the most to make a career as a woman? What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?

Tenacity, grit, and sheer determination to succeed against all odds! I have a reputation in this industry of being a tough cookie who isn’t afraid of speaking her mind — the ability to say no and be firm in negotiations I think has contributed immensely to my success as a respected businesswoman. I feel that as women we struggle with that balance of being kind and nurturing while also being firm and direct — find your inner strength and play off it. As simple as this sounds, I started with a strong and commanding handshake after a lawyer made a comment that my handshake wasn’t all that it could be! I quickly learned that setting the tone with your male counterparts right out the gate gives you a sense of strength and confidence that helps in any situation.

How many people did you have to convince that Cannabis isn’t a dangerous substance?

Oh boy, I mean I lost count at 10,000 — I remember the look on people’s faces when I used to tell them that women produce cannabinoids in breast milk! That was always a fun conversation.

How many times have you been the only woman in the room when it comes to cannabis? How do you deal with it?

Many times, and I love it! Once you find your inner strength, you can take these situations on with a sense of adventure and end up loving the challenge. Although, I have to say, most people I have met in the cannabis industry have been inclusive and wonderful to work with.

What was your family’s reaction to being in the cannabis industry?

At first, they were completely opposed to it! Now they of course love this industry and support my decision.

BONUS QUESTIONS: What is your favourite Munchie?

I am obsessed with chocolate, anything with chocolate!

What is your favourite method of consumption?

Vapes! I love that they are discreet and I can control the high — I’ve had a couple of “missed calculations” with edibles lol.

The International Women’s Day 2022 Campaign theme is #BreakTheBias, which is why Eggs Canna is #CrackingTheBias: 

Imagine a gender equal world. 

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. 

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. 

A world where difference is valued and celebrated. 

Together we can forge women’s equality. 

Collectively we can all #CrackTheBias. 

Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. 

We can crack the bias in our communities. 

We will crack the bias in our workplaces. 

Together, we can all crack and creak the bias - on International Women’s Day and beyond. 

Join us leading up to International Women’s Day as we shine the light on the incredible Women that are a part of our Eggs Canna team. The fourth person we want to highlight is Angie Macnab, CPA, our CFO at Eggs Canna. Angie’s Cannabis journey is featured in this Q+A.

ANGIE MACNAB, CPA, ACCA:

Name: Eggs Canna
Address: Canada
Telephone: (604) 423-3557

CFO at Eggs Canna

Why/how did you get into the cannabis industry?

By referral, and right place/time through our retail manager whom I previously worked with for several years. When he heard I was consulting in summer 2018, he reached out to help with card processing RFP, which led to Oana and I hitting it off.  I wanted to join a team where my past experiences could contribute again to a growing business’ start-up phase – and it cannot get more startup than a whole new industry.

What advice do you have for women looking to make an impact in the cannabis space?

Embrace the amazingness of balancing business with caring – this industry is creating jobs and building businesses, through product development and offerings that will be focused on every gender.  Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your perspectives.

Did you ever dream of being in cannabis industry?

Definitely was not on my radar before summer 2018 – then legalization opened the doors to totally fit my next career chapter.

What are some of the challenges that still exist that made you WANT to be in this industry?

One in particular for me: the (still) crazy challenges in banking (thank goodness we got into BMO and G&F Financial Group when we did – FICOM limits cannabis accounts, which is crazy as we go through intense financial & security checks to earn the BC retail & Health Canada cultivation licences, so if Government awards licence, why are we any different than any other heavy regulated industry?!). As a CPA, I feel I can really help make a difference in this component – banking is so fundamental to business, from direct deposit payroll to paying vendors and stakeholders, cannabis is second only to blockchain for this hurdle. Yet, compared to blockchain cannabis retailers and cultivators go through that intense scrutiny just to be allowed to operate.

OK, second point – ensuring retail is a level playing field for ALL private retailers (which we do see some unfair advantages for Government retail).

How does a women’s presence in cannabis change the way that the industry is viewed and perceived?

Combination of work ethic and constantly balancing business/professionalism and caring – speaking out when I see any sexist comments or behaviour.

What do you think helped you the most to make a career as a woman? What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?

Being a go-getter who asks questions to understand every aspect of the business. 

How many people did you have to convince that Cannabis isn’t a dangerous substance?

Oh my, oh so many!!  Especially when sharing what I’ve learned about CBD – which has been a huge help for me with sleeping (quieting my brain at night has been a challenge for many years), not to mention muscle aches.

How many times have you been in the only woman in the room, when it comes to cannabis?

This one is a tough one, we are so rarely in “rooms” together anymore – only a handful of times luckily.

What was your families reaction to being in the cannabis industry?

I was a bit nervous but my entire family (including a grandmother who’d been quietly using CBD for sleep & inflammation for a few years) totally embraced cannabis and were excited to share in this amazing new industry development!

BONUS QUESTIONS: What is your favourite Munchie?

Twizzlers!

What is your favourite method of consumption?

Drinks & chocolate! (So long as it’s low sugar lol)

The International Women’s Day 2022 Campaign theme is #BreakTheBias, which is why Eggs Canna is #CrackingTheBias: 

Imagine a gender equal world. 

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. 

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. 

A world where difference is valued and celebrated. 

Together we can forge women’s equality. 

Collectively we can all #CrackTheBias. 

Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. 

We can crack the bias in our communities. 

We will crack the bias in our workplaces. 

Together, we can all crack and creak the bias - on International Women’s Day and beyond. 

In honor of International Women’s Day, we want to highlight the incredible female voices on the eggs canna team. From our women founder to our women store managers the diversity is strong. From dude culture to big business, other industries can be very patriarchal, and Eggs Canna wants to change this. To make it a safe space not only for women, but for everyone. Throughout our community, Eggs Canna aims to amplify the power of women and crack down the gender bias.

Join us leading up to International Women’s Day as we shine the light on the incredible Women that are a part of the Eggs Canna team. The first person we want to highlight is Demara Bradford, the Manager of our Hollywood Boutique in Kelowna. Demara’s Cannabis journey is featured in this Q+A.

DEMARA BRADFORD: Manager at Eggs Canna Hollywood

Demara Bradford – Eggs Canna Manager

Why/how did you get into the cannabis industry?

Well, I have a love and passion for all herbs, Particularly Cannabis. It has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Pretty sure they were just house plants growing up. It’s a know fact, that if you have passion for what you are doing in life, you will succeed in what ever it is you choose.

What advice do you have for women looking to make an impact in the cannabis space?

In general I think advice I have for women would be: stay true to yourself, be kind always. Its better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. With Cannabis I would say, build a community, build a network of people you can trust. To share opinions, thoughts and ideas with, a network you trust. Learn how to pivot, be fluid, always be able to move directions or change plans 😉

Did you ever dream of being in cannabis industry?

I think everyone dreams to be in the cannabis industry, for me I didn’t think it could be a reality. You never thought you could make a legit career out of it. So, yes I dreamt of it, but now living that I can say “wow it has been a dream come true in a way”.

What are some of the challenges that still exist that made you WANT to be in this industry?

Keeping up with such a fast growing industry, knowing about all the products coming on to the market, staying up to date on all the evolving rules, regulations and concepts. But having that challenge, has kept my passion alive. And again, you will enjoy having a career you are passionate about.

How does a women’s presence in cannabis change the way that the industry is viewed and perceived?

I feel like that there is such a connection with women and with Mother Nature that if you didn’t have the two coincide together, The outcome might not be as desired as we want. Having women in cannabis empowers other women and empowers the shift of stigma towards it. Women are elegant creatures we’re beautiful, we are loving and caring. And it’s the same with the cannabis plant. It is loving, it is giving, it is beautiful and it has a way to change the world just as women do.

What do you think helped you the most to make a career as a woman? What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?

The biggest thing that has helped me be successful in my career as a woman is having that mentor. To have a mentor that is supportive and believes in you and is willing to help you grow. I have a personal drive to always be better, to do better and to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually in any experience that I have. So having that personal drive to grow to be better person is something that I think has helped me be successful. But of course, that personal drive comes from a deeper source, a drive that my daughter gives me to be and do better. I named her Destiny, because I was destined to become a better person in life, I was made to become her mother.

How many people did you have to convince that Cannabis isn’t a dangerous substance?

I think most of my life, cannabis was viewed as something natural that was safe, and that was comfortable. We had it growing up in my house. So having to convince people that it’s a dangerous substance, I think I’ve only really experienced in the retail market and recreational cannabis, and I find it wasn’t hard to convince people that it wasn’t a dangerous drug, giving them the information and allowing them to test out the waters in a comfortable setting and with somebody that was confident in giving them the ability to learn what it was they were taking. So starting off low and going slow, of course. It helped convince people that cannabis is natural. It’s just like any other herbs, like echinacea. It’s coming from Mother Earth. Dangerous drugs in the world come out when humans have manipulated that plant so much that is now just a chemistry molecule and that’s, I think when it comes more to be a dangerous drug. It starts to have other or adverse effects on people.

How many times have you been in the only woman in the room, when it comes to cannabis?

I don’t think I’ve ever been the only woman in a room when it comes to cannabis, because I’ve always surrounded myself with inspirational women. I’ve always built that community or network with other women in order to shift that stigma around women being in some kind of, you know, masculine industry.

What was your families reaction to being in the cannabis industry?

I think my dad was in a bit of shock, that my teenage words were coming back to bite him. You’re taught to do what you love and boy did I love cannabis. My dad always told me I couldn’t make a career out of it, he should know he was in jail for it many times in his life.

Both my parents have always been supportive and proud for all my accomplishments.

BONUS QUESTIONS: What is your favourite Munchie?

Cereal, I love a good bowl of cereal. Fruit Loops to be exact, but then there is charcuterie boards all the good munchies on one plate, But then there is pizza. OK OK I just love all food after smoking a big ol joint.

What is your favourite method of consumption?

Joints all the way, I love the ritual of my husband rolling the joints for me to smoke. Old school method, cannabis in its natural state, the whole plant.

The International Women’s Day 2022 Campaign theme is #BreakTheBias, which is why Eggs Canna is #CrackingTheBias: 

Imagine a gender equal world. 

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. 

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. 

A world where difference is valued and celebrated. 

Together we can forge women’s equality. 

Collectively we can all #CrackTheBias. 

Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. 

We can crack the bias in our communities. 

We will crack the bias in our workplaces. 

Together, we can all crack and creak the bias - on International Women’s Day and beyond. 