Meet Kate Manson: Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Manson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I use to define success by the status quo salary x PTO x benefits = American dream until I lived the American nightmare. A few years ago I was working for a cannabis tech company that checked all the boxes in the American dream equation, I loved my job and built my entire persona around my success in my career. Then one day it all blew up around me when a senior-level staffer began sexually harassing me in the workplace. That experience shook me to my core. Seven months after the first incident, I quit my job and took a leap of faith, and started my own agency.

Now, I measure success with my own equation, time to chill +  supportive business partners = my dream. I only take on clients whose vision and mission statement aligns with my values and I only work with people I really enjoy spending time with. Today, I have three cannabis adjacent businesses, Tarot CBD, Golden Hour Delights, and Kôta Supplies (coming soon) with three different amazing female co-founders, and I beyond excited to “work” every day.

If I could give a word of advice to my younger self it would be a success is not measured in dollar signs, it’s measured in how much freedom you have to work on projects you love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been working in the cannabis space for over 12 years, with almost half of those years being a secret for fear of legal ramifications, professional backlash, and judgment from my peers. My close circle knew about my “double life” but my peers at Nordstrom corporate had no idea I was chopping down thirty pounds of cannabis on the weekends. It was a difficult time to work in the cannabis industry because it still held such a negative stigma.

A few things that I learned along the way were that some of the most judgmental people were the first in line to purchase pot when it became a legal market and that I’m much happier being honest with myself than worrying about what other people think of me. I left Nordstrom after three years to work in cannabis full-time and it was the second-best decision to starting my own business that I could have made.

I choose to work in this industry because I truly believe in the healing properties of cannabis and equal access to alternative and holistic health education.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a recent transplant from Seattle to Oklahoma City, if my bestie wanted to come to visit me in Seattle I would say definitely don’t come until July/August to ensure summer is in full swing. Once they arrived I would take them to pick up snacks from my favorite Bahn Mi Shop, followed by a quick trip to The Reef to pick up our weed needs, once stocked I’d head for Madison Beach or T-dock for an afternoon of swimming and sunning. For a long weekend, I’d head for the hills aka Mt. rainier to hit up a few of my favorite hikes and camping spots. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to dedicate my shout-out to my dear friend Rachel Hurvitz, Rachel has supported me through my entire career and is rock solid in times of crisis and confusion. She is an incredibly talented marketer/designer and an amazing ally to have in your corner.

Website: tarotcbd.com

Instagram: @tarotcbd @kate_manson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-manson-80568577/

Image Credits
photographer @greerinez