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

Hi Vanessa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Coming from the traditional 9-5 corporate culture in Silicon Valley, I’ve always empathized with the working class, especially families juggling the pressures of maintaining a ‘work-life balance.’ After being introduced to cannabis to help manage my anxiety, I became more intentional about customizing its benefits to meet my personal needs. I realized how valuable it could be in supporting a healthier work-life mindset, but I also saw how much was missing in terms of education around its proper use.

Cloud 9 Studios was born after I hosted a CBD education event for my son’s PTA. The event featured a panel of five businesses with products and services designed to engage the senses—taste, touch, smell, etc. Creating a space where parents could ask questions and safely explore cannabis through familiar experiences (like food and beverage, yoga and movement, bath and body products, and beauty topicals) sparked a series of lightbulb moments. I watched their concerns shift into curiosity.

This hands-on, experiential learning approach became a breakthrough in breaking down old stigmas, replacing them with a well-informed appreciation for the plant. It’s also where I began integrating Montessori principles into our event programs. By creating a safe, fun, and educational space for adults, I’m helping them build a healthy understanding of cannabis and other wellness tools that support their overall well-being.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets Cloud 9 Studios apart is our unique approach to wellness education. I combine experiential learning with a Montessori-inspired method that allows consumers to explore cannabis in a way that feels natural and accessible. Our events don’t just introduce products; they offer hands-on, immersive experiences that meet people where they are, allowing them to ask questions, gain knowledge, and make informed decisions. That’s what I’m most proud of—creating a space that empowers people to truly understand and connect with wellness tools, like cannabis, that can enhance their lives.

Getting here was definitely not easy. I started Cloud 9 Studios after working in Silicon Valley’s corporate world, where the hustle culture was real. I saw firsthand how many people, including myself, struggled to balance work, health, and family. Discovering cannabis helped me manage anxiety, and I knew others could benefit from it too—if only they had access to the right education.

The biggest challenge has been finding innovative ways to break through the stigma that still surrounds cannabis. Many people are hesitant or even afraid to embrace it as part of their wellness routine. But by staying committed to creating safe, engaging, and educational spaces, I’ve watched those fears shift into curiosity, and that curiosity transform into empowerment. Another significant challenge has been bootstrapping—building life-changing experiences from the ground up with little to no access to the funding and resources available to more traditional industries.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success requires more than just passion—it takes resilience, persistence, integrity, and a deep belief in the value you’re offering the world. For anyone starting their journey, I’d say this: trust your vision, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.

At the core of Cloud 9 Studios, we’re all about transforming the narrative around cannabis and holistic wellness. I want the world to know that our events are here to educate, inspire, and help people build healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. We’re dedicated to helping individuals, especially those from communities like mine, access the knowledge and resources they need to live their best lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d kick off with a morning yoga session at Marijuana Meditations. Afterward, we’d find the Vegan AF Food Truck for a plant-based brunch — their food is next level! Then, we’d stroll at The Pike in the LBC to soak in the artsy vibes. We’d likely follow up with some high tea with Tee’s Tea and then a CBD Massage with Beso Wellness. For dinner we’d explore a cannabis-infused dinner experience at PopCultivate, a private cannabis dining club in LA. Then finally close out with a stop for edibles and flower at Josephine & Billies.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are SO many people who have invested their time and patience into helping carry Cloud 9 Studios forward, but if I had to dedicate this shoutout to someone, it would be Lori Lord, CEO of Natural High Co. There were countless moments where I felt misunderstood or overwhelmed by the weight of being a CEO, “calling all the shots,” and I was seriously contemplating giving up because I couldn’t meet the expectations I had for myself—or those of others. Lori is one of the few colleagues who has always encouraged and supported me with genuine understanding. She knows firsthand what it feels like, and having someone like her to lean on, someone who lives through the same challenges and pushes me through the uncertainty like a big sis, was instrumental during my high-growth moments.

Website: https://www.cloud-ninestudios.com

Instagram: @cannaluxxe, @cloud9studios_llc, @tasteofolives

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasteofolives/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atcloud9studios

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cloud9_lifestudios

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.