Meet Ishqa Hillman | Business Consultant and Marketing Strategist

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

Hi Ishqa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Integrity. My personal motto has always been “integrity first” and for me that has always meant doing what I say I will do. I enjoy being methodical along with letting my creativity take over because coming up with a system to support my vision is what makes it sustainable. Building sustainability is a big part of what I consider integrity in business because it is making sure you can deliver on your promises.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Canna Boss Babes began organizing local events designed to introduce consumers to different cannabis brands locally and educate them on the medicinal properties of the plant. With the pandemic ending events in early 2020 we kept the connections going by going live on Instagram. Unfortunately in November 2021 our page was removed after having been nominated for best podcast. I know that seems insane, but some of the biggest challenges we have as a new industry (in addition to taxes) are not having access to banking or traditional marketing. Since cannabis is still federally illegal Instagram and Facebook can do as they please and all they need is for someone to report the page. After 84 weeks online our page was reported and our 804 live interviews worldwide gone.

It was not easy to lose our content and educational value but we are finding new ways to keep everyone connected. More than ever it shows the need for a safe space for advocates. The restrictions that exist to prevent the eradication of the stigma the war on drugs inhibits the economy and allows the traditional market to thrive – which it is at 80% of California’s current cannabis market. We are losing our legacy farmers, we are losing the love that goes into our medicine and it doesn’t help the economy! There is so much more to be shared and heard, the stories can’t stop being shared until we get the help that is needed.

Nowadays you can find me helping other entrepreneurs with their marketing strategies and business growth. It’s been fun and rewarding to have more one on one time to really dig in and make sure they are set up sustainably and to stand apart from the competition. Whether it be business owners or beginning entrepreneurs it all begins with a clear vision and then creating a process to achieve it. When not working I stay active in my community volunteering with The LBCA and developing new programs through Long Beach Peer Education Community Center, a new 501c3 created to provide safe space and navigational services for communities to come together to learn from each other and grow.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Long Beach and give a great dispensary tour! It’s an off the menu service I have provided a few times for people who are first time consumers or just want a friendly and informative person to go with. My stops always include Chronic LB – great prices and selection and an OG spot. They have a history of making sure the patient comes first. The Long Beach Green Room is like a second family after having launched our Celebrating Black Cannabis box last year. Their budtender are educated and never assume it’s all about indica, hybrid or sativa. Haven is a great chain of dispensaries who do a great job displaying products so you see all your choices and make sure their customer service is consistent no matter the location. Last but never least is The Circle which funny enough used to be a Smart & Final. This I have always called the gem of Long Beach – it’s spacious, beautiful and has a grow so if you head in on an afternoon you are likely to see the latest batch of Hex. It’s delicious and 30% off for all Long Beach locals.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Big Shoutout to The Canna Boss Babes across the world! When we first started the dream was to unite businesses and consumers locally but the pandemic enabled us to go global. None of this would be possible without all the babes who shared their stories and tuned in to support them. Being able to work with and connect with entrepreneurs all over the world is truly a dream come true.

Website: www.thecannabossbabes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishqathebossbabe/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishqahillman-thecannabossbabes/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bossbabeishqa

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