How did you end up working for Good Chemistry?
It’s kind of a funny story – I happened to be budtending for a much smaller dispensary at the time. The company asked me to attend a cannabis industry event, which is where I met Steve Spinosa. We got to chatting and he let me know Good Chemistry was hiring budtenders. I decided I wanted more stability, with an established and compliant company. I interviewed with Halley and Haley for a budtending role at the Aurora store and the rest is history!
What is your role?
I’ve been a Budtender with Good Chemistry Aurora since July 2016.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The customers. Sometimes, I feel like I should have a white collar on! People come to see us after they’ve experienced traumatic events, or even just had a hard day. Budtending allows me to express my humanitarian side. I really just love to help people. There are customers who will wait just to be served by me, and it means a lot to be able to establish those relationships.
Philanthropy is a core value for the Good Chemistry team. Tell us a little bit about your experience giving back to the community:
As a child, I was in and out of homeless shelters with my mom and my sister, so I grew up understanding poverty really well. No matter how hard we were struggling, my mom always made muffins for us to pass out on Sunday’s to the homeless in downtown Denver. She always said that no matter how bad you’re doing, somebody else has it worse. It’s never been a question for me – giving back is like brushing my teeth, it’s just natural habit – it’s a part of who I am.
What motivated you to collect donations for Denver’s homeless community?
I decided that I wanted to utilize my college graduation party as a celebration for Denver’s at-risk and homeless populations.I didn’t want this to be just another pointless party in my life – I figured I’d try to turn it into something much more meaningful. Instead of receiving gifts, I asked guests to bring items for those in need. Not only was this an effort to help support those in need by providing simple everyday necessities, but I also wanted people to step outside their comfort zones and realize that we’re all in this together. Upon arrival, guests were invited to take a sack lunch and items from any of the stations set up around the venue for mens, womens, and childrens clothing as well blankets, coats, shoes and toiletries. Everyone left with something that night. The homeless left with tangible items and my family and friends left with an experience that hopefully opened their eyes and helped to destigmatize what it means to be homelessness. At the end of the night all the leftover goods, food, and materials were taken to the Denver Rescue Mission. All clothes and donations were taken to non-profit Thrift Store. They were a huge source of support for me through my Freshman year of college, so I like to do whatever I can to help support them, too. What I love most about about their organization is that they donate all their items to the shelter first, and whatever isn’t used by the shelter is then sold in the store. They also hire their homeless youth to help run the stores.
What motivated you to do Locks of Love?
Growing up my father helped me to realize you need to give where you can. I want to be able to give everything I can, and hair is one of those things! As long as I could grow hair, I’ve donated it to Locks of Love. I’m lucky enough to have it grow as fast as it does and happy to give what I can.
What are some things you like to do outside of work?
I love to travel! Aside from traveling I’m a big activist on my time off – any local event supporting human rights, I’m there! I also enjoy getting out and meeting members of Denver’s homeless population. Live music and attending concerts are another one of my favorite pass times.