We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marpessa Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marpessa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Honey Kush Company was born from my experience as a doula. Recognizing the very costly burden black women face when disclosing cannabis use during pregnancy, I saw the need for a safe space. As a doula, I advise against revealing cannabis use to doctors due to the risks families face, like CPS involvement and arrests. My doula work led me to advocate for social equity bills in black maternal health and cannabis policy.

Amidst the pandemic, while the cannabis industry thrived as essential, doulas faced challenges. Determined to create a genuine business model, I merged my existing services under Honey Kush Company, rejecting disingenuous funding. I aimed to revive the F.U.B.U era—For Us, By Us—integrating policy, fashion, and entertainment. Under Honey Kush, we offer postpartum fitness, Honey K. Juice Bar & Delivery, and community empowerment.

The Power to the People Creative Project with the Aurora History Museum and Colorado Health Foundation was a pivotal initiative. In the aftermath of Elijah McClain’s tragedy, I took black girls to the site, fostering a sense of community. The project involved the Overland Step team, showcasing their production on the Colfax RTD Light rail bridge.

My book, “The Taste of Blackberries is a Sign of Autumn on the Way,” narrates my life as an Aurora native, challenging the status quo and confronting corruption. To empower the youth, I launched a Social Equity Policy Firm, training communities to write testimonies for bills affecting them. It’s not about candidates but everyday issues impacting the most vulnerable—our children.

Marpessa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a dedicated mother facing the challenges of a chronic mental health condition within a system lacking proper support. Caught up in the Arapahoe County system, I fight for justice for my children and others in similar situations. My journey, marked by illegal rulings and neglectful courts, has led me to turn personal pain into generational wealth for my children. I’ve transformed these experiences into a business, embodying the pain point of systemic racism. My activism roots stem from Howard University, addressing issues like the war on Iraq, police brutality, and the prison industrial complex. Despite leaving due to depression, divine intervention led me to student teaching with the Children’s Defense Fund. Trained at the Alex Haley Farm, my connection to justice runs deep. My friend’s tragic murder upon returning home further solidified my commitment to addressing systemic issues. I mean business when I talk about and act for justice.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I firmly believe in the adage that “readers are leaders.” Continuously seeking knowledge, I regularly delve into books, articles, and resources that address specific questions I encounter in my entrepreneurial journey. As I home-school my youngest daughter, balancing work and her learning involves a dedicated practice we call DEAR time—Drop Everything and Read. This approach, I learned during my time with the Children’s Defense Fund in Philadelphia, has proven invaluable in fostering a love for learning and effective time management.

Lately, my focus has shifted towards strategy, drawing insights from diverse sources. Books like “The Art of War,” “The 48 Laws of Power,” and “The Art of Seduction” have offered profound perspectives on strategy. Surprisingly, the Bible plays a significant role in shaping my mindset. Beyond its spiritual insights, it delves into maintaining mind, body, and spirit, touching extensively on the topic of money.

The Bible, often underestimated in its practical wisdom, offers valuable lessons on the principles of wealth and its utilization. It’s intriguing to explore how spiritual principles align with effective entrepreneurship and financial stewardship. The intersection of strategy and spiritual guidance has become a cornerstone in my approach to business and life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the belief that offering to work for free or very little is always a noble approach. A recent experience with an organization, despite its impressive facade, taught me the vital importance of ensuring fair compensation and respecting my worth. While I fell in love with their mission, their laissez-faire attitude towards payment led to resentment and even a late payment to one of my contractors, which isn’t reflective of my values. Moving forward, I won’t hire until I’ve established a culture where respect and timely compensation are non-negotiable, ensuring everyone becomes our first raving fans.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.honeykushtv.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/honeykushtv?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marpessadallen?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@honeykushco?feature=shared
• Other: Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/honeykushclub?share_id=ocbz1fXNBMw&locale=en-US Honey Kush Company Special Events Planning Questionnaire: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ8LKnfrkn11NIgplUSgQVH-osILZGazwizd6v4UBDpg4C0g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&usp=mail_form_link Linktree: https://linktr.ee/honeykushcompany

Image Credits
Honey Kush TV Mind Blowing Media The Denver Post Goodness Denver