We were lucky to catch up with Ana Izquierdo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for CannaCatwalk stemmed from a pressing need within the cannabis industry – the challenge of marketing and advertising cannabis products in a heavily regulated environment. Many companies in the sector encountered obstacles due to strict regulations and barriers when it came to business-to-consumer (B2C) advertising.

Recognizing this gap in the market, the concept of CannaCatwalk was born. The vision was to create an innovative solution that would provide a platform for cannabis businesses to showcase their products in an elegant, culturally focused runway event open to the masses. By bringing together industry players, influencers, celebrities and consumers in a sophisticated setting, CannaCatwalk aimed to offer a unique opportunity for businesses to present their cannabis items in a showcase forum.

The event format of CannaCatwalk not only aimed to address the challenges of marketing in the cannabis space but also to elevate the perception of cannabis products by highlighting them in a high-end, fashion-forward environment. By blending elements of fashion, culture, and cannabis, CannaCatwalk sought to create a memorable and engaging experience that would resonate with attendees and provide a fresh perspective on cannabis products.

Through CannaCatwalk, businesses in the cannabis industry could break through the red tape of traditional advertising methods and connect directly with consumers in a visually compelling and interactive setting. This innovative approach not only offered a solution to the marketing challenges faced by cannabis companies but also opened up new avenues for brand exposure, consumer engagement, and industry collaboration.

Overall, the inception of CannaCatwalk was driven by a desire to address a critical issue in the cannabis industry and provide a creative platform for businesses to showcase their products in a sophisticated and culturally relevant manner. By combining the worlds of fashion, culture, and cannabis, CannaCatwalk aimed to carve out a unique space in the industry and revolutionize the way cannabis products are marketed and perceived.

After CannaCatwalk, Just Ana Co was formed to aide businesses with digital marketing and branding, after I taught myself how to handle my own branding and marketing for the event.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Dear Readers,

I am Ana Izquierdo, and I am honored to share a bit more about my journey and the work that drives me each day. As an average everyday person who has experienced the transformative power of cannabis, I have dedicated myself to advocating for its healing properties and promoting a harm reduction approach to addiction and mental health challenges.

My entry into the cannabis industry was not only shaped by personal experiences but also a deep commitment to making a difference. Having battled addiction at a young age and overcome the challenges that came with it, I discovered the profound impact that cannabis can have on one’s well-being and recovery journey.

One of the aspects of my work that I am most proud of is my ability to support and empower small businesses of color in the cannabis industry. Recognizing the systemic barriers that communities of color face, particularly in accessing funding and scaling their businesses, I have made it my mission to provide guidance and assistance to help these businesses thrive.

Through digital marketing strategies and tailored support, I have been able to help small businesses of color expand their reach, connect with their target audiences, and scale their operations in a competitive industry. Witnessing the growth and success of these businesses brings me immense pride and reinforces my commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the cannabis space.

I firmly believe that by uplifting and empowering businesses of color, we can create a more equitable and vibrant industry that celebrates diversity and promotes economic empowerment. My work is driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals striving to make their mark in the cannabis industry.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I invite you to join me on this journey of empowerment, advocacy, and community building. Together, we can continue to break down barriers, amplify diverse voices, and create a more inclusive and thriving cannabis industry for all.

With gratitude and determination,
Ana Izquierdo

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Absolutely. One of the most challenging periods of my life was when I was working with wealthy celebrities to help them create organizations. I dedicated 18-hour days for over six months, pouring my heart and soul into these projects. Unfortunately, despite my hard work, these celebrities used my services without compensating me. When I finally asked for my pay, I was publicly slammed on social media, which not only left me financially ruined but also damaged my reputation.

This devastating experience left my family of five homeless, and it took us three years to recover. As if that wasn’t enough, similar situations happened again with local clients while we were already struggling with homelessness. Despite these setbacks, I remained determined. I didn’t share my financial woes or homelessness with anyone; instead, I continued to push forward in silence.

I meticulously learned from these experiences. I started creating contracts to protect myself and ensure fair compensation. Slowly but surely, I gained more clients, and my persistence paid off. Eventually, I was able to move my family into a two-story townhome and purchase a new car.

Throughout this journey, my family’s support and resilience were crucial. We faced countless obstacles, but we never gave up. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, learning from setbacks, and always having a plan to protect oneself. It was a tough journey, but it made me stronger and more determined than ever to succeed.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

After experiencing significant challenges with clients who didn’t pay and even publicly shamed me, I had to rethink my approach to growing my clientele. The strategy that proved to be most effective for me was pivoting to a referral-based system.

I realized that to rebuild my reputation and ensure trust, I needed to make moves in silence and only accept referred clients. This approach allowed me to work with clients who came with a built-in level of trust and credibility. Within just two months, I gained five new clients, and one of them was an international client who took my runway show overseas.

This strategy has continued to pay off. For example, I’m now managing social media for Briana Latrise and have worked with multiple celebrities based out of LA—all of these opportunities came as referrals from others. The referral-based system has been incredibly effective because it leverages the trust and satisfaction of existing clients to bring in new business. It’s allowed me to build a strong, reliable network and significantly grow my clientele without the risks I encountered previously. This strategy has truly been a game-changer for my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cannacatwalktickets.com
• Instagram: @cannacatwalkfashion, @justanaco, @infusedexperiences, @thequeensofthechronic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cannacatwalkrunway
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justanaco
• Twitter: @cannacatwalk303
• Other: TikTok: @lareinademota

Image Credits

CannabisTalk101
Ana Izquierdo
CMOG Photography