Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Almaz Adeigbola. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Almaz, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

**Interview Question Rewrite:**

Can you share an example of a significant risk you’ve taken and how it shaped your career?

one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was entering the cannabis industry before it was fully legalized. I started Brwnbox in 2015 as a food company, initially selling small finger foods at events and parties. While it was a challenging market, I quickly realized that the edible cannabis space had a lot of unmet potential. At the time, edibles could be unpredictable, and reliable, safe options were hard to find.

I began experimenting with creating my own edibles, which became quite popular. Then, in 2017, my mentor and former boss, Emeka, suggested we host an infused dinner party at his Newark café, Freetown. It was an enormous leap for me—I had never hosted a dinner party, let alone an infused one. But the event was a resounding success and opened my eyes to the opportunity to combine cannabis with education and curated experiences.

Although it was still highly illegal at the time, we leaned into this cannabis hospitality niche. Today, NJ cannabis is legal and we have hosted numerous dinner parties, private chef events, and cannabis-centered gatherings, building a community and helping to destigmatize cannabis through education and wellness experiences. Taking that initial risk helped shape brwnbox into what it is today.

Almaz, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

brwnbox, a brand and community rooted in cannabis wellness and self-care. brwnbox began in 2015 as a mobile food company, vending at events and parties while experimenting with creating reliable, safe edibles. Our focus on quality and creativity quickly resonated with our audience, and as we grew, so did our vision.

In 2019, we transitioned from a mobile concept to a brick-and-mortar presence, opening a small CBD shop in Maplewood, NJ. This space allowed us to build deeper connections with our local community and expand our offerings to include curated CBD products, educational workshops, and wellness-focused events. It was a pivotal moment that solidified our identity as more than just a business—we became a trusted hub for cannabis education and community care.

Fast forward to today, brwnbox has evolved into a 3,000-square-foot sanctuary. Our flagship location is a multifaceted space where we provide curated retail products, memberships, and unique experiences like infused dinner parties and wellness workshops. A highlight of our space is “The Nook,” a members-only lounge where guests can unwind with tea, pastries, and personalized service in a serene, judgment-free environment.

Our mission is to help people unbox the best version of themselves by destigmatizing cannabis and offering authentic, educational experiences. What sets us apart is the seamless way we combine wellness, community, and curated cannabis experiences. brwnbox isn’t just a brand—it’s a place where people feel supported, seen, and empowered to explore cannabis as part of their self-care journey.

I’m most proud of the trust and community we’ve built over the years. From our humble beginnings as a mobile food business to creating a full-scale sanctuary, every step has been about fostering a space for connection and discovery.

What I want people to know is that Brwnbox is about more than cannabis. It’s about wellness, education, and creating a space where you can truly connect with yourself and others. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast, a curious newcomer, or simply seeking a unique place to recharge, Brwnbox is here to welcome you.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When we transitioned from our smaller retail stores into our larger location on Nassau Street in Orange, I had a clear vision: sell our products downstairs, host dinner parties, and maybe rent the space out for private events. It seemed simple enough—until the pandemic turned everything upside down.

We signed the lease for the space in December 2021, not realizing just how much work the building needed. Renovations took much longer than expected due to inflation driving up labor and material costs, and before we knew it, our seed money had run dry. To keep things afloat, we had to organize a fundraiser. While we managed to push through, the delays meant we didn’t officially open until January 2023, with a soft opening in October 2022.

Even after opening, the challenges didn’t stop. We started hosting events, something Brwnbox was known for, but to my surprise, no one showed up. The community was still hesitant to gather after so much time spent indoors. Although our retail products continued to perform relatively well, competition skyrocketed after cannabis became legal in February 2021. It was a difficult and humbling time that forced us to take a hard look at our business and ask, *What does our community really need?*

That’s when we realized Brwnbox needed to be more than just a retail store or event space. We decided to pivot, transforming our location into a true sanctuary—a “third place” where people could feel safe, seen, and cared for outside of their homes and workplaces.

This shift led to the creation of The Nook, a cozy members-only lounge on the second floor. It became a haven for our community, offering tea, pastries, and a serene atmosphere to unwind. We also introduced memberships that provided curated perks and exclusive experiences. Rather than just selling products, we began offering workshops, wellness events, and educational sessions that resonated with our community’s needs.

This pivot wasn’t easy. Balancing the financial demands of running a 3,000-square-foot sanctuary with the need to remain competitive was challenging. But it taught us to be resilient and to stay aligned with our mission of fostering authentic connections through cannabis wellness and self-care.

Today, Brwnbox is more than a business—it’s a community hub. It’s a space where people can unbox the best versions of themselves, whether through our products, events, or simply the peace they find in The Nook. Looking back, that pivot was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also the most rewarding. It reminded me why I started BRWNBOX in the first place: to create something that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Starting Brwnbox was a journey fueled by passion, perseverance, and the unwavering support of those who believed in our vision. Funding a business isn’t just about the dollars; it’s about the people who back you, the lessons learned, and the milestones reached along the way. Here’s our story:

When I first envisioned Brwnbox, I knew it would take more than just an idea to bring it to life. I started small, taking out loans of $5,000 here and there and committing myself to paying each one back. Those early loans taught me discipline and built a foundation of trust with my supporters.

One of the most pivotal moments came when my very good friend, Warren McDonald, decided to back our dream with a $25,000 investment. But Warren’s confidence in Brwnbox didn’t come easily—it came after seeing my commitment to honoring my smaller debts and proving I had what it took to make this work. That investment was more than financial; it was a vote of confidence that propelled Brwnbox forward.

I also brought on a business partner who made a smaller but equally important investment. Ty Griffith played an influential role in the growth of BRWNBOX during those formative years. Although we’ve since parted ways as business partners, I’ll always value Ty’s contributions to the foundation of what Brwnbox has become.

The journey to secure funding was anything but linear. It was built on relationships, trust, and the determination to create something bigger than myself. Every dollar raised and every person who believed in us became part of the Brwnbox story. Today, as we continue to grow and thrive, I’m reminded of those early days and the importance of having people in your corner who see your vision as clearly as you do.

To anyone starting their own business: remember, it’s not just about finding the money; it’s about finding the right people to believe in your dream. Brwnbox was built on belief, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brwnbox.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/brwnbox
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brwnbox
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/almaz-adeigbola-573a9025/