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

Anakaren, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I’m a mother of two and an entrepreneur carving out space for myself—and others like me—in the cannabis industry. My journey began not just with a passion for the plant, but with a deeper purpose: to break the stigma around cannabis and help normalize its presence in our everyday lives.

As a mom, I understand the weight of perception and the power of community. For too long, cannabis has been misunderstood, and people—especially women and parents—have had to hide their relationship with it. I’m here to change that. Through education, honest storytelling, and experiential spaces, I aim to create a world where cannabis is not taboo, but embraced for its healing, creative, and communal potential.

This mission is about more than building a business. It’s about representation, legacy, and shifting culture—one conversation, one event, one experience at a time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Anakaren and I go by AK, and I’m a mother of two, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for cannabis culture and community. I’m the founder of AK40SEV and co-founder of both Runners High and SRVD, three brands that sit at the intersection of wellness, culture, and education.

My journey into the cannabis industry started from a place of curiosity, healing, and the desire to break long-standing stigmas. What began with AK40SEV as a simple line of cannabis-inspired merchandise quickly evolved into a full lifestyle brand. Today, AK40SEV hosts immersive events—from education panels to entertainment experiences and community pop-ups—that create space for honest conversations and meaningful connections around cannabis.

Along the way, I found a new passion: running. What started as a personal wellness practice turned into Runners High, a community-first run club built for cannabis-friendly runners. It’s more than just miles—it’s a safe space that blends movement, mindfulness, and plant medicine to promote holistic wellness and break outdated stereotypes about who consumes cannabis and why.

I’m also a co-founder of SRVD, a flower shop lounge that merges retail with experiential events—another creative outlet for bringing people together and reimagining how we engage with cannabis and community.

What sets my work apart is the intention behind it. Everything I create is rooted in authenticity, inclusion, and the desire to change the narrative. I build spaces where people can show up fully, learn something new, and feel seen AND heard.

I’m most proud of the community we’re building. I want people to know that my brands aren’t just about products or events—they’re about shifting culture, creating access, and building legacy. If you’ve ever felt like there wasn’t a space for you in this industry, I hope to show you that there absolutely is—and you’re welcome here.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience, for me, has never been a choice—it’s been a necessity.

As a DACA recipient, I’ve lived much of my life navigating uncertainty, constantly having to prove my worth in spaces that weren’t built for me. Add to that the challenges of being a mother of two, an entrepreneur, and a woman building in the still-stigmatized cannabis industry, and the odds haven’t always been in my favor. But I’ve never let that stop me.

Every step of the way—whether launching my brand AK40SEV, co-founding Runners High and SRVD, or simply showing up for my kids—I’ve had to push through barriers that many don’t even see. I’ve had to build from scratch, with limited resources but limitless vision.

What keeps me going is knowing that my presence in this space matters. That every event I host, every conversation I spark, every safe space I help create, is not just for me—but for others who’ve been overlooked or underestimated too.

Resilience isn’t just surviving—it’s creating, dreaming, and thriving despite it all. And I’m just getting started.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe what’s helped me build my reputation most is staying authentic—even when it wasn’t the easiest path—and refusing to give up, no matter how many obstacles stood in the way.

I’ve leaned into my own story, my own values, and let that guide everything I build—whether it’s AK40SEV, Runners High, or SRVD.

People connect with realness. They see the hustle, the heart, the consistency—and I think that’s what has earned me trust and respect in this space. I show up fully, even when it’s hard. I keep going, even when the odds are stacked. And I always lead with purpose.

At the end of the day, I think reputation is less about image and more about integrity—and I’ve made it a point to never lose mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ak40sev.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: ak40sev / runnershighchi / srvdchicago

Image Credits

RUN CLUB PIC – IG: eo_ot and FAMILY PIC – IG: kriztellehalili