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

Blair, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

This all started with a realization. The idea for CannaWize Co was sparked to fulfill a personal need of mine. It was really a journey that took me from seeking relief, to becoming an advocate, and then a business owner. .

A few years back, I was in a car accident that left me with persistent muscle spasticity and pain. At the time I was prescribed pain pills and muscle relaxers as the solution. After expressing my unwillingness to take the pills indefinitely, I was prescribed medical marijuana. While it did offer the necessary relief, I couldn’t help but notice the restrictions and the financial burden that came with it. The Medical Marijuana Program in Texas is one of the most restrictive in the country, making it difficult for patients to access the relief they needed while also costing them a small fortune in doing so.. It didn’t seem sustainable for me finaically.

After doing some research on cannabis and the cannabinoids that make up the plant, I realized that hemp-derived cannabinoids were legal to purchase and consume in the state of Texas. The potential for alternative relief was right there, waiting to be explored. But there was one problem, that I found to be a big one. The hemp industry lacked transparency. Many products were being sold without proper testing and oversight, leaving consumers in the dark about their safety and quality.

At this time I was really fueled by the desire to change this and driven by my personal experience, I started digging into the industry. I researched online, connected with entrepreneurs and small business owners on LinkedIn, and, most importantly, discovered trustworthy and reliable wholesalers and distributors. It was through these connections that I began to see the kind of quality and transparency that was desperately needed.

As I gathered knowledge, my vision for CannaWize Co began to take shape. The idea was simple yet powerful – to provide people with access to safe and high-quality hemp-derived products while educating them about the benefits of cannabis. And so, from that idea, a plan was formed.

I had already been organically growing a platform by providing cannabis education and breaking the stigma around these products. It was this platform that I decided to pivot into my business. The rapport and trust I had built by offering insight and information became the foundation for CannaWize Co.

The next steps were a whirlwind of setting up the business, sourcing top-quality products, and establishing a strong online presence. And, of course, a commitment to ensuring every product we offered was safe and reliable. The customer service was were I knew I would stand out. I had just transitioned from being a consumer to being a business owner. I was very aware of the shortcomings of established hemp businesses and where I could create my own path. One of those ways was offering same day delivery. This, like many others, prompted an influx of local dispensaries that deliver.

Today, CannaWize Co is one of the top dispensaries in the Houston area, with a string of five-star reviews to our name. It’s been a journey that’s been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. But at the heart of it all is the commitment to making a difference in people’s lives, just as it did for me.

As we move forward, we continue to educate, advocate, and provide access to the best hemp-derived products on the market. It’s not just a business; it’s a passion and a mission. And we’ll keep working to break the barriers, one step at a time.

Blair, 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?

For those who do not know me, I tend to wear many hats. One of which is the founder and CEO of CannaWize Co. I began this business to fulfill a need. A need for quality cannabis products that provide relief and can be used recreationally. I personally am a Medical Marijuana Patient in the state of Texas. However, the TCUP program doesn’t allow patients to purchase flower, only gummies, oils, and tinctures. After realizing how expensive my prescription was going to be and that there was nothing being done, I began to advocate for Cannabis Reform.

It was through learning the laws and the ins and outs of cannabis, that I discovered Farm Bill 2018. This bill federally classified Marijuana as having over 0.3 % THC. THCA, a natural cannabinoid found in hemp, was not mentioned in the prohibition of marijuana, only Delta 9 THC. Making THCA, the natural form of cannabis, legally classified as hemp. THCA is the acidic form of THC and when put to a flame, partially converts to THC.

Our products are 100% natural! No sprays, no addons, no funny business. We’re committed to transparency and quality, ensuring that our products are lab-tested and federally compliant with the Farm Bill of 2018 and Texas DHS Laws. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality hemp products, and we’re proud to provide that at CannaWize Co.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

In building our social media audience at CannaWize Co, I’ve learned a few key things. Becoming a source of information that was interesting in our industry, was pivotal. It allowed me to gain credibility and trust from potential customers. People tend to rely on those who know their stuff, especially in a field like ours.

Second, knowing our target audience was crucial. Before creating content, I dug deep to understand our ideal customers – their needs, challenges, and aspirations. This knowledge helped me tailor our content directly to them. Especially considering I was apart of the audience I targeted.

Speaking of content, I focused on creating posts and materials that resonated with our audience. I didn’t ever really talk about our products; I addressed their questions and concerns. Informative articles, engaging videos, and useful graphics became my go-to.

Consistency and engagement were also a big deal. I posted regularly, engaged with comments, and responded to messages quickly. It showed that I valued our audience’s input.

Storytelling was another powerful tool. Sharing the story of CannaWize Co and my personal journey added a human touch to our brand. It allowed our audience to connect with me on a deeper level.

Honestly, one of the most important rules I follow is providing value before promotion. While it’s vital to market products, offering something valuable to your audience, whether it’s tips, information, or answering questions, is equally critical.

Lastly, I aimed at building a community, not just a customer base. I wanted to create a space where like-minded individuals could share their experiences and learn from each other.

To me, It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about building genuine, engaged connections.

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

When it comes to growing our clientele, I think it’s a few things. Giving exceptional customer service, making the most of customer reviews, and aligning ourselves with products that are so good, they practically sell themselves.

First, there’s exceptional customer service. We’re all about treating every customer as if they’re our most important one. That means being there to answer their questions, address any concerns, and making sure their shopping experience is as smooth as possible. Building trust and strong relationships is our secret sauce for growth.

Then, customer reviews – those are a game-changer. Positive feedback not only provides social proof, but it also tells potential clients that our products and services are the real deal. We actively encourage our happy customers to share their experiences. A good review has an incredible impact; it builds trust and attracts new clients.

And finally, the most important, it’s all about aligning with top-quality products. When you’re offering products that are so good, people can’t resist them, your reputation gets a significant boost. Quality is at the heart of trust, and clients quickly notice and appreciate products that stand out. Our commitment to providing the best hemp-derived products on the market has been key in building a loyal clientele.

So, it’s this mix of top-notch customer service, the power of reviews, and high-quality products that’s driven our clientele’s steady growth and satisfaction.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cannawize.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/cannawizecodispo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/95726624
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/cannawize
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/@cannawize

Image Credits
Blair Henderson