We recently connected with Duol Chut and have shared our conversation below.
Duol, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment decision I made was to buy a camera. My first was a Canon 2000D with everything needed for $500. I bought it when I started my rolling paper company to shoot my own content. It was new, exciting, and a challenge to learn.
That purchase had led me to doing photos for families and friends as I learned. I became better at content and networking. I reached out and became a volunteer photographer for Black Fashion Week Mn. From there I learned and became a hired photographer. It honestly helped me in many way personally, my creativity, and professionally.
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 love for nature, anime, basketball, and lacing up for a good run has always shaped who I am. It started as a way to chill, unwind, and manage stress. Now it has grown into a full-fledged mission to celebrate and educate others about this incredible plant through my rolling paper company, Diesel J’s, and our amazing fashion show, Smokin’ On The Runway.
My story like many, I found myself reflecting during the pandemic and wanting to do something. I was curious to learn more about the plant beyond just enjoying it recreationally. I learned about how to open a business, strains, hemp, and Minnesota’s evolving cannabis industry. That curiosity created Diesel J’s in 2022, a brand built on quality assurance, progress over perfection, nature, being active, and a love for cannabis & culture.
At Diesel J’s, we offer all-natural, organic rolling papers and pre-rolled cones made from wood pulp, along with a line of apparel that celebrates the lifestyle. Our products undergo rigorous quality assurance testing to ensure they’re free of chemicals, heavy metals, and microbials. The result? A slow-burning, smooth experience with minimal canoeing, crafted for those who value both quality and sustainability.
What I’m most proud of is Smokin’ On The Runway, a one-of-a-kind fashion show! It has grown since our first show just three weeks after Minnesota legalized cannabis. This event is more than a runway—it’s a vibrant fusion of cannabis, fashion, and art, designed to educate, inspire, and uplift our local community. Smokin’ On The Runway showcases Minnesota’s talented designers, performers, and artists while “sparking-conversations about the benefits of cannabis. The energy is electric, the atmosphere is unforgettable, and the feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. You truly have to experience it to feel the magic.
Smokin’ On The Runway has brought people together, fostering connection, collaboration, and creativity in a way that feels authentic and impactful. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and a love for the plant that inspires us all.
Mark your calendars for May 22, 2025, and join us at Smokin’ On The Runway in Minneapolis a The Hook & Ladder Theater and Zen Arcade for an evening of bold fashion, live performances, and more! Whether you’re a novice or expert cannabis enthusiast, a fashion lover, a creative artist, or simply curious, this event promises an experience like no other.
Come be part of the movement—we can’t wait to share this unforgettable night with you!
The atmosphere of the show, designers, performers, vendors, media, models, and amazing venue made for a memorable experience! A special thank you to our the team, Sponsors, The hook & Ladder, Zen Arcade, and volunteers for making this happen. The team – Kara Witherspoon, Nyagak Pidor, Rachel Kamara. Huge thanks to Molly and Conversation with Kush Podcast team & Green Screen Studios for the artist, vendors, models, and designer interviews! Thank you for helping us ignite this experience. Your generous support and services fueled the energy that made this event shine and sparked unforgettable moments.
Our event sponsor The Lake Street Council and their grant made the show possible! Foundry Nation & Global Organic distribution for their support and product donations! Lastly 9 Mile Gallery for being our model call sponsor and providing an amazing space to host our call! The event was DJ’d by the One and Only Mr. Peter Parker!
Designers – 1. Syds Cool Art – 2. Discipline Over Motivation – 3. Throwing Paint – 4. Modervation – 5. Camp Buzzkill – 6. Grass Fairy Creations & Dabba TC – 7. PRVDR
– 8. Min Petite Cherie – 9. The Loweend – 10. Super Kush Co
Peformances by: 1. Imani Waters – 2. Jiggy Rello
– 3. Breezy 2 Fresh and headlined by The Great
4. Muja Messiah!
Product Sponsor & Vendors – 1. R & B edibles – 2. On Point Holistics – 3. Doctor Dabs – 4. Midwest Famous – 5. You Betcha – 6. Diesel J’s – 7. Grounded Gardens – 8. Retro Bakery –
9. Earl Giles Restaurant & Distillery – 10. Foundry Nation –
11. Misota Essence – 12. Carpe Diem – 13. Kuressence Wellness
– 14. Kaliah Creations – 15. Dream Shop – 16. Dope Roots –
17. Super Kush Co – 18. Pizza LLC – 19. Healing Fear Consulting – 20. Clawed By Mya – 21. Arts By Ashley
– 22. Honey Creations – 23. Juliet Parsi –
24 Honey Of The Heart Consulting – 25. Mary Stowell
– 26. Higher Place Cannabis Co. – 27. Midas Touch Photobooth
– 28. Jigzart – 29. The Dream Shop – 30. Mind The Crown
-31 Flame Reaction Candles
Huge Shoutout to our media & volunteers for you creative support and help!
1. Lexi Marie Photos – 2. Shannell Oak Photography
– 3. Starin At The City (SATC) – 4. Visuals By CJ
– 5. Black Star Photography – 6. CTV Radio
– 7. Only My Brother Photography
-8. Drew Just Snapped – 9. Mariah The Organizer
-10. Mrs. Morrie – 11. Victoria Rose
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that illustrates my resilience is the journey of starting my rolling paper company. I had a vision and a general idea of what I needed to do and where I needed to go. Doing that consistently while working a full-time job wasn’t easy. It became even harder when the results didn’t come as quickly as I had hoped.
Still tho, I kept showing up. I stayed consistent, kept learning, and slowly began to build traction. It wasn’t overnight, but step by step, things started moving. Now, here we are.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Before starting my business, I was a college student studying Nursing. When I didn’t finish the program and found myself working full time, I started thinking about new career paths. I had an interest in sales, so I reached out to a friend for advice, and he suggested looking into insurance.
After doing my research and passing the necessary exams, I made the switch—and it’s been the best career decision I’ve made so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sotrmn.org
- Instagram: smokinontherunway
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Br12Cu4L9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duol-chut-56967a96?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
@flamereactionco
@dcimages24