Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gal Bar El. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Gal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
One of my most meaningful projects involved supporting the ‘This Is Jane Project’, a nonprofit aiding women healing from trauma using cannabis for medication and community support. As a ‘Jane’ myself, I’ve received invaluable medication assistance since meeting the organization’s founder, Shannon. ‘This Is Jane Project’ hosts ‘pick-up’ events in various states, providing a safe space for survivors to obtain cannabis at local dispensaries. In LA we have been lucky to be meeting at the dispensary Fountain Of Wellbeing. When walking into the dispensary you’ll see a window to a cannabis grow! I have teamed up with the dispensary and we chose some extra beautiful leaves for me to take to my studio. I made delicate necklaces from them, selling them for a 100% donation for This Is Jane Project. Since then, a percentage of each Leaf Love necklace sold is being donated to TIJP.
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.
Hi there! I’m deeply passionate about the transformative power of cannabis, especially in my journey dealing with and healing from PTSD, which started after my army service. Moving back to the US provided better access to my medication and a wealth of knowledge from compassionate individuals eager to alleviate my pain. What struck me was not just the therapeutic benefits but also the sheer beauty of each cannabis nug—unique, much like people themselves. Driven to capture this beauty, I began illustrating cannabis nugs and leaves, eventually transitioning to crafting wearable art that encapsulates the essence of these magnificent plants. Enter Nancy Chains—a venture born from my desire to showcase the individuality and charm of cannabis buds through handcrafted stoners’ stones. Each piece is meticulously designed, ensuring that the encapsulated cannabis remains preserved but non-usable, as I opt for hemp instead.
The name ‘Nancy’ was inspired by the character Nancy Botwin from ‘Weeds,’ based on the real wonder woman, Dr. Dina Browner, a pioneer in Southern California’s cannabis industry.
For over four years, Nancy Chains has been my creative outlet, offering unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that allow individuals to wear, display, or hang their cannabis in the cutest shapes imaginable. From customizable longboards to intricately designed pieces like ‘Pothead’—a skull with a ‘nug brain’—every creation celebrates the exquisite details of cannabis.
I constantly update my website with exciting new releases, so be sure to subscribe to the Nancy Chains newsletter at NancyChains.com to stay updated on the latest drops that will undoubtedly leave you amazed!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At Nancy Chains, my creative journey is fueled by a dual mission that’s really close to my heart. Firstly, it’s all about capturing and celebrating the natural beauty and uniqueness of cannabis. It all began as a personal quest to showcase the individual charm of each cannabis bud. Now, it’s transformed into creating handcrafted stoners’ stones that encapsulate the essence of cannabis in wearable art pieces. And secondly, it’s about empowering folks by offering these one-of-a-kind customizable items. I want people to proudly wear, display, or own something that represents their love for cannabis in their own unique way. Ultimately, my aim is to honor the therapeutic and aesthetic appeal of cannabis while giving others a creative outlet to express their connection to it through these intricately made, wearable art pieces.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building my audience on social media has been quite the journey, one that aligns closely with my personal and professional evolution. At Nancy Chains, I’ve found that sharing my journey has resonated deeply with my audience. From showcasing the intricate process of creating handcrafted stoners’ stones to offering glimpses into my life navigating the cannabis industry and running a small business as both an artist and entrepreneur, wearing multiple hats has attracted followers keen on witnessing this unique journey unfold.
The key has been authenticity—sharing not only the products but also the story behind them. People are drawn to the exclusivity of my one-of-a-kind creations, which have never been seen before. It’s this element of uniqueness that has piqued the interest of my audience, driving engagement and a loyal following.
For those starting to build a social media presence, my advice is simple: authenticity is your strongest asset. Share your journey, the process behind your creations, and the multifaceted aspects of your life and business. Let your audience in on the uniqueness of your offerings and the story behind what you do. Embrace wearing many hats—it’s what makes your journey relatable and intriguing. Consistency, genuine engagement with your audience, and showcasing your unique perspective are key elements to foster a strong and loyal following.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nancychains.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancychains/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancychains/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gal-bar-el-83b4264b/
- Twitter: @chainsnancy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCemecI8WbBR55ZiS5MSuFSA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nancychains
Image Credits
JoJo Snaps, Shy Snaps