We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jae Graham-Anciso a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jae, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

For nearly a decade, my professional journey unfolded behind the scenes of an adult store, where I served as a dedicated buyer. My focus was the smoke shop department, curating a diverse range of products sourced from specific vendors. While my demographic consisted primarily of men, there was a sprinkle of female patrons in the mix.

Among the products I carefully selected were charming pink sparkly unicorn items. These whimsical pieces found their niche, appealing to the women who ventured into the store, albeit at a leisurely pace. Yet, the majority of our visitors, mostly men, sought the staples: basic hand pipes, bongs, and papers.

Parallel to my role as a buyer, I also took on the role of a full-time caregiver and cannabis companion for my father. His encouragement was pivotal in allowing me to embrace my identity as a cannabis enthusiast and patient. When he passed away, we were galvanized to honor his legacy by sharing the world of cannabis with others.

Fuelled by determination, my partner Francisca and I made the bold decision to leave our jobs behind. Embarking on a year-long journey, we traversed trade shows and farms, seeking inspiration and top-tier products for our fellow patients. Our voyage took us through states where cannabis was still prohibited to those where it thrived legally. Yet, despite our efforts, the vision I held in my mind remained elusive, a puzzle yet to be solved.

Having spent my life in retail, I possessed a crystal-clear vision of the shopping experience I wanted to offer. The missing piece was turning that vision into reality.

Thus, with Francisca by my side, we enlisted the expertise of a design team and skilled fabricators. Collaboratively, we transformed our concept into a tangible reality. And in October 2017, the doors of MARYJAE® – Austin’s first female-owned, queer women of color-led smoke shop turned dispensary – swung open, marking a groundbreaking moment in Texas.

The emotions that surged within us were a whirlwind – pride in what we had achieved, apprehension about the unknown, nervousness about the road ahead, and an overwhelming excitement. Crafting a space that was not only visually appealing but also safe, clean, and inclusive was paramount for our community of women.

We reveled in the opportunity to introduce a fresh, female-focused perspective to the smoke shop and cannabis dispensary realm. Our confidence stemmed from the conviction that our innovative concept was sorely lacking in the market. Deep within, I held the belief that there were others like me, seeking a space that resonated with their experiences.

Today, as we approach the cusp of celebrating our sixth year in October, I stand tall with immense pride. We disrupted the status quo, reshaping the smoke shop scene, and carving out a space for diversity and inclusivity.

Jae, 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?

Hello readers, I’m Jae Graham-Anciso, the CEO and Co-Founder of MARYJAE® in Austin, Texas. Our dispensary isn’t just about cannabis; it’s about family, identity, and passion.

My journey here was accidental yet transformative. From managing a smoke shop within an adult store, I discovered my love for the cannabis industry. Simultaneously, I cared for my father, introducing him to cannabis to ease his cancer and cirrhosis battles. Witnessing its positive impact on him, I was inspired to share this with others.

MARYJAE® is a haven for all, from newcomers to cannabis enthusiasts. As a family-owned, female-led, and queer-run business, we are deeply rooted in our purpose of community care.

Our uniqueness lies in our adaptability. Without a playbook, my partner Francisca and I combine our diverse skills to push boundaries. We’re driven by the memory of my father’s approval and encouragement, propelling us to turn dreams into reality and bring positivity to the lives we touch.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Certainly, navigating the cannabis industry demands constant pivoting, almost on a daily basis. However, the standout instance that comes to mind is when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Despite being only a few years into our journey and being small business owners, we were compelled to pivot swiftly.

In the face of the pandemic’s challenges, we found ourselves having to close our doors and witnessing the departure of our entire staff. This abrupt shift was a shock, as we were accustomed to adapting rapidly in the past, but this time, the responsibility was solely ours.

Swift thinking became imperative. Our response involved initiating town-wide deliveries and offering personalized shopping experiences. Patients would drive up, and I would roll out a cart with products, ensuring a one-on-one shopping encounter that prioritized safety. Astonishingly, we took just a week-long breather; the rest of the time was dedicated to continuous hustling, unceasing pivoting, and relentless brainstorming of innovative ways to serve our patients.

We ventured into collaborations with local restaurants, a strategic move to broaden our reach. This involved bundling joints with meal purchases, a creative twist that resonated with our community. Furthermore, we embarked on partnerships for giveaways with fellow restaurants, fostering a sense of unity and engagement during a challenging period.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

The tale of how Francisca and I became business partners has a rather amusing origin and a love story. We crossed paths on a dating app of all places. It all started when I was working at my previous job, helping a customer who was excitedly sharing her hookup success story. Playfully, she suggested that I should give the app a shot, thinking I’d do well. However, I clarified that I wasn’t interested in casual hookups given my busy schedule attending to my job and taking care of my father full-time.

But, as fate would have it, that encounter stuck with me. Months later, I found myself contemplating that app. So, I decided to give it a shot, signing up and creating an account. As I explored the app, it became evident that it wasn’t the right fit for me. I thought I had closed the chapter by deleting the app off my phone, but unknowingly, my account remained active.

One night, out of the blue, I received an email from a girl who had seen my profile. It was on this app that you only had a single chance to message someone back without incurring charges. I saw her message, thought she was cute, and decided to go for it. I responded with my number and a quick message. Soon, she texted me back, and our exchange began. She mentioned she was driving back home from a night out with friends, and I wanted to hear her voice to gauge her authenticity.

So, I called her, and that was the spark that ignited everything. We exchanged texts, calls, and pictures. Despite living six hours away in the valley, she would drive to visit me every weekend, a gesture that showcased her dedication. She would arrive on Friday night and leave Sunday night, just in time for work on Monday.

Over time, she made the decision to move to Austin and live with me and my father. Her presence during a difficult period was a testament to her character. My father was battling prostate cancer and cirrhosis of the liver, yet she never complained. She wholeheartedly took on the role of a caregiver, tending to his needs, providing comfort, and maintaining a positive atmosphere around him.

After my father’s passing, she approached me with an idea. She believed that I should sell the house he had left me and use the proceeds to help others facing similar struggles. This was the beginning of our joint journey. We sold the house and its contents, an act that was an expression of trust and conviction in her vision.

Right from the moment we met, I knew I could place my faith in her. Even my father expressed his approval, telling me he could depart this world content, knowing I was with her. Her support in pursuing my dreams was evident, and I saw the potential of us becoming a power couple, driving positive change through a remarkable business venture. Our partnership was forged on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision of creating something impactful and beautiful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopmaryjae.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopmaryjae/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShopMaryJae/status/1615001442212782081
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shopmaryjae
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maryjae-austin
• Other: IG Social Club – https://www.instagram.com/maryjaesocialclub/reels/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@shopmaryjae 5 Stars – https://www.fivestars.com/business/TX/Austin/CBD/MARYJAE-/336817cfa8744abb88381ae8e03583ce/

Image Credits
All image credits: Regina Blancas photography