We were lucky to catch up with Rose & Melissa Irrgang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rose & Melissa , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
LadyGrass was born on a family vacation in Saginaw, MN. Over watermelon, amidst laughter and tears, conversations turned to the recent death of our mother, Rita. It was bittersweet; her absence was felt in every shared memory, yet it was also a time of connection and remembrance. As a joint was passed around, ideas began to flow, intertwining our grief with creativity.
In this moment of vulnerability, we realized the power of stories—our stories, her stories. Each word exchanged painted a picture of a woman who had shaped our lives, weaving together the threads of joy, wisdom, and resilience. Inspired by these memories, we envisioned LadyGrass—a project dedicated to honoring her legacy, her fight and nurturing a pace for our shared experiences.
LadyGrass is not just a name; it embodies a collective journey of healing, creativity, and connection. It serves as a reminder that even in loss, there is the potential for growth and new beginnings. As we embark on this path, we invite others to join us, to share their journeys of love and loss, and to celebrate the beauty that emerges from the shadows.
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.
We have been passionate advocates and longtime users of cannabis. Falling in love with its calming effects, along with its natural and medicinal properties, it became obvious that the government’s perception and stigma surrounding cannabis were all wrong.
How can the law be justifiable when so many harmful products are legal while healing herbs are banned? We researched and witnessed the healing properties of these herbs that affect everything from cancer to skin conditions, mental health, and pain relief. Despite this, research has stalled, and many findings have been suppressed, preventing them from reaching the public. After all, cancer is a lucrative business, and big pharmaceutical companies hold the reins. Until recently, it has been difficult to overlook the powerful healing properties of these herbs. It is crucial to educate the masses.
We started our company driven by the pain of our mother’s battle with cancer. We watched helplessly as she succumbed to the disease, desperately seeking alternatives that didn’t involve more chemotherapy. Her skin burned from radiation, her appetite vanished, and her mental health hit rock bottom. Determined to make a difference, we created products that serve a purpose.
We often describe cancer as an octopus: the head represents the patient, while the tentacles symbolize the friends and family who share in the pain and hope alongside their loved one. Our experiences of suffering are varied, yet the pain remains. Grief, after all, is simply love that has nowhere to go. With cannabis legalization now fully underway, we recognized the need to stand out by offering unique products and pursuing distinct goals. Instead of focusing on drinks or edibles, we turned our attention to what we understood best: WOMEN. We committed to extensive research, realizing the necessity for organic herbal products designed specifically for women. Since the beginning of time, women and cannabis have shared a deep connection.
We offer a diverse range of products, including cannabis-infused skincare, massage oils with dreamy scents, and our most popular yet difficult-to-discuss item: our sexual stimulation oil. Our Bliss oil is a topical product that is organic, vegan, and edible, designed to enhance the sexual experiences of women, whether they are facing challenges or seeking to elevate their intimacy. Additionally, we provide beautifully crafted hand-poured soy candles and elegant cannabis smoking accessories that appeal to a feminine aesthetic.
Have you ever had to pivot?
We began with a plethora of ideas but lacked a clear direction. Along the way, we received various pieces of advice—some helpful, others not—which led us to develop too many products for our small business budget. Eventually, we streamlined our focus, prioritizing the key products that align best with our original vision.
Through a journey of trial and error, we learned to streamline our focus, refining our offerings to create impactful products that truly resonate with our vision.
By spring of this year, you will see our products streamlined and new, creative accessories introduced.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Funding? Capital? What does that even mean? We have built LadyGrass with our own blood, sweat, and tears, personally financing every aspect of the business. With no prior experience in starting a company, we had little knowledge of loans or funding options. Our initial investor turned out to be too good to be true, but we were determined to pursue our dream. We resolved to achieve our vision, regardless of traditional bank financing, management partners, or outside investors
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ladygrass.com
- Instagram: @ladygrass_
- Other: @ladygrass Tiktok
Image Credits
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