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

Sativa, appreciate you joining us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

My passion for exceptional customer service is deeply rooted in my family’s entrepreneurial legacy. Growing up, I spent countless hours observing my grandparents, successful Jamaican business owners. They owned and operated several thriving hair and nail salons, where I watched them meticulously attend to each client’s needs and create a welcoming atmosphere. More than just providing services, they were building relationships and creating memorable experiences.

While I was young, I remember watching them count money at the end of the day, a moment I now realize was a profound privilege. It instilled in me an appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to build a successful business. Coming from generations of entrepreneurs—my grandparents, my father who runs a successful IT company, and now myself—I understand the importance of customer satisfaction in driving business growth.

I believe in creating experiences that go beyond expectations, just as my grandmother did. I often draw parallels to the meticulous planning that goes into a wedding. Entrusting someone with your dream wedding requires immense trust, and you expect them to pay attention to every detail, anticipate your needs, and ensure everything runs smoothly. This same level of care and dedication is what I strive for in every customer interaction. I want to create experiences that are not just transactional but truly memorable and leave a lasting positive impression.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For folks who may not have read about me before, let me introduce myself. My journey into the medical cannabis industry was deeply personal. A close friend, who was battling cancer, introduced me to the world of alternative treatment centers, now known as dispensaries. Witnessing his struggle ignited a passion within me to explore the potential of cannabis as a healing modality.

I believe in products that reflect our values and connect us to our roots. My brand embodies this philosophy with the slogan “Make The Ancestors Smile.” This phrase, engraved on an abeng (a horn used by my ancestors in 1738), symbolizes my commitment to honoring our heritage while creating a positive impact.

I offer sustainable hemp wicks as an alternative to traditional lighters. These wicks eliminate the use of microplastics, butane, and harmful chemicals, ensuring a cleaner and more flavorful smoking experience. Lighters burn for an average of 55 minutes, releasing chemicals and altering the taste of your cannabis. My wicks provide a superior, eco-friendly alternative.

But I’m more than just a hemp wick entrepreneur. I’m a multi-talented individual with a passion for mentoring, life coaching, video creation, and storytelling. I’m currently working on two books that delve into self-love, self-care, and discovering your purpose through Human Design principles. I believe everyone has a unique purpose in life, and I’m dedicated to helping others identify and fulfill their potential.

I’m the chosen one of my own story, and I’m on a path guided by my ancestors. I believe in the power of self-discovery and healing. My mission is to empower others to overcome challenges, embrace their gifts, and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

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

I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and capturing attention. Even in high school, I was a mass communications major, and I have my incredible teacher to thank for that. She fostered my creativity and encouraged me to express myself through video. In fact, I still give an annual scholarship in her name to support aspiring filmmakers at my high school, ten years after I graduated.

I’ve been making videos since I was 14, and I’ve always enjoyed the attention they garnered. When I realized I could monetize my passion for filmmaking, it ignited a fire within me. I poured myself into creating engaging content, experimenting with different formats, and connecting with my audience.

One memorable experience was when I shut down my entire school to screen a short horror film I’d written and directed for Halloween. The highlight was getting to “kill” the principal, who, let’s just say, wasn’t the most popular figure in school. Seeing his exaggerated acting and the students’ reactions was exhilarating. That experience solidified my desire to impact people through my storytelling and filmmaking.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Building a strong community is central to my approach. I believe in creating a space where my clients not only connect with my brand but also with each other. By supporting other minority-owned businesses, especially those run by Black women, I’m not only creating a network of support but also fostering a sense of belonging among my clients. This extends beyond simply providing a product or service; it’s about building genuine relationships and a shared sense of purpose.

For example, attending a content house hosted by Butacake, a Black-owned edible brand, opened my eyes to the power of collaboration and the importance of uplifting each other. This experience led to valuable connections and a deeper understanding of the impact we can have by supporting one another.

By amplifying the voices of these businesses through my content and fostering a network of support, I’m not only helping them grow but also contributing to a more equitable and inclusive business landscape. This approach not only strengthens the individual businesses but also strengthens my own brand by building a loyal community of like-minded individuals who share my values and support my mission.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @TheSativaPapi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erodney-davis-0401b5a8?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/n16vDaTGa2k9H2jT9

Image Credits

N?A