Get to know how I can achieve similar and better for your cannabis brand with my case studies below. These projects set the foundation for my Symphony of Services. Full Transparency: much of this work was prior to my intentional mission to create + sustain 10X results.
Click on the respective link in the Table of Contents below to envision how my services can work for you.
If you click on client's logo or name, you'll be directed to their company site or individual page. Feel free to reach out to them directly for questions and to expand your network!
StashBag Data is a consumer insights company bridging the gap between consumers + brands in the Cannabis Beverage Segment of the industry. I was recruited to co-found the company with Kenya Alexander-Davis + our anonymous Co-Founder "YK" in August 2024.
THE IDEA
When Kenya introduced me to YK, they were playing with the idea of a unique way to connect data with cannabis consumers. Initially, they had reached out for my visual art skills. However, the company-to-be lacked structure, focus, confidence + leadership to make it into a viable business.
THE STRATEGY
Cosmic Gold
(this is the experience that influenced the service)
After a handful of meetings, I decided to step up + apply my expertise in Strategic Leadership to bring our Startup into a reality.
I recorded our thoughts, ideas, availability + professional connections in Asana. This was a gradual process of bringing clarity + structure through the end of 2024.
I helped get us on track for the necessities for this to be a profitable business: I came up with the name "Stash Bag," then it became ours once they added "Data."
From there, we developed a contract for our partnership, legally registered the business + set up our unique services.
Combining YK's Market Research expertise, Kenya's endless Curiosity + Creative Prowess, and my knack for Growth Strategy + Talent Development, we created an Industry Mixer Focus Group offer, In-Person Photo Activation offer + Virtual Focus Group offer.
From feeling out our backgrounds, goals, overall lifestyles + passions, I made it a priority to streamline ideas that were actionable + kept us focused on what would pay off long-term.
And most importantly, I honored Kenya's + YK's availability as full-time employees with families while empowering them as Executives.
THE EVOLUTION
What started as a cool concept to connect with cannabis consumers has emerged as a novel national startup in the industry. All it took was my leadership that established structure + a WHOLE lot of confidence.
Disruptive Facilitation: The implementation of strategic processes, including using Asana for organization and validating their concept through real-world tests at Revelry NYC, Beard Bros Pharm Live Sesh + NECANN New Jersey provided a strong foundation, turning their abstract idea into a viable, sustainable business.
Growth Strategy: We didn't just chase every shiny object. We locked in on the booming cannabis beverages market and developed repeatable services like sponsored Industry Mixers and Photo Activations that bring in the cash.
Talent Coaching: By moving from an unstructured concept to clearly defined executive roles (CEO, CRO, CSO), we were empowered to leverage their unique skills in research, creativity, and strategy, building a confident and effective team.
This is how I get shit done~!!
THE IDEA
Though business was booming for Reggie, he + accounting partner Kenya Alexander-Davis of Green to Green Solutions struggled to set up Canna-House's Bookkeeping System. Reggie is the CEO + Founder, but also picks up + delivers Dirty Lemonade orders to New York dispensaries.
They had trouble conceptualizing what the Accounting looked like for company. And given their demanding work schedules + home life, carving out time to focus on this task proved to be difficult.
Kenya reached out to me for help after I got things rolling with our startup Stash Bag Data.
After an introductory call with Reggie, we scheduled 3 days + blocked out 3 hours for each day to setup Canna-House's Accounting Department.
Once we got started in October 2024, we met via Google Meet to discuss all the documents, deadlines, tools + necessary partnerships Canna-House needed to get their books in order.
I led the call while screensharing Asana to organize our thoughts + maintain inventory of required tasks.
THE EVOLUTION
Canna-House is a successful brand with a powerful collective + product behind it. This Win strengthened their legal staying power.
Disruptive Facilitation: I implemented an intensive, 3-day sprint to establish their entire accounting system, providing a sustainable solution in a matter of hours.
Growth Strategy: We transformed Canna-House from a brand whose founders were still making deliveries into a structured company, freeing up their time to focus on strategic growth.
Talent Coaching: By empowering Kenya's assistant with a clear role, we built a reliable bookkeeping system that ensures the brand’s financial health without pulling the founders away from their priorities.
This is how you turn hustle into a well-oiled machine.
"Bast really brings a playful but thoughtful perspective to any project. Besides having an insane depth of creativity, she also has the ability to harness that creativity. She’s been instrumental in making sure our project moves forward by providing a structure that holds us accountable while also allowing flexibility when plans or ideas change.
"Every conversation that I’ve ever had with Bast has empowered me and given me the confidence that I need to keep moving forward. And not in a fake, motivational way because she’s not the type to tell you what you want to hear. But she sees things from a lens of realistic possibility and that’s amazing.
"I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND BAST’S SERVICES! If you’re serious about moving a project forward, this is the person to bring on board."
Kenya Alexander-Davis, Chief Executive Officer + Co-Founder
Peake ReLeaf is an independent and locally owned medical cannabis dispensary in Rockville, Maryland. Founded by 3 friends and Maryland natives Company President Warren Lemley, Executive Vice Presidents Tracey Lancaster-Miller and Nate Miller with the marketing leadership of Kevin Johnson, Peake cultivates a friendly, transparent relationship with patients and influences policies that foster a Colorado-like experience in the Crab State.
THE IDEA
Kevin, Peake's Director of Creative Marketing, had plenty of great ideas, but lacked the structure, C-suite buy-in + resources to get them off the ground. From unclear Brand Messaging to an inconsistent video series to an apparel line that wasn't generating revenue, their Marketing Department of 1 was highly dissatisfied.
THE STRATEGY
Cosmic Gold
(this was a prototype that shaped this service)
Peake ReLeaf was my marketing partner from December 2018 to November 2022, so I was very familiar with their strengths + limitations.
When I was hired in August 2021, I came in as Creative Strategist, then Campaign Director to craft the content marketing strategy for their video series "Inside the Industry" (ITI) + their merchandise line "Peake Apparel."
I brought the C-Suite together for bi-weekly meetings, cultivating their creativity + inclusion for both projects. I moved the Content Calendar to Asana so all team members knew what was going on.
I encouraged them to recruit their budtenders for marketing initiatives. And I established deadlines + production schedules for ITI, as well as suggested topics of interest.
I also provided Creative Direction + Quality Control for Apparel designs.
THE EVOLUTION
My collaboration with Peake ReLeaf began with a simple but powerful idea: bringing an ambitious team's vision to life.
Disruptive Facilitation: I established a collaborative structure for the C-Suite and introduced an Asana-based content calendar, ensuring every project was on track and every team member was aligned.
Growth Strategy: I transformed their "Inside the Industry" video series into a consistent, two-episode-per-month program. The Peake Apparel shop was upgraded to increase sales, leading the executive team to invest in new products that were enthusiastically received by staff and customers.
Talent Coaching: I encouraged the team to participate in marketing initiatives, cultivating their confidence and ability to create content. I also provided creative direction for apparel designs, which developed their talent and creativity.
With a solid strategy in place, Peake ReLeaf was able to elevate their brand presence establish a lasting foundation for continued growth.
"We approached Alaina because we needed additional support with our content strategy and distribution. Her robust and sustainable marketing strategy has fueled our efforts—enhancing our community engagement and brand visibility efforts.
We’ve been extremely happy with the leveel of professionalism, and overall genuine care, that Alaina has for her clients’ interests."
Tracey Lancaster-Miller, Executive Vice President + Co-Founder
Kevin Johnson, Jr., Director of Creative Marketing
Dodi Blunts is Oakland’s premier craft blunt founded by retired NFL Player Marshawn Lynch and Abacus Strategy's former Co-founder + Chief Strategy Officer Jeff Goldenberg. It’s the bridge uniting cannabis, sports and culture and is paired with its apparel brand Dodi Supply.
(This product was launched Spring 2021. They rebranded to Flower + Apparel in April 2024.)
THE IDEA
Needing clarity, Jeff sought help solidifying Dodi's brand (tied to Marshawn Lynch) as its own entity. He aimed for website copy and PR to exude inclusive cannabis culture and quality, but lacked concrete ideas for archetype, persona, and inspiration.
He requested that I build a Key Messaging Strategy that would establish the brand archtype and voice for the PR, website and social media copy upon launch.
THE STRATEGY
Solar Brass
(this was a prototype that shaped this service)
I had an in-depth discussion with Jeff + the team's PR Specialist Crystal to get a clear idea of what they wanted to communicate with this product + the overall brand.
After having the opportunity to interview Marshawn Lynch with them on Zoom, I made a deck that clearly laid out the Key Messaging Strategy for the website, social media + press releases.
We completed this project December 2020 - January 2021.
THE EVOLUTION
My collaboration with Dodi Blunts began with a clear mission: solidifying a brand tied to a celebrity as its own distinct entity.
Disruptive Facilitation: I had an in-depth discussion with the team, including Marshawn Lynch, to get a clear idea of their vision. I then crafted a deck that clearly laid out the key messaging strategy for the website, social media, and press releases.
Growth Strategy: My work defined the product as “Oakland’s premier craft blunt.” My copy was paired with stellar photographs for the initial Instagram posts, providing a powerful launch that set the stage for their brand identity.
Talent Coaching: My in-depth discussion with the team helped clarify their vision and empowered them to communicate what they wanted the brand to be.
With a solid strategy in place, Dodi Blunts launched with a clear, resonant voice that set the foundation for the Dodi Supply rebrand.
"It was a pleasure working with Alaina. Her ability to translate our ideas and our aesthetic into words was critical to the creation and launch of the Dodi brand.
"By understanding our strategy objectives, Alaina was able to craft language that created the mood and the vibe of our brand, which was a very challenging task. Would definitely recommend Alaina for your project"
Jeff Goldenberg, Strategy Director + Co-Founder