Fusing Cannabis + Hospitality Business Models with Shelby Poole

Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business

Ep. 27 Explore the intersection between cannabis and alcohol in American social circles as Shelby Poole shares her journey from the restaurant industry to founding Betty Bloom, a mobile social club focused on empowering women about the marijuana plant. The conversation dives into the future of cannabis consumption lounges, the rise of non-alcoholic cocktails, and the need for destigmatization and education.

Key Takeaways:

• There is a significant trend toward non-alcoholic and cannabis-based alternatives, reflecting a larger "sober curious" movement within society.
• Stigmatization of female cannabis users as "stoners", contrasting it with the socially accepted "wine moms".
• Shelby envisions a future where the boundaries between alcohol and cannabis consumption are blurred, advocating for responsible and inclusive spaces in hospitality.
• The widespread mismanagement of cannabis legalization in New York State, in terms of market control and education represents a pressing issue within the industry.

About the Guest

Shelby Poole is a multi-faceted entrepreneur and thought leader in the burgeoning cannabis industry. As the owner of Betty Bloom Social Club, she brings her background as a restaurateur to develop educational and socially-driven cannabis experiences. With a family history in the hospitality sector and having managed two family restaurants, Shelby stands at the crossroads of cannabis advocacy and community building. Her efforts are directed toward de-stigmatization, education, and shaping a responsible and fun cannabis culture.

Instagram @bettybloomsocialclub

Join the Betty Bloom Social Club

Event March 8th (International Women’s Day) in NYC: Mainstream Mary

Title Sponsor: Salena’s Mexican Restaurant

Episode sponsors: Salena’s, Marshall Street, Union Tavern

Focus + Fortify BOSSY Summit in Irondequoit March 11,12 + 18, 19

Music: Do it by Infraction, Mellow Bop by Prigida & You are the best by Cutesy Chamber Ensemble

Produced by JazzCast Pros

0:00:00 Introduction to Shelby Poole and her work in the cannabis industry

0:03:29 Introduction to the concept of free spirited cocktails

0:06:05 Start of conversation with Shelby Poole

0:08:11 Historical context of the stigma surrounding cannabis

0:09:54 Impact of the war on drugs and the need for cannabis legalization

0:10:40 The changing perception and acceptance of cannabis

0:13:23 Growing up in the hospitality industry

0:16:05 Transitioning from restaurants to working for Anheuser Busch

0:19:20 Creating a successful 420 festival

0:20:58 The intersection of alcohol and cannabis in hospitality

0:21:45 Coming back together after COVID-19 as authentic individuals

0:22:54 Exploring different uses and benefits of cannabis

0:26:07 Dreaming of a different lifestyle

0:26:33 Questioning the definition of success

0:27:49 Launching Betty Bloom

0:30:28 Using Tupperware parties as a model to empower women

0:32:03 Hosting infused dinner and movie events

0:32:22 Planning Mainstream Mary event to destigmatize cannabis

0:36:21 The future of alcohol and cannabis: Allowing liquor license holders to sell cannabis beverages

0:41:00 Dark side of the cannabis industry: Rise of the black market

0:44:48 The correlation between cannabis legalization and violence in Rochester

0:47:36 Shift in societal acceptance of moms smoking cannabis

0:51:59 Efforts of brands to make cannabis more accessible and less intimidating

0:52:47 Shoutouts to Eaton Botanicals and Her Highness as brands doing well in the space

0:54:48 Teaching teens about responsible cannabis use

0:57:10 Comparing the perception of alcohol and cannabis in households

0:58:34 The shift in understanding cannabis as a medicinal alternative

1:00:26 Future plans for Betty Bloom

1:03:07 Tease next podcast guest, Hope

1:04:19 Focus and Fortify event coming in March

1:04:50 Sign-off and contact information

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