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Why cannabis baddie Zena Sativa is teaching stoners to love themselves
The cannabis industry is (expectedly) plagued by various and sundry obstacles when it comes to conducting business.
Federal prohibition has put hurdles firmly in place that have in turn fueled innovative solutions for everything, from payment processing to advertising.
This climate has also supported an industry that relies on social media influencers to assist in their marketing strategies to stay compliant within the space.
Cannabis influencers know they’re imperative to brand growth and success, this allows them to step into their power and traditionally hold a lot more weight when it comes to promotion.
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We sat down with cannabis brand ambassador and influencer Zena Sativa to learn more about her work inspiring us to live our best #PotGirlSummer every season this whole damn year.
Zena got her start in cannabis by frequenting her local Seattle recreational dispensary and building meaningful relationships with the budtenders, among others working at the spot.
These genuine connections led to her first stint as a cannabis model which opened doors to other opportunities like her collaboration with Seattle’s favorite Heylo Cannabis on a series of strain-specific stoner playlists.
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After a move to LA, Zena started working in marketing as a brand ambassador for a prominent dispensary in the area and worked to promote cannabis brands and products that resonated with her for a couple of years on social media. This only led to more and more work in the space.
When asked about her killer style influences Zena explained that she is her own greatest #inspo.
“I envision looks in my head that could be inspired from a color, the fabric, or the cut, and piece them together with things that I like…”
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Zena continued,
“I also dress FOR my body, because everything isn’t flattering on everyone. I dress for my shape and what hugs my body the way I need it to. Sometimes when I’m lacking inspiration I’ll watch a throwback movie and take notes of what I like. Like modernizing vintage looks and making them fit for me.”
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Zena is a major advocate for self-care because she feels “the more you are caring and treating yourself the stronger you build your self-love.”
“I just hope if anyone gets anything from me it’s to be your best self, be a bad bitch, and accomplish the things you wanna get done! Don’t let anyone or anything block your blessings or hold you back and build up your self worth along the way…”
Zena continued,
“When you value yourself so high, your ‘self’ becomes stronger and no one can take that away from you. When your self-love is strong, you are powerful.”
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Why should we only receive an award for doing well? To Zena that’s a “faulty mindset that only sets us back.” We always have to be good to ourselves. That way we’re happier, we are better for other people, and we actually produce more because our energy is improved.
“We deserve love and care on our bad days and even more than usual. No one knows our needs more than ourselves. That’s why the ‘self’ in self-love is so important. It builds your independence and teaches you to heal on your own.”
When it comes to fostering a unique and loyal community, Zena knows what’s up. Her vibe and hard work have helped her amass over 230k followers that support her with memes, art, and tons of engagement.
Her advice to other influencers looking to build their brand is to always stay true to yourself as that projection can be a public figure’s most precious asset.
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“In this day and age, we are swamped with ads, it feels refreshing when you see authenticity. Don’t limit yourself to one field, expand and work on your skills, your knowledge, and let your mood board be endless. Follow people who inspire you, who are doing the same thing you are, who are doing what you want to be doing. Network and support each other!”
When she isn’t serving lewks hot enough to roast your bowl, Zena finds inspiration in “cooking bomb meals” and working on her new venture: @veganbutshethick as well as some cookbooks geared towards the vegan stoner.
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