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Realistically, I should have seen our recent Weed Olympics event as the flashing neon sign that busy season had officially hit. The realization crept up about a week or so ago when I was mapping out my calendar for the (then) two weeks ahead of me. As I scrolled into June I noticed that my calendar seemed a bit more robust, mainly on miles though. I have been cruising my way around, covering everything from central Missouri through southern Missouri. However, I currently find myself out west… a rare occurrence simply due to the fact that our brand has an ambassador stationed out here, so I’m not necessarily needed this way unless it’s a bigger event.

In this instance, I am visiting for MOCann.

It is my first time at the event, but from what I hear it is the best part of the quarter in our industry. It’s this huge networking event where all the brands, owners, and investors come out to talk shop and socialize. My past experience in the industry didn’t necessarily require me to be present at the event, but Robust felt it was important for me to partake and I truly am humbled by their investment in me. It’s not often that you find genuine people who want to put you in spaces to shine your brightest!

The actual convention part of this event starts in just a few hours, but last night Robust kicked off the festivities with an infused dinner. I wasn’t too sure what to expect, the only infused dinners I have ever attended were with the Ace Solventless team in STL and with this being KC… I just wasn’t sure, ya know? Shortly after I walked in my excitement rose to a level 10 as I saw the Ace chef walking by with the service team with a rundown of how the food would roll out. Immediately I was reassured I was in for a banging meal because this man KNOWS how to throw down on a plate!

I also noticed Mikayla and Maddie had brought oodles of product for the guests to experience in between courses. We made goodie bags for each person that contained two pre-rolls, two eighths, and an ash tray; then we guided them to our various tables, one was a dab bar featuring two of our hash rosin concentrates and the other table offered hash rosin capsules as well as additional infused pre-rolls and swag. So the act of simply walking into the dinner was incredible because each person was greeted with a variety of products to experience at their leisure.

I stayed surrounded by good company, more than anything though I was just so happy to be kicking it with our team! We’re small, with us being a start up and all, and while most of the team catches each other in the office it’s pretty rare to find me anywhere near the office. Being on the road is awesome in that it’s a very independent work space (which I love and need), that doesn’t mean I don’t love coming back home though. Any chance I am offered the time and space to be around my Robust family and make memories with them, I am going to soak it all in and make it a core memory.

They are clever, kind, rooted in strong work ethic, morally sound people who have stellar senses of humor and the most interesting stories. I learn so much from each of them regardless of the setting we’re in. Even during our pre-dinner smoke sesh I learned something new about Blake that just made me respect her even more as a woman in our industry and just as a woman in general (homegirl stays breaking glass ceilings). They are also some of the most creative people I have ever met; a perfect example being how Mikayla hired a caricature artists and magician as our entertainment for the party! Guests went crazy for the magician, personally I was delighted for Blake and I to get another caricature done of us.

Then the h’orderves rolled out! As said earlier, we were able to hire the Ace Solventless chef who is an absolute genius with the food he prepares. I was only able to snap photos of the starters because I got too high and forgot for the additional courses… which were tasty as fuck! The main course was steak with potatoes and vegetables followed by a dessert buffet. Each bite was more satisfying than the last as I worked my way through each course. I went through waves of feeling like I had met capacity only to smoke a rosin infused pre-roll and magically find space for more.

I was also highly impressed with their service team. As a former restaurant industry worker I notice the serving team first anywhere I go. It’s kind of hard not to when that was your life for 16 years. The service lead held herself so well; firm and organized, but kind and ready for anything that might happen. She stayed on top of every guests’ order, which got to be a bit confusing because we offered entrées to go in case people wanted something for later in the night. It was easy to see the cohesion between her and her number two as the navigated the crowd to keep the rhythm of the kitchen. It was absolutely beautiful to watch and made me miss the rush of dinner service, just a little.

The party ended at 9pm “officially” although many of us hung around to for an extra 30 minutes or so to smoke just one more dab or pre-roll before we parted ways until the convention. Breaking down didn’t take long since our team is very boots on the ground, but it was enough to wok up my appetite again. Thankfully I live in a time where Door Dash exists because I was tired as fuck by the time I got back to my hotel room and my Whataburger came pretty quick.

It lowkey kind of feels like a dream in a way. I am staying at this magnificent hotel for the most anticipated cannabis event our state (currently) experiences and I started my stay off with a sensational dinner hosted by our brilliant team. I don’t know, I’m just sitting here in awe of it all. I used to be a little girl dreaming of doing things like this, being a part of a group of world changers, networking with gorgeous women in fabulous outfits, eating the most divine meals… and now I’m actually living it!

I’m just humbled and grateful and overwhelmed with joy. I wish I had a little bit more time to sit in this feeling, but the shower is calling my name as well as a delicious breakfast. So off I go, eager to return with another update!