Weed Queens! Please welcome our guest Bluntina Aguilera, who specializes in executive administrative management and leadership and operational business development. I’m super excited to share this interview with you as Bluntina discusses her journey in this industry and shares advice on how to have a successful career in the weed world. Read more about Bluntina and her awesome work in the interview below.
How would you describe yourself and what you do?
Hmmm…I’d describe myself as a supportive best bud assisting women see the forest for the trees in their business by getting to the root of their pain problems and then taking action. I specialize in executive administrative management and leadership + operational business development; and I take a human approach when assisting with both. I feel like I’m walking into the third act of my hero journey. I’m moving back to my hometown, Atlantic City, and I’m so excited to explore the ways I can expand Bluntina Aguilera as a brand.
What makes you and your career choice unique?
My commitment to staying my authentic self is something that I think helps me stand apart. I lean into all of the things about myself that we’re taught are “bad for business.” I curse. I’m extremely sensitive. I’m introverted. I treat these qualities like the superpowers that they are and empower women to dig deep and do the same.
What inspired you to jump into cannabis career-wise and how did you get started?
I’ve wanted to work in the cannabis industry since I was child. My dream was to be a psychologist by day and run an edible bakery by night, but then life happened and that dream died. Unfortunate occurrences over the past couple of years, like parental death and unemployment, really signify the shift in my mindset that a career in cannabis is actually attainable. To get started I woke up one day and just started posting relatable weed content on Instagram. I didn’t have it all figured out, I still don’t to be completely honest, but I knew I just had to jump out there.
What is your vision and mission for your career?
My vision and mission is to pour into women in business to become better leaders in business and to themselves. I always say, I aim to help women align their purpose and illuminate their power.
What were you doing before you started to work in the cannabis industry?
I am currently an administrative lead at a defense litigation law firm. I am building my business from the ground up on nights and weekends.
How did that influence what you do?
My current and past jobs alike influenced me to seek autonomy. By starting my own business I can grant myself financial freedom, freedom of time, and be of service to other women seeking the same.
How did you learn the skills to start and run a successful career?
Observation has been one of my truest friends over the years. I’ve held administrative + leadership roles in many different industries over the years and for it I am a walking well of knowledge.
What factors have contributed towards your path of success?
My willingness to unlearn everything I was taught would be a detriment. I also have one of the best support systems in the world. Words can not express my gratitude for my tribe.
Did you ever expect a career in the cannabis space?
Not in a million years! But hey, look at me now.
Were your family and friends supportive of your venture?
It took my mom some time to come around, but right now the answer is yes.
What has your personal experience with cannabis been?
I started smoking weed when I was 19, and we entered a secret relationship soon after. Today I am happy to shout from the rooftops how much I love weed and how much it loves me back! Cannabis has aided me in my journey with grief, in managing my hormone imbalance PCOS, and just to simply take the edge off and veg out.
Did you ever feel like you weren’t taken seriously because you are a woman?
ALL THE TIME. Not only have I not been taken seriously because I am a woman, but also because I am a black woman. Intersectionality has tried to confine me to a box with a glass ceiling where all of my passion, labor, and essence is used but I am not valued.
How/do you think your involvement in this industry is going to positively impact your community?
I hope that my involvement in this industry can inspire other women to lean into their natural talents and monetize it- in a way most authentic to them.
What has been your greatest obstacle in this industry to date – and how have you overcome it?
Honestly, I have been – and still am in some ways – my biggest obstacle. I think a lot of women have been conditioned to shrink themselves and it takes a lot of unlearning and self reflection to work through that. I never thought I’d be able to go into business for myself, let alone in the cannabis industry. Imposter syndrome tries to keep me in a chokehold, but I break free from the submission and take it to suplex city every time.
What’s the biggest change you want to see in the cannabis industry?
I’d like to see more black and brown women in spaces of authority in the cannabis industry.
Now that cannabis is legal, what excites you most and what worries you the most?
I’m excited about legal cannabis because I feel a sense of “freedom” in my personal usage. But the reality is, that “freedom” is only for the privileged , and cannabis legalization is being leveraged as another tool to oppress people of color. That is a forever worry for me.
As a woman, what challenges did you encounter (if any) building your business in a male-dominated industry and how do you plan to create change and inclusiveness for future WOC joining the industry?
So far, I haven’t encountered any challenges as it pertains to a male-dominated industry. I came into building my brand with the clear intent that I’m for women and I’m taking my time to build community with women like me.
What would be your best piece of advice for fellow women looking to pursue the cannabis industry?
Take the leap! Lean in your superpowers, choose your lane, and go full steam ahead. Don’t let a need for perfection stop you from being present.
Where can we reach you? (IG/ Twitter handle and or email)
Email: bluntina.aguilera@gmail.com
Name 4 of your favorite women in weed that you’d like to give a shout out too. What do they do and where can we reach them?
Verita Nathalie aka FairyBrandMother. She is an Intuitive Brand Strategist by way of Human Design and she’s changed my life. You can find Verita on IG @fairybrandmother_
Kristal Bush is an absolute phenom! She is a social justice advocate fighting against the ongoing war on drugs and breaking the stigma of cannabis. She is the creator of StayLyfted and FreeMyWeedMan. You can find her on IG @kritty_b @staylyfted @freemyweedman
Lizzy Jeff is a rap priestess and presents Zen & Kush, she marries cannabis with sensuality + healing in the most beautiful way. You can find her on IG @lizzyjeff
Blunt Blowin’ Mama is on a mission to normalize moms who smoke weed. You can support her by joining her membership where you’ll have access to informative workshops, podcast episodes, and virtual smoke sessions. You can find her on IG @bluntblowinmama
Key Takeaways from Bluntina Aguilera:
- Take the leap!
- Lean in your superpowers, choose your lane, and go full steam ahead.
- Don’t let a need for perfection stop you from being present.
- But the reality is, that “freedom” is only for the privileged , and cannabis legalization is being leveraged as another tool to oppress people of color.
Huge shout out and big thank you to Bluntina Aguilera for taking the time to chat about her experiences as a female entrepreneur and executive in a male dominated industry, for giving us great advice and tips on how to be successful in the weed world and for shouting out other dope Weed Queens!