In Madge Love Meets, we showcase the women in our community who inspire us. We connected with Sasha Soeterik, owner of Flower Pot, an independent dispensary located in downtown Toronto to chat about wellness, what makes her store unique, and the products she relies on to feel her best.

Madge Love: Tell us about your background and career… how did you move from there into the cannabis industry?

Sasha: I've had a long career as a live sports Producer/Director that started in London, UK where I went to university. In 2016, I moved back to Toronto for family reasons and witnessed a weed revolution going on in my hometown with pot shops popping up all over the city. I was keen to get involved because I simply love weed. For me, weed is a nighttime indulgence and has always helped me unpack my day. Within days of landing back in TO I was touring different dispensaries offering my services as a joint roller, and ended up landing a great gig at Bellwoods Dispensary downtown. In the year that I managed that location, we rolled and sold more than 25,000 joints.

ML: What is your favourite part about what you do?

Sasha: I love normalizing the plant for people. Whether it's seasoned users looking to find confidence in the legal market, or novices looking to learn and connect with cannabis for the first time. It's satisfying seeing people return to the shop regaling tales of positive experiences with weed.

ML: How has being a woman impacted your experience in the industry?

Sasha: Generally speaking, dealers I've known in the past have traditionally always been men. And it has often surprised people that, as a woman, I know a lot about weed. Since moving back to TO though, the bro culture has definitely dissipated, and I am heartened to see so many female cannabis entrepreneurs in the industry.

ML: What makes your retail experience unique?

Sasha: For us, the real driving force is the goal of making licensed retail cannabis work. We want to win the trust of the consumer by supplying quality cannabis at decent prices. That is the only way to win hearts and minds. And with that as our primary target, our retail experience becomes very personal. We want to know your desired experience, your budget, your end goal with cannabis. And with that information, we steer you in the direction of strain/product that will meet those needs and have you returning for more.

ML: Do you have any tips for people who may be hesitant to visit a dispensary for the first time?

Sasha: If you're curious, don't hesitate. Most shops are focused on edifying the customer and bringing them on board with legal cannabis. Certainly in our shop, the decor and general vibe is warm, inviting and inclusive. We strive to leave pretense at the door, and it's our priority to listen to our guests and make them feel comfortable.

ML: What does wellness mean to you? Is cannabis a part of your wellness routine?

Sasha: Wellness is routinely making healthy decisions to benefit your physical and mental health. Cannabis has definitely had a positive effect on my mental wellbeing - a small amount of cannabis in the evening can give me the emotional distance I often need in order to process my day and ensures I achieve quality overnight rest.

ML: What are the essential items in your self-care toolkit?

• MADGE AND MERCER Émollient - I am loving this product and it slots nicely into my daily skincare routine. It moisturizes wonderfully and I love the fragrance.

• Pure Sunfarms Pure Sun CBD flower is a must have to throw into any joint. High CBD weeds work wonders to ensure a calm and relaxing high, with zero paranoia.

• I combine MADGE AND MERCER La Calma Lemongrass Ginger CBD Oil with Redecan Reign Drops 15:15 oil every morning when ingesting my supplements. It's an amazing combination and sets the day off on cruise control.

Thanks so much, Sasha! Be sure to visit her at Flower Pot located at 1006 Dundas St W where you can also find MADGE AND MERCER MODERN APOTHECARY self-care essentials.