INTERVIEWS

“FROM BEAUTY QUEEN, TO KUSH QUEEN, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN”

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but it seems like these days everyone has their eyes on CBD. Cannabidiol (a.k.a. CBD) is the non-intoxicating cannabinoid or compound derived from the cannabis plant. Numerous proponents have already claimed its effectiveness for treating sensitive skin conditions, like dryness and eczema. Due to CBD's anti-inflammation properties, it makes sense that it would be a great all-natural remedy for treating acne and redness, too. It really feels like CBD has become the “it” ingredient for new-age beauty products entirely overnight. Many prestigious beauty companies have gotten into the mix with their own take on "cannabis infused" products, like Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Concentrate, Josie Maran’s Skin Dope Hemp Seed Oil and Milk Makeup’s Kush High Volume Mascara. However, buyers beware, not all CBD infused beauty products hit their mark. These beauty gurus are only a portion of the companies who’ve tried to profit off of this miraculous herb, but might have some additional explaining to do. I reached out to cannabis entrepreneur, social media influencer, and self-proclaimed ‘Kush Queen’, Olivia Alexander to chat about cannabis, CBD, and its future in the beauty industry.

BB: What was your introduction to cannabis? Have you always been a ‘Kush Queen’?

OA: When I was 18, my second week of college I worked on a group project. When we all met up, we just ended up smoking. I really sensed right away how much better I felt and was basically like 0 to stoner in one hit. I slept for like 12 hours and had been struggling to sleep since I was a little kid. 

BB: You blew up on social media, specifically as a cannabis influencer, very early on - did you ever experience any hesitation or backlash from publicly sharing your love for the herb?

OA: The only backlash I got was from Instagram who censored me for years then subsequently deleted [@Weedbae] me. Everyone else always supported us and saw what we were doing was important. I always believed in the power of cannabis content to change peoples minds, but ultimately Instagram & FaceBook were the ones who had the biggest problem. 

BB: You’re also extremely involved in cannabis activism and the fight against cannabis prohibition - Please share with our readers what’s lacking within the community and how others can help make a difference. 

OA: The biggest piece that’s lacking is everyone’s forgetting about the millions of people behind bars for what we do everyday. I think the cannabis industry needs to take responsibility to undo the harms of the drug war, not just profit off the plant. It’s easier said than done but someone's gotta fix this before we can really move forward. 

BB: Where does your fierceness and fearlessness come from?

OA: My mom, her sister and my grandmother were powerful women from Louisiana.  They raised me to ‘never ever worry about what other people think and to follow my gut’. They always told me that I was special and so it really helped shape who I am today. 

BB: I can honestly say that your THC:CBD infused bath bombs are the root of a lot of my great ideas (thank you btw); What inspired you to create this product?

OA: I created the bath bomb because it’s a place where CBD can be really effective. Your skin is your biggest organ, so its a great delivery method. Not to mention, there are so many benefits to bathing in general. Adding CBD to the bath is so good for us and I love a bath bomb. It’s also such a familiar and approachable product. I knew we could get people to try CBD who wouldn't normally go for a tincture or joint. 

BB: You’ve become a phenomenon in cannabis and beauty within the past few years - Did you ever think your products would be sold in a major retailer like Urban Outfitters?

OA: Yes and No. I always knew the world would change, but I didn't think it would happen this fast. It's truly happening so quickly, it blows my mind. Now I am really excited to see federal legalization hit in the next 10 years or less.  

BB: Where does your passion for beauty stem from? Were you always into it or was it something that developed during adulthood?

OA: I was one of those toddlers and tiaras pageant babies. So, I got my first perm at like 2. I have always been into hair, makeup, fashion, social justice, and beauty. And cannabis. Where I was born in Louisiana, is known as cancer alley. A lot of the women in my family have died young and a lot of the disease was all from environmental pollution. At 19, we lost my moms sister and it changed the way I looked at the world and my health. That’s when I began to get more passionate about personal care and beauty products. Not just what was in them but who was making them. 

BB: Please share with us your daily beauty routine.

OA: I use Live Ultimate Vitamin C face wash, [Kush Queen’s] Defynt Skin serum, and Clinque moisture surge. I take two droppers of our Bare tincture (about 30mg of CBD), and pre-natal vitamins. Then, I will toss on a tinted moisturizer or go bare faced. I only wear makeup on the weekends or if I have a meeting. If I’m just working from home or at the warehouse, I let my skin breath. I try to drink a smoothie 3-5 times a week with collagen, mushroom powder, green vibrance and tons of fruits/veggies. 

BB: What/whom inspires you during product development for Kush Queen?

OA: I am selfish and always make products for myself. I make what excites me or what I wish people were making. Or sometimes I see something really infuriating like hemp seed oil mascara or coconut oil lube, then I set out to make something better or more effective. 

BB: We’ve seen a huge CBD trend occur in beauty over the past year or so - What aren’t the major beauty companies telling their consumers?

OA: Most of the products are just hemp seed oil with pot leaf marketing. Some people call it greenwashing, but they are capitalizing on the cannabis movement and the public’s confusion. They continually use "cannabis sativa seed oil" and say it's cannabis. But is a seed of something the same as a fully grown plant? Basically, there are no cannabinoids inside their products. 

BB: How do we eradicate the misconception around CBD and hemp-seed derived products?

OA: Education. The only reason people are able to get away with selling hemp seed oil as CBD is because the consumer does not know the difference. Once you educate people on cannabinoids and extraction, they do not want hemp seed oil. Once people are more educated they will buy brands who make products with cannabinoids vs. hemp seed oil. 

BB: What was your favorite part of Beautycon this year?

OA: I think my favorite part of Beautycon was how many people had never tried CBD. I would say over 70% of the 5,000 people we saw were first timers. Getting to be [their] introduction to CBD was the most exciting part of this entire experience for me. 

BB: What are your absolute favorite cannabis products on the market right now?

OA: I love Smokiez gummies and Chill Chocolate. I also love Herbology Sauce carts and Field sauce pens. 

BB: What can you tell us about your collaboration with fashion house Alice + Olivia?

OA: This collaboration is a dream come true for us. We are launching 3 products together on September 1st in collaboration with Alice + Olivia : a 200mg CBD Bath bomb thats color free with vetiver, sandalwood, and lavender. Then we will have a body lotion and a bubble bath with a hint of lavender. The collaboration will be available in 20+ A+O stores. We are so excited to collaborate with another female owned brand that shares our same values. It’s really an honor to help them enter the [cannabis] space. 

BB: Favorite smoke session thus far?

OA: I once ate a Chill Chocolate bar on the road to Hana in Maui. It was pretty epic. 

BB: Any final thoughts?

OA: I’d like to say thank you for supporting me and Kush Queen. We see every post, tag, like, order, and it really truly has been the fiber of what we built this thing off of. Just good old fashion support from Instagram and the budtenders, that’s really created this for us. We are grateful.

“lIVIN’ LA VIDA KUSH”

I have followed cannabis inspired jewelry brand VidaKush on social media for quite some time. VidaKush was the first brand, in my opinion, to capture the “stoner girl” vibe in a cute and trendy, yet not overly sexualized way. In a world filled with misconceptions about women who consume cannabis, VidaKush just gets it. Needless to say after years of admiration, I was really excited to visit their dazzling and eclectic showroom for a very special sit-down with the boss herself, CEO & Founder Rhianna Cooper.

BB: What was your introduction to cannabis?

RC: This is actually a funny story. Growing up in LA, I never smoked weed when I was younger because honestly I was scared of my mom. My mom has never smoked or drank in her life. It’s not that she’s strict, she’s definitely a cool mom, but I feared her so I was good. When I was 17 I had my first job at the Culver City Plunge as a lifeguard and one day after work my boss asked me if I wanted to go to the chlorine room to smoke a joint. I didn’t even know how to smoke it but he ripped that bandaid off real quick. After that, I started smoking with my friends. 

BB: Your mother is also a jewelry designer; how old were you when you first began making jewelry?

RC: My mother started her company “Rafia” 20 years ago and for the first 10 years she ran everything out of our house so I literally grew up with it. I remember her first big order was with Anthropologie while I was on summer vacation one year. She offered me a $1 for every bracelet I helped make. I was 10 years old. 

BB: Did you pursue an education in design after high school?

RC: I’ve always been creative but was more business focused back then so I actually went to school for International Business. It wasn’t until after graduation that I decided to go the design route. It was really nice to get to work with my hands, especially after business school. It’s [design process] still my favorite part of VidaKush.

BB: In addition to jewelry design, you’re also an incredible stylist. What inspires you?

RC: Thank you! I’m motivated by creating and combining things I haven’t seen before. LA is full of different landscapes, so many different types of people and just contrast in general. Pairing elements together in an unexpected way is what drives me. Being mixed myself, I feel like there’s always gotta be a balance; even in the way I dress and express myself. 

My Indian culture definitely inspires me, as well.

BB: What’s your background and how was it growing up?

RC: I’m half white and half Indian. I have great parents and was able to experience two totally different worlds, and the world they create together. But it was definitely a little confusing. Growing up ‘mixed’ there’s a feeling that you don’t belong. Now most of my closest girlfriends are [of mixed races] and we can all relate to one another. 

BB: When did you decide to make cannabis inspired jewelry and was there any backlash from your family?

RC: I think it was 6 months into creating the company. The first name I had come up with was ‘VidaGold’, vida meaning ‘life’ in Spanish. But my boyfriend at the time recommended I change it to VidaKush, because ‘kush’ is what Ancient Egyptian’s called their golden era. I loved it but was worried what my parents would say… They just laughed when I told them. Even my grandmother who was present for that conversation loved the name. 

BB: Did your family know about your relationship with cannabis at that point?

RC: They did. My sister and I had gotten into trouble for smoking by then. Once I was an adult we were able to put it all on the table and everything was fine.

BB: Tell me about your father’s involvement with cannabis legislation in Culver City?

RC: My dad Jeff Cooper was the mayor of Culver City when cannabis became legal. He’s actually served 8 years as city council and 2 years as mayor. He was the head of the cannabis task force in Culver City. This area was very sought after because there were only three licenses available for dispensaries. They finally awarded them and he was a huge part in helping decide who’d get them. I learned a lot about cannabis legislation while my dad was mayor last year. 

BB: You use a lot of cannabis symbolism in your designs. Which one is your best-seller?

RC: Our ‘Mary Jane’ knuckle ring was the first one we put out in 2012 and it’s still our best seller today. 

BB: How important is it that everything be made in Los Angeles?

RC: It’s very important to me to provide jobs within the area that can help others sustain their living. Certain things you just can’t make in Los Angeles but I love the opportunity to create a working environment that allows manufacturing to happen in LA. I like having the control over it, too. The fashion industry is so wasteful and it’s something I don’t want to be a part of at all. We encourage people to bring us their jewelry when it tarnishes or breaks for us to repair and revamp, even if it’s not VidaKush. We don’t make clothes not because we don’t want to make clothes, we don’t make clothes because the world literally doesn’t need more clothes. 

BB: Why do you consume cannabis?

RC: I consume cannabis to either relax after work or to get creative. I don’t consume when I work but most of the best ideas I come up with happen when I’m high. I love the energy between my girlfriends and I when we’re high; not judging each other, really giggly, and coming up with new ideas. The best is then executing those ideas when we’re not high. People will ask me ‘how’d you come up with that?’ and it’s literally because I was high. 

BB: Do you consider yourself a ‘Stoner’?

RC: One of the reasons I wanted to make cannabis inspired jewelry was because I didn’t like the typical view of a stoner. I wanted to see it as something chic so I created VidaKush.

BB: You have a huge social media presence; how important was this online platform for the growth of VidaKush? What does it mean to you now?

RC: The first person who really showed me how to use Instagram and gain a following was Jenah Yamamoto (@gypsyone) who’s a super famous swimsuit model/boss babe now. We met at the Melrose Trading Post back in 2011 and bonded over smoking a blunt. We talked, became friends and she even photographed some of our very first VidaKush shoots. 

Instagram has been very important from the start in terms of having an online store, especially then when nobody had an online store. It allowed us to move forward with a loyal customer base. But I think I always viewed it as a platform for fun. I like fashion to be a relief from heavier things, and I don’t necessarily want to hear opinions on social justice or similar issues from a fashion company. I’d rather hear it from a more reputable source. However this year it started to weigh on me more, maybe it’s because I’m getting older. People have been reaching out more, asking for advice, expressing how they look up to us. I recognized our need to have a position on some of these messages for our followers. It opened a doorway to at least make a safe space where people can talk about what’s going on in the world. We have these conversations here at our office, too. Someone might come in and say ‘I’m kinda confused about this’ and we’re able to talk it out. Maybe somebody slips up and says something that’s not cool but it’s ok because we’re all under 30 and still learning. We’re still formulating our own opinions. 

BB: Tell me a bit about VidaKush Confessionals.

RC: VidaKush Confessionals is a series we started on Instagram where we have these types of conversations. It started with the question ‘When was the first time you felt represented in the media?’. We started filming and passing the phone around the table, kinda like ‘That 70’s Show’ style, and that went really well. People started writing to us about it which led to great conversations and us connecting on a different level with our followers. We’re letting it happen naturally. 

BB: I remember watching that particular live story about representation in media and thinking as a thicker girl growing up I can really relate to what they’re saying. 

RC: Exactly! I don’t want to endorse the Kardashians but I can’t help that it was the my first time seeing that (body type) on television. It was like ‘Oh, I can be a Kim and not a Paris? Thank God’. 

BB: Have you experienced any backlash from being more vulnerable online?

RC: Not really. The only time we did was when we talked about the abortion bans happening in the South. I felt sick to my stomach about what was going on and literally couldn’t continue working until we did something about it. Which is actually what inspired us to talk publicly in the first place. Whenever there is a negative comment, we just delete it, we don’t engage in the negativity. It’s not really about a back and forth argument or changing anyone’s mind. It’s about freely expressing our opinion without attacking anybody else. 

BB: We live in California where cannabis is recreationally legal; where would you like to see the future of cannabis go?

RC: I’m honestly most excited about cannabis consumption spaces. I’m really not a drinker but I end up drinking because I feel like I have nothing else to do when I’m at a bar or out with friends. I can’t wait to see people evolve and what comes out of spaces for cannabis consumption. I want to see a whole culture of smoking lounges versus nightclubs and bars. I want to consume in a place that’s chic and fun, and not my car or my house. I’m also excited to see the future of cannabis and mental health. 

BB: Where can readers find your products?

RC: In terms of directly buying they can find us at www.vidakush.com and the Melrose Trading Post every Sunday. We also take appointments at our showroom in Culver City M-F from 10am-4pm. Our second biggest market is in Japan which is really cool. Our stickers and masks are in Zumiez. 

BB: Favorite smoke session thus far?

RC: Oh my gosh, I don’t know there’s so many! I honestly love smoking with my best friend. Anytime we’re together we find a way to smoke and we literally don’t stop laughing the entire time.

“CANNABIS AND PARENTHOOD, THE ULTIMATE BALANCING ACT”

For the first time in a really long time, parents are publicly admitting to some form of cannabis consumption, and we’re starting to see a new (yet unlikely) figure emerge – ‘the stoner parent’. Not only are they expressing their cannabis consumption while proving that they can still be loving, doting and responsible parents, but they’re also changing the conversation around cannabis for generations to come. I attended Keira Sumimoto’s latest event in DTLA called “MAMASTÉ x Lit Yoga”, a cannabis friendly yoga class dedicated to the gathering and unwinding of some hard-working mommas. This event and others like it curated by Keira, allow parents to let down their guard and connect with other parents who also enjoy cannabis. It was a judgment-free zone on that blissful Sunday afternoon, which included complimentary medicated massages from Apothecanna, a DIY bath salt bar, and tasty hors d’oeuvres.

What inspired Cannabis and Parenthood? How did this platform come about?

I started Cannabis and Parenthood immediately after my first OB appointment. I didn’t know I was pregnant until month 4 (my jeans just didn’t fit right anymore). I was unknowingly consuming cannabis (daily) during those first 4 months. I shared with my OB that I was consuming but stopped when I found out. She got very defensive and short-tempered. She said things like, “You should stop. Marijuana is unsafe and can cause birth defects.” I asked her where she got her information from, and sadly she was unable to provide me with any references.

Was there any hesitancy on your end to pursue this path, and what’s been the largest takeaway from creating this space?

Yes, I felt hesitation but this is something that needs to be done. Don’t get me wrong. It is terrifying sometimes. I am putting myself out there as a cannabis consuming mom. Mothers already deal with so much shaming, judgement, and guilt. I feel so deeply for the mothers dealing with CPS, hiding their consumption from theirs friends and loved ones, and feeling guilt for consuming. This is why it must be done. There is so much healing that can be done here. So much to learn and most importantly, women are taking control of their bodies, asking questions, and ultimately doing what they believe is best for themselves and their child. I am happy to provide resources and studies for women to reference and make their own educated decisions. Along with the overwhelming anecdotal evidence, I have always believed in plant based medicines and always will.

When and why do you personally consume cannabis?

I consume cannabis because it helps me manage my anxiety. I have PTSD which is slowly subsiding due to my cannabis consumption.

Do you find it acceptable for parents to consume cannabis in front of their children? Are there exceptions?

Yes and no. It depends on what it is. Have I eaten an edible in front of my daughter? Yes. Have I smoked a joint in front of my daughter? No. Cannabis consumption, especially for parents, is a conscious decision. I do feel that most parents are aware of these boundaries and respect them, naturally.

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about parents who enjoy cannabis?

That, “smoking weed makes you a bad parent.” or “Parents just smoke to get high.” I understand why people may assume these things. They don’t know any better. I think the biggest threat is misinformation, and uneducated assumptions and opinions.

Tell us about your platform cannabis and parenthood, and some of your recent or upcoming events? I.E. MAMASTÉ

I am working on organizing monthly yoga events that are cannabis and mother/parent friendly. As well as launching a website CannabisandParenthood.com that will have all the resources and up-to-date articles for parents to reference and learn more on the topic.

What has the overall response been to this topic?

So far so good! I haven’t gotten too many hateful messages or emails. I believe it is the way I approach this topic. I am not for or against the use of cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding. I am for the conversation of the use of cannabis while breastfeeding. It is an open conversation.

Is there a balance between self-care and selflessness when parenting?

Yes, you have to really look for it though. Haha! I would say the balance would be to maximize and respect your time and energy. Everything else just falls into place.

What are your thoughts on CPS [Child Protective Services] and its approach towards parents who consume cannabis? My understanding is that a report is considered credible until investigated by an agent, can you explain further?

I feel that most times CPS is used as a weapon against someone. To my knowledge CPS workers are aware of this and will attempt to approach each case with an open mind. Unfortunately, depending on the professionalism of that worker sometimes their own personal bias can interfere with their work. For the parents out there, when CPS knocks on your door, remain calm. I know it is hard but you must. The worker is there to do a job and won’t leave peacefully if they didn’t check off their list. They react to your response. If you have done nothing wrong, you should have nothing to hide.

Would you be concerned or upset if and when your child decides to use cannabis?

That would be fine. I would like to discuss the purpose of use and expand her knowledge whilst encouraging her to learn more. If used appropriately, cannabis is just the same as any other vegetable/herb.

Any tips on being a responsible “stoner” parent?

Stay up to date on news, products, and studies. My cannabis and parenthood page is perfect for this! Keep your product locked away and out of reach. Consume consciously.

Any tips on parenthood in general?

Go with the flow. Float in the space between discipline and surrender.

Favorite part of being a mom? Least favorite?

My daughter makes my heart full; she is my favorite part of being a mom. I love her dearly but at times, I wish I had more #metime. I am an introvert/empath and sometimes I need a little extra time to “charge”.

Biggest surprise or lesson you’ve received through parenthood?

Meeting another version of myself. I learn each day that the balance of pre-mom and being a mom is fragile. Everyday, the old me learns from the new me and vice versa.

Favorite thing about your daughter?

Her! The good, the bad, and the ugly #terribletwos – I love it all!