Originally published on Some Girls Get High.
Earlier this summer, Some Girls Get High founder, Margaret and myself had the opportunity to attend an educational panel hosted by our friends at the 420 Attorneys in Beverly Hills, with the afternoon’s discussions centered on cannabis and the ever-confusing and ever-changing legality of our favorite plant. I couldn’t help but think about how dope it was that I was able to sit alongside a room full of aspiring (and established) entrepreneurs, especially those who are eager to learn as much about the cannabis industry in order to master it from all angles like we are. Among those inspiring like-minds we met was the lovely Joy Victoria Clarke, who is the mastermind behind Mahogany Mary Event Group.
As much as we all love going to parties and events, most of us can agree any occasion is just thaaat much more enjoyable when you’re celebrating alongside people who like to get down the same way that you do. Joy’s company provides bespoke cannabis event curation services as well as is a platform for what she describes as the woke-stoner. AKA - she’s exactly the type of boss lady we not only want to chill with, but also is someone one we can find inspiration from, learn from and aim to grow with.
Whether Joy is building her brand Mahogany Mary, collaborating with the who’s who of fast-rising marijuana companies, coordinating meet-ups, meditations and yoga workouts, or simply updating her blog, “Puff. Pass. Love,” she can be found doing so with an intention of spreading pure peace and we are so happy to support her in her endeavors.
As we are all on our journey to our highest self, we are so grateful that Joy took the time to chat with us to tell us more about the vision behind her company, how she got started in the cannabis industry and what she hopes to achieve next. Check out our Q+A below!
Name: Joy Victoria Clarke
Location: West Hollywood, California
Occupation: Founder | Curator of Mahogany Mary Event Group, LLC
How long have you been doing what you do? I have worked in the event marketing space for over 7 years as an Account Manager for many household brands such as Toyota, Target and E&J Gallo. It was the beginning of this year [2017] that I launched my very own event marketing agency specializing in the curation of cannabis events.
What is one thing that always comes up when you are describing your life and your work? When I describe my life and work my true passion for human connection, interaction and collaboration always comes up. I genuinely enjoy cultivating spaces for strangers to have a good time together. Cannabis is always the catalyst of some of the most enjoyable and interesting moments in life.
Is there an early memory you’d like to share about when you first discovered some of your passions? In the cannabis space or otherwise? In 2012, I had the opportunity to lead a major activation for E&J Gallo’s Apothic Wine brand. I was only a junior level employee and my manager let me take ownership of the project. I worked my ass off and when the event concluded and patrons were happy and clients were satisfied, I knew I found my gift.
What is your morning routine like? Can you walk us through briefly what a normal day in the life looks like for you? My morning routine consists of 1. Prayer as soon as I open my eyes. 2. Wake n’ Bake yoga session 3. Breakfast 4. Building Mahogany Mary. Because I am still working full-time for a prominent media agency, I like to give myself my best fresh mind before going into a corporate office for 8+ hours of the day so I am up at 5:30a/6a daily, even on weekends. Anytime I am not at the office, I am networking and developing pieces of my business. My goal is to be a marijuana mogul and full-time entrepreneur sooner, rather than later.
Where do you find inspiration or when do you feel the most inspired? I feel the most inspired by music, fashion and black culture. I smoke weed and listen to my favorite artist SZA, Rihanna, Childish Gambino and Jhené Aiko. It helps me think creatively and freely. I try to curate events cool enough that those artists would want to attend!
In our ongoing attempts to bring out inner peace in others, we’d like to ask you a question that we typically word like this: If you had a magic wand, what would you use it for? What would you want to have happen? If I had a magic wand I would let all non-violent marijuana drug offenders out of prison and provide resources for them to rebuild their lives and benefit from the new legal market.
What can we look forward to next with your business/art/etc? You can look forward to a memorable Mahogany Mary event experience whether you are a cannabis novice or connoisseur. Follow us at @mahogany.maryInstagram for upcoming events.
What are some words of wisdom or an important mantra that you live by? Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want or to ask for what you’re worth.