Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in cannabis but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tamara Lilien, Founder & Principal Consultant of CannaLily Consulting, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

CannaLily Consulting offers educational consultations, lectures, workshops, and other customized educational solutions in the cannabis industry. Services also include budtender training, business development, brand strategy, and representation, cannabis quality assessment and curation, cannabis appreciation, team building, and private parties. Typical clients are Licensed Producers, cannabis brands, ancillary organizations, and individuals or groups who want to host unforgettable cannabis events and experiences.

Tell us about yourself

During my 12-year career in academic healthcare, I struggled with my health. After consulting with a variety of specialists and trying a number of pharmaceuticals, I met a physician who prescribed me medical cannabis. The myriad benefits that I received from that prescription inspired me to start my business so I could help others learn about cannabis and improve their own lives. I am perpetually inspired by the shining eyes of a client, colleague, student, or friend who has just experienced an "aha" moment in their cannabis journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am most proud of the reputation I have built in the cannabis industry as a trusted and reliable source for cannabis education, information, and guidance. In 2019 I was one of eight people selected from 25 000 applicants to be a member of the world's only Cannabis Curation Committee. For a three-year period, I was paid to review and evaluate almost 200 cultivars (more commonly called strains) of cannabis and provide recommendations for curation. That opportunity helped me establish myself as a passionate and knowledgeable resource in an emerging industry.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the most challenging elements of being a business owner is unpredictability. There are certain periods where clients are fighting for your time and other periods where your schedule has huge gaps. It's consistently challenging to strike the right balance, and being an entrepreneur requires a pretty limitless supply of hustle, drive, and self-promotion. If you aren't willing to unabashedly advocate for yourself and the value you bring, entrepreneurialism may not be right for you.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Pick something that ignites your passion: your business is likely to take up a huge amount of time, energy, and effort, so picking a sector that inspires, excites, or delights you is critical.
  2. Find "your people." From mentors to coaches to friends, we all need support. Having a group of people who are willing to be your sounding board can make all the difference in the world.
  3. ABH: Always be hustling. Take every opportunity to show clients what you have to offer and all the ways it can help them achieve their objectives.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cannalily.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cannalily.consulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannalily.consulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-lilien/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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