Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in cannabis but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sidney Quitorio, CEO & Founder of Purple Rose Supply, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
As the owner of two companies, Purple Rose Supply, and Native Leaf Co, my businesses cater to individuals who are interested in unique and innovative products that enhance their cannabis smoking experience.
Purple Rose Supply offers a cannagar mold, which is a tool designed to make rolling and smoking cannabis easier and more enjoyable. Our customers are primarily cannabis enthusiasts who are tired of rolling up several joints back to back. They appreciate the convenience and efficiency of using our product, which allows them to smoke more and roll less.
Native Leaf Co offers hemp leaf wraps, which are a natural alternative to traditional rolling papers. Our customers are health-conscious and looking for a sustainable way to enjoy their cannabis. They appreciate the fact that our U.S. sourced hemp leaves provide a smooth, all-cannabis smoking experience that lets them really taste the terpenes present in their flower.
Tell us about yourself
I started my career as a Software Engineer in Silicon Valley. I was content but not truly happy, so when I saw an opportunity to solve a problem in the cannabis space, I jumped on the opportunity. This moment came when I saw a cannabis cigar on Instagram. The value proposition was strong. They burned for hours and gave you a premium smoking experience. However, the price tag was steep. Since I didn't want to pay $400+ for one cigar, I set out to make a device that would allow me to make as many as I wanted. From there, I ended up sharing my device with friends and other enthusiasts. Customers loved it, and they wanted me to make wraps out of hemp leaves so they could enjoy a full cannabis cigar. That's when I launched Native Leaf. I may be biased, but it's the best cannabis product I've ever used. Sharing it with other smokers motivates me to keep doing this every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would be building a work culture that inspires people to be the best versions of themselves. We're big on improvement not only within the products we launch but with the people we interact with and impact on a daily basis. If you believe in people and inspire them to be their best, then amazing things happen.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is deciding what not to do. As a motivated dreamer, you probably want to try every idea. However, that's a recipe for disaster. And because there are so many great ideas, you often even have to put down amazing ones, so you can focus on the things that matter now.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Business is all about resource allocation. What should you be focusing on at this moment & how much? As I mentioned, this involves being clear on what you don't want to do, even if they sound like great ideas.
- Culture is key. You will not do well if you don't create an environment where people are respected, challenged, and given the freedom to grow and try new things.
- People make or break a business. It's important to choose your foundation wisely
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://purplerosesupply.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PurpleRoseSupply
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplerosesupply/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_purplerose_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidney-quitorio/
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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