Feature: Stefanie Macchiusi – Minerva Cannabis
As a part owner of Minerva and the Chief Brand Officer, what did it take to determine the identity of the brand?
It was important for Minerva to embody a brand presence and identity that stood out from the crowd. We really wanted to make sure the brand identity emphasized education as our top priority. We’re here to change the stigma and conversations around cannabis and create a welcoming environment that promotes learning and positivity. We used this mindset to drive the creative for our digital and in store presence and we really wanted to be able to provide knowledge, ease, and an aesthetically pleasing experience no matter where you find Minerva. It is still early but I think we’ve been successful in our delivery through our in store and online experience.
What are your plans with the brand moving forward? Will you be introducing any new elements?
We really want to continue to emphasize the wellness aspect of cannabis with Minerva. We have a lot of plans for incorporating different industries, people, and events for the future. Our first digital publication, OLIVE, which launched this year was our first introduction to use a platform to promote education, collaborations, and awareness for brands, people and more. We want Minerva to grow into a full blown lifestyle brand that goes beyond just the selling of cannabis. Informational podcasts, Minerva led events, the possibilities are endless and really exciting.
How has cannabis influenced your life and do you support the legal industry?
Cannabis has really made a positive impact on my life. I suffer from insomnia and cannabis is one of the only remedies that seems to work for me. The legal industry is such an exciting route for Ontario and Canada because it really allows you to understand your body and learn what you can and shouldn’t do. For example, edibles in the pre-legal industry was always a fearful experience for many people. There were a lot of bad experiences because people didn’t know how much was used, what was used or how to properly dose. Fast forward to the legal market where now you now know exactly how much THC or CBD you are consuming; you are now able to have a much more pleasing experience and really be the decider of how you want to feel.
What does the future hold for Stefanie and Minerva?
I want to continue to grow our brand presence, connect with others and allow Minerva to be a platform that promotes knowledge and positivity through many different outlets. Women and Cannabis is one of our first events and initiatives where we are able to highlight amazing women across the city and bring light to so many different small businesses. We really want to continue to elevate the industry on this level. And of course, a few more locations would be great!
What are you using right now?
I really love and have been using the Sundial CBD 2:1 Vape Cartridge. It has been a game changer for me in terms of being able to relax and fall asleep at night as i’m someone who severely suffers from insomnia. I like to use the Ace Valley CBN Gummies for sleep as well. I have also become a huge fan of the different types of Wana gummies, they always offer an extra nice evening with friends.
