Navigating the cannabis industry without outside investment is challenging, but Cristy Aranguiz, CEO of Cannabis and Glass, has built a thriving business just that way. In this episode, Cristy shares how her and her partner Tate launched their first dispensary with just $10,000, scaled a business while maintaining full ownership, and prioritized affordability for consumers in a competitive market. She also shares how her Cuban-American upbringing shaped her entrepreneurial drive, the challenges of breaking into the industry as a Latina CEO, and her advocacy work with the National Hispanic Cannabis Council. Cristy discusses her approach to hiring, company culture, and why she believes social equity programs need to be restructured to create real opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Navigating the cannabis industry without outside investment is challenging, but Cristy Aranguiz, CEO of Cannabis and Glass, has built a thriving business just that way. In this episode, Cristy shares how her and her partner Tate launched their first dispensary with just $10,000, scaled a business while maintaining full ownership, and prioritized affordability for consumers in a competitive market. She also shares how her Cuban-American upbringing shaped her entrepreneurial drive, the challenges of breaking into the industry as a Latina CEO, and her advocacy work with the National Hispanic Cannabis Council. Cristy discusses her approach to hiring, company culture, and why she believes social equity programs need to be restructured to create real opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs.