Today we’d like to introduce you to Safi Kadoura.
Hi Safi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey in the cannabis industry started back in 2011, in the prop 215 days as a college girl regularly visiting and hanging out at a local dispo and lounge that you needed a passcode to enter into. I really used the plant medicinally, for stress relief and to help me sleep and eat during my college years in a new unknown city. I worked at a beach shop in SD after college and learned a lot about cannabis there. In 2018 when it was recreationally legalized in CA, I quit my job at a dealership and became a Budtender. As I worked at many shops, I met so many amazing fellow stoner women and Over time, I realized there was a real gap in how women were represented — and respected — in this space. That sparked the vision for Kush Babes, which I launched in 2019 as a lifestyle clothing brand to unite real stoner women with high-class taste. My goal was to eventually expand the brand to get women paid opportunities within our industry in a safe and respectful way, because weed/product does not pay our bills!
What started as fashion quickly evolved into something bigger. I built Kush Babes into a full-service staffing and event production agency, focused on empowering women in cannabis through paid opportunities — from brand ambassador work to event modeling and influencer gigs. I personally oversee recruiting, vetting, scheduling, training, and continued management of every contractor and brand client we bring on. I also handle all client bookings, ensure demo activations are executed with professionalism, and support brands with performance reports, promo strategy, and marketing alignment.
I’ve now produced over 18+ successful events, built long-standing client relationships across California, and created a strong community of 33 industry babes who embody the lifestyle with knowledge, grace, and grit.
I didn’t just want to be part of the cannabis industry — I wanted to help shape it. And today, I’m proud to say that’s exactly what I’m doing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In the beginning, the brand was really taken in and accepted by the community, however, there are always people that came before you that think they should have what you do. It was also an interesting transition from the underground industry to the licensed market; be that because we’re women or maybe because we weren’t as known yet, but now, the power of my network and who I am as an industry professional is what really gets me far, and my company far. Statistically, men are given opportunities to them more often than women, and also at higher pay rates than women. Most brands I know have 75% men on their team, or more. getting people to see the value in what we do and what I can provide was tough at first, but persistence never fails! It’s not easy, but with my professional service decks, website and a virtual meeting, we’re sure to leave a lasting impression. Also, while we do have a strong community and industry following, there’s still a lot of hate projected out there. Many people want instant gratification, and this is the wrong industry for that. I’ve been working on my business day in and day out for five years. I’ve invested my personal money into my business to help it grow, and there’s been plenty of times my worker babes get paid more than me. But my love for my brand goes deep, it’s my baby! Another huge struggle of course in this industry is constantly losing our social media pages, because the Metaverse thinks we sell cannabis and use its platforms to do so. This affects losing our fan base and years of organically built followers. I am thankful for our email list, but this has still been a huge obstacle because people put so much judgment and value on your social media following. If I could sue Meta, I really would lol, I might one day. But first will be a report to the BBB about it (Meta doesn’t like that!)
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about OGKB Industries llc?
I would say what we’re most known for right now is throwing really fun, woman focused events and also our staffing agency for brands. Our events are not only fun for everyone involved but also great for brands together content, spread the word about their brand and network with buyers/managers from surrounding dispensaries.
We specialize in providing Brand ambassadors for cannabis brands to do in-store demos, promote a sale, pass out swag, and provide brand education and get feedback from bartenders and customers to give to the brand that they wouldn’t be able to get so easily otherwise. I think what sets us apart is our organization, training platform, and ROI reports. I think we also really provide something different and unique in the sense that we’re very full service, meaning we don’t only do the recruiting and hiring and managing of Brand ambassadors, but I can provide merchandise for brands, any printing needs, and having a network of 30+ babes, supporting their brand online consistently which helps increase visibility and brand reputation. We vet out knowledgeable babes from the industry and/or people that are passionate about the plant. With Kushbabe’s, you’re going to get a knowledgeable, well trained professional representing your brand.
On the flipside, I think we’re a great side hustle for many people out there in our industry who need the extra income or want to expand into other types of work that our industry has to offer. We provide competitive rates for independent contractors, extend education for how to do things compliantly, and properly, and really help people grow professionally in this new industry!
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Riding around in my mom‘s purple Chevy cavalier sport car, singing No Doubt and other 90s alternative rock songs.
Pricing:
- Three hr in-store demos for 150$
- Event tickets ranging from $25-$75
- Stoner girl Merchandise ranging from $20-$100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Ogkbindustries.com
- Instagram: Ogkbindustries_
- LinkedIn: https://LinkedIn.com/in/theogkb
- Other: Instagram @theeogkb
Image Credits
N/a
