A Fresh Perspective with Flora Terra
Posted: February 10th, 2020
Meet the female force behind Santa Rosa’s top dispensary Flora Terra
5 Questions with Alicia Wingard
At Garden Society we aspire to become the most positive and trusted cannabis brand for women, so it’s our pleasure to welcome Alicia Wingard to our Fresh Perspective Q&A series. Alicia is Founder and COO of top Santa Rosa dispensary Flora Terra. Located in Santa Rosa’s resilient and beautiful neighborhood of Coffey Park, Flora Terra is an expression of the Sonoma County’s community, values, and future in the cannabis industry.
For Alicia, advancing the cannabis movement is nothing new. Born in Humboldt County and raised in Mendocino, Alicia is a longtime advocate for the powerful flower and its progressive community. Having worked at a headshop in 2001, she has always aspired to connect people to the healing properties of cannabis—but state laws lagged far behind her. Migrating to Sonoma County in 2002, Alicia spent several years climbing the corporate ladder before going back to school and becoming a Registered Nurse. Once California laws finally caught up with its culture, Alicia and her husband jumped on the opportunity to open a legal cannabis business. For Alicia, the pivot from RN to COO of Flora Terra was an easy one. Marrying her passions of legitimizing the industry while positively impacting the community’s health, she is making great strides in bringing the holistic qualities of cannabis to light; and making her dream of being a Certified Cannabis Nurse a reality. Through Flora Terra, Alicia aspires to shift the perception towards cannabis, elevate the dialogue and provide education. She is leading the way in destigmatizing the budding industry by creating an inviting and open space for the community to gather and learn.
EVENT ALERT!
Our very own Karli Warner has joined forces with Alicia along with Health Coach Katheryn Hodges for a special Galentine’s Day event on Thursday Feb 13 at Flora Terra. RSVP here and learn more about this special and fun evening celebrating three entrepreneur-moms who lives have been changed by cannabis.
Thanks so much for joining us this week as we continue to introduce you to new female trailblazers through our Fresh Perspective series. Nothing brings us more joy than working with our sisterhood to bring higher education and premium cannabis to discerning women. With that, Alicia we’re curious as to what brings you joy?
There are so many moments throughout the day that fill me with great happiness. The sound of my sons feet running across the floor to give me a hug when I get home from work. My daughter’s love for life and affinity for all the “girly” things. The fact that my husband and I are building not only our little family, but also a growing company that has already surpassed my wildest dreams. Being part of this booming and ever-changing cannabis community—that brings me joy.
Navigating the world of being a wife, mom, and business owner is one of the hardest challenges we have faced. We love how you highlight the little moments, which can sometimes be so easy to glance over…at the end of the day, it’s those moments that make our work worth the compromise. With that, let’s talk about your work! What’s it like to be a female leader in today’s climate?
I’ve always been surrounded by women in the workplace, and have had many female bosses, so my perspective isn’t the same as someone coming from a male dominated space. Women are a powerful force, and my experience has shown me that we can do anything we work toward. Our company has females involved in every department, and many who are in management roles. As a female in a position of leadership, I feel empowered and it makes me happy to think how having a “boss-mom” might influence my daughter; that she will grow up into a world with more powerful women in business.
We couldn’t agree more—here’s to all the fellow boss-moms empowering our daughters to be their own fearless leaders. While we’re on the subject of role models, what lessons did you learn from your mother, a mother-like figure, or a notable woman in your life?
Being raised by a single mother, who was tough as nails, had a considerable impact on who I am. One of the biggest takeaways was to trust in myself and follow my instincts. My mother imparted the importance of always saying what is on my mind and to speak the truth, no matter how hard it may be. I learned that to gain a fresh perspective on a difficult situation can be as easy as taking a step back and reevaluating before moving forward. That lesson has been a great help during the process of forming this company.
We’re pocketing that advice for ourselves! Your mom is a tough act to follow, but we’d love for you to share any valuable lessons or gifts you’ve received from girlfriends or a girlfriend?
One of my dearest (and oldest) friends is going through some significant changes in her personal life. Throughout the experience, I have been incredibly impressed by how she handles herself and is able to maintain such a positive outlook on her life and the future. She said something that really resonated with me — “If a person doesn’t bring you joy, they don’t deserve to be a part of your life. Not a coworker, a friend, or even a member of your own family. Those who lift you higher should be the ones you surround yourself with.”
As you know at Garden Society, joy is our ethos; however, we all struggle with the distractions that get in the way of us truly appreciating each day—your friend’s advice should be everyone’s daily mantra–thank you for sharing! With that, at the end of the day, what matters to you most?
In my personal life, what’s most important to me is my family; knowing that my kids are happy and feel loved, have positive role models to look up to and that they develop into well-rounded and respectful humans. Being a good parent is what matters most at the end of day. My kids are 2 and 5 right now, and there is a ton of pressure to “get it right”… whatever that means. Not to sound super cliché, but it’s true! Their happiness is my happiness (which at this stage is Disneyland and bedtime stories, so it’s a win win!).
Thanks so much for joining us today Alicia and sharing your fresh perspective and insight. It’s an honor to join you this coming Thursday at Flora Terra—we can’t think of a better Galentine to honor this week! Make sure to stay up to date with the latest from @floraterraca.
