A Fresh Perspective with The Herb Somm Jamie Evans
Posted: November 6th, 2019
With the holidays on the horizon you’re probably starting to think about what to serve around your table, or just as important, what wines you’re going to pair with each course. While we relish a local Russian River Pinot Noir with our Turkey, we’d love to learn what cannabis strains pair best with our post feast pecan pie or smoked salmon appetizers. Enter Jamie Evans. Jamie is the founder of The Herb Somm, a cannabis blog and lifestyle brand that is focused on the gourmet side of the industry. She is an educator, event host and producer, and writer specializing in cannabis, CBD, food, recipes, wine, and the canna-culinary world.
Thanks so much for enlightening us with your fresh perspective this week Jamie. We’re passionate about sharing food, wine and cannabis with our friends and family and we have a feeling that you’re a kindred spirit. So, what brings you joy?
Connecting with others over a great meal brings me joy. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been passionate about food. Both of my parents cooked while I was growing up, but it was really my grandmother who introduced me to the gourmet world. To this day, her apple pie is still the best pie I’ve ever tasted! Since then, my love for food eventually grew into a love for wine and cannabis. Combining all three is extremely joyful.
We have a soft spot for apple pie as well. It’s amazing that your whole family was so involved in the kitchen, those passions start at such a young age and your grandmother sounds like our kind of lady as well. Stepping outside of the culinary world, what’s it like to be a female leader in today’s climate?
Coming from the wine industry, being a female entrepreneur in the cannabis space has been an incredible experience. This is the first time in my life where I’ve been able to be as creative as I want while trying to navigate California’s regulations. It’s been an exciting challenge! To be a leader, you must learn to take risks. You must also learn how to be compassionate and bring value to those around you.
One of the best things about being an entrepreneur in this industry has also been meeting the other wonderful women who are operating in this space. While there are hurdles being a female in cannabis, the overwhelming support from this community is what keeps me going. It is truly a blessing to work with such amazing people who are working together to help create change. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else at this moment!
We couldn’t agree more. Cheers to more female entrepreneurs and leaders in the cannabis industry. Calculated risks are the foundation of the business world. You spoke about your grandmother earlier, but what lessons did you learn from your mother, mother-life figure or notable woman in your life?
My Mother and I are very close. I look up to her in so many ways, especially her radiant positivity and ability to connect with others. Growing up, she was always the healthiest person I knew and encouraged a well-balanced lifestyle. She constantly found ways to motivate me to get outside, to explore nature, to take my vitamins, and to eat organic. It was a devastating surprise when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Small Lung Cancer in the fall of 2017. As a non-smoker throughout her life, this news was incredibly shocking—I still find it hard to wrap my head around.
Since her diagnosis, my entire view of life has changed. A few things that I’ve learned is to never get caught up on the small things, to enjoy every day to the fullest, and to love all those who are around you. Be grateful for this life and for those you share it with.
We’re so sorry to hear about your mother’s diagnosis but we’re glad it’s helped to enjoy everyday and keep your heart filled with gratitude. Life is truly a gift and a life well lived, full of enjoyment and without regrets is the greatest gift of all. Speaking of gifts, could you share a valuable lesson or gift from girlfriends or a girlfriend (it’s ok to shout her name out here!)?
I am lucky to have a handful of girlfriends who’ve supported me over the years. Something that I’ve learned from them is to be spontaneous. As someone who organizes events, I have a tendency to overplan things, but I’ve learned it’s also good to live in the spur of the moment, too!
Great advice. As entrepreneurs and business women it can be so hard to remember to be spontaneous! Sometimes we look down at our to-do list for the day and just remembering to pause for a meal seems like an accomplishment. It’s important to keep the big picture in mind. So, at the end of the day, what matters most to you?
At the end of the day, I want to make a difference. What matters most to me is putting my heart and soul into everything that I do, so that one day it will benefit others. I also believe in following your heart. If you are truly passionate about something, you can make magic happen!
So true. At the end of the day if we aren’t making a difference then what are we doing here? It takes a true leader to follow their heart and pursue their passion and thank you so much for pursuing yours, and taking the time to speak with us. For our readers if you’d like to follow along with Jamie and perfect your cannabis pairings or learn more about cannabis cuisine you can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Also, be sure to pre-order a copy of her brand new book, The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol, releasing March 2020 by Fair Winds Press of Quarto Publishing Group.
Unfortunately we have to issue a sad side note to our interview. We are sending our heartfelt condolences to Jamie as her mother passed recently after this interview was conducted. She not only lost a parent, but a friend and mentor and we are thinking about her during this difficult time.
