Welcome back to The Cannabas Babes Podcast, live from MJ BizCon on day three! Today, I’m joined by Nicole Lucian, co-founder of Bliss & Lex, a beautifully designed dispensary in Manhattan that’s redefining what cannabis retail can be. Nicole and her team are creating a welcoming, stigma-free environment that’s impacting lives and reshaping the cannabis experience. Let’s dive into her passion, vision, and the unique approach behind Bliss & Lex.
What We Covered in This Episode:
• About Bliss & Lex
Located on 86th and Lexington in Manhattan, Bliss & Lex stands out in an upscale retail area with a clean, thoughtfully designed dispensary. Nicole shares how her team made strategic design choices to ensure the store feels inviting for everyone, from new cannabis users to seasoned consumers.
• Creating a Welcoming Experience
Bliss & Lex offers a spa-like atmosphere, with displays that could rival a high-end boutique or jewelry store. Nicole explains how this clean and calming design helps break down the stigma of cannabis and creates a comfortable shopping experience for a diverse customer base, including parents, professionals, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• Trust in Product Curation
The team at Bliss & Lex is passionate about ensuring the highest quality for their customers. From product testing to team-led decision-making, they carefully vet every product. Nicole emphasizes the importance of trust in their recommendations, citing customer feedback and reviews as proof of their success.
• Meeting Consumer Needs
Nicole discusses how Bliss & Lex caters to customers looking for lower-dose THC options, CBD-rich products, and innovative cannabis solutions. By listening to their customers and staying on top of industry trends, they continue to evolve their offerings to meet diverse needs.
• Challenges in the New York Market
Nicole dives into the unique challenges of operating in New York, including competition with the illicit market, educating consumers on safe, tested cannabis, and dealing with legislative hurdles. She also highlights the importance of integrating traditional market expertise into the legal industry to foster growth and equity.
• Community and Compassion
At Bliss & Lex, it’s not about increasing sales—it’s about improving lives. Nicole shares how the dispensary prioritizes customer trust, supports small and minority-owned brands, and collaborates with the community to advance the cannabis industry.
Key Takeaways:
1. Thoughtful Design Matters: Creating a welcoming space breaks down stigma and invites new customers to explore cannabis in a safe environment.
2. Trust is Key: Transparent product curation and knowledgeable staff build customer loyalty.
3. Advocacy for Equity: Supporting traditional market operators and fostering inclusivity strengthens the cannabis industry.
4. Community Over Profit: The Bliss & Lex mission focuses on improving lives, not just bottom lines.
Looking Ahead
Nicole and I discuss future collaborations, including a potential live stream from Bliss & Lex in May, as I expand my content creation efforts to New York. Stay tuned for updates!
Connect with Bliss & Lex:
Visit their store on 86th and Lexington in Manhattan or check them out online to learn more about their products and mission.
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Nicole, thank you for an inspiring conversation! This episode reminds us of the power of passion and community in building something meaningful. Until next time, babes!