From Task Team Member to Agency: Journey with MamaJs

Reflecting on my journey in the cannabis industry, everything traces back to MamaJs, the company that gave me my start. Moving to Washington State introduced me not only to a new place but also to an industry that would become my life’s passion. MamaJs wasn’t just a workplace; it became the foundation for the skills, values, and opportunities that led to my current career.

This story is about growth—personal, professional, and creative. It’s a testament to taking chances, working hard, and turning every opportunity into a stepping stone.

The Beginning: Joining MamaJs

In 2020, I moved to Washington and met the owner’s cousin, who happened to be my neighbor. This serendipitous meeting opened the door to my first role at MamaJs as a Task Team Member. Starting at the bottom was an eye-opener, but it was the best place to learn. I quickly immersed myself in the cultivation process, from harvesting and topping plants to defoliating, trimming, drying, and curing.

MamaJs emphasized quality from day one. I dedicated myself to learning every strain on the farm by sight and smell within my first month—a skill that would serve me well as I progressed in my career. Working hands-on with the plant taught me discipline, attention to detail, and the importance of consistency in producing a premium product.

Mastering Quality: Becoming a Product Specialist

After excelling as a Task Team Member, I was promoted to Product Specialist. This role was a turning point for me. I took on greater responsibilities, managing the trimmers and task team, and crafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to define quality standards across the board. This was where my understanding of cannabis truly deepened.

As Product Specialist, I worked on allocating different qualities of flower for specific products. Whether it was flower destined for pre-rolls, concentrates, or premium packaging, each product had its own standards. MamaJs expanded rapidly during this time, with three farms on the same street: MamaJs, Cowlitz Cannabis, and the Perfect Harvest building. Managing quality across multiple facilities was a challenge, but it was one I embraced wholeheartedly.

Vendor Days: Exploring Washington State

One of my favorite responsibilities as Product Specialist was representing MamaJs at Vendor Days. Every weekend, I traveled to shops across Washington, meeting budtenders and customers while showcasing the brand. These events gave me the chance to explore the state, from its bustling cities to quiet mountain towns, all while connecting directly with cannabis enthusiasts.

Vendor Days weren’t just about promoting products—they were about building relationships. I heard firsthand what customers loved about strains like Scooby Snacks, Gelato Cake, and Hidden Pastry, and it gave me a unique perspective on the consumer side of the industry. These weekends hold some of my fondest memories, blending my love of travel with my passion for cannabis.

Discovering Photography: A New Passion

Midway through my time at MamaJs, the owner handed me a camera and said, “We need product photos.” That single moment sparked a creative journey that would define much of my career. I dove headfirst into photography, teaching myself product photography, farm photography, and trichome photography by studying legends in the field, like Erik Nugshots.

I began capturing the essence of our strains through close-up shots of frosty trichomes and vibrant farm landscapes. Photography became more than a task—it became an art form. My photos brought our cannabis to life on social media, marketing materials, and even packaging. Inspired by the visual storytelling potential of cannabis, I fell in love with the creative side of the industry.

This new skill set didn’t stop with photography. I expanded into videography, graphic design, and even coding, which opened doors to countless new opportunities.

Expanding My Role Across States

As I gained experience, my role at MamaJs grew beyond Washington State. The owner, Omar Sturm, entrusted me with training teams in other states and helping solve operational challenges. In Missouri, I addressed a mold issue, implementing preventative measures and training staff on quality standards. In Oregon, I supported our growing operation, and virtually, I worked with teams in Michigan, Missouri, and Nevada.

Being involved in these multi-state operations gave me a broader understanding of the industry. I learned how different markets operated, how regulations varied, and how to maintain consistency across locations. This was when I realized the cannabis industry was far bigger than I had ever imagined, and it fueled my drive to make an impact on a national level.

Strain Hunting and Brand Building

One of the most exciting aspects of my role was strain hunting and participating in brand-building initiatives. Working with MamaJs’ brands, like Rainbow Carts and Rainbow Rockets, I helped develop new flavors and products. I created strain charts that detailed everything from genetics and yields to flavor profiles and effects, ensuring we were always offering customers the best.

Strains like Smorez, Scooby Snacks, and Hidden Pastry weren’t just products—they were experiences. By testing, refining, and documenting these strains, I contributed to creating a legacy of high-quality cannabis that customers could trust.

Being part of these major decisions made me feel deeply connected to the brand. MamaJs wasn’t just a job—it was a community, and I was proud to help shape its future.

Running Social Media: Engaging the Community

Another hat I wore at MamaJs was that of Social Media Manager. I took charge of posting my photographs, crafting detailed strain descriptions, and engaging directly with our following. Social media was an incredible platform for storytelling. I shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the farm, highlighted strain launches, and interacted with our community in real-time.

Managing the social accounts allowed me to combine my creativity with my passion for cannabis. It was rewarding to see customers get excited about new strains and connect with the hard work behind the scenes. Social media wasn’t just marketing—it was a way to build trust and loyalty with our audience.

The Leap to Marketing: Founding CMC Organic

By 2022, I had gained a wealth of experience in cultivation, brand building, and creative marketing. Armed with this knowledge, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own marketing agency, CMC Organic. Leaving MamaJs was bittersweet, but I knew it was time to explore the industry beyond farming.

My first client was 454 Bags, a brand specializing in post-harvest solutions. Given my deep knowledge of post-harvest processes, it was the perfect fit. From there, my agency grew, and I found myself working with brands across the cannabis supply chain, helping them refine their marketing strategies and connect with their audiences.

Starting my career at MamaJs at 23 and launching my agency at 25 was a whirlwind journey, but it’s one I wouldn’t trade for anything. MamaJs taught me the value of hard work, quality, and innovation, and those lessons continue to guide me today.

Gratitude and Reflection

As I look back on my time at MamaJs, I’m filled with gratitude. The hands-on experience, the creative freedom, and the incredible people I worked with shaped me into the professional I am today. From my first days as a Task Team Member to running social media, to training teams across the country, every step of the journey was a learning opportunity.

MamaJs wasn’t just a company—it was a family. It gave me the tools to succeed, the confidence to take risks, and the passion to push boundaries in an ever-evolving industry. For that, I’ll always be grateful.

My journey is far from over, but I owe so much to those early days at MamaJs. Here’s to the incredible ride so far—and to the exciting adventures ahead.

Key Strains I’ll Never Forget

• Scooby Snacks: A sweet, cookie-like strain with a euphoric, relaxing high.
• Hidden Pastry: A complex dessert strain with hints of berries and vanilla.
• Gelato Cake: Creamy, rich, and perfect for winding down.
• Smorez: A nostalgic favorite with chocolatey and marshmallow notes.

Each strain was a testament to the passion and precision that went into every step of the process.