On the latest episode of “Some Guys Talking” hosted by Brian Holler and Aaron Washington, industry innovator Kenya Alexander took center stage to discuss her journey into the cannabis space, her work with Stashbag Data, and her commitment to humanizing market research within the industry.
From Military Roots to Cannabis Advocate
Kenya, a self-described “crunchy mom,” shared her background growing up as a military brat in Texas and how her early experiences shaped her perspective on cannabis. She recounted that her initial exposure was limited, influenced heavily by the propaganda and strict environment of a military base, where even a small amount of weed could lead to severe consequences.
Her first experiments with cannabis began in her late teens, but it wasn’t until she became a mother that her relationship with the plant deepened. “When I had my third child, I was in a dark place—depressed, overwhelmed—and cannabis became a tool to help me breathe and find balance,” she explained. Her personal journey into plant medicine fueled her passion for advocacy and education, especially in a state like Texas, where cannabis laws remain restrictive and misinformation persists.
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Building Bridges Through Events and Data
Kenya works in the cannabis industry through her role at Nikkan, focusing on sales and partnerships, but her broader mission is centered around her own venture—Sashbag Data. This innovative platform aims to bring a human touch to cannabis market research by collecting insights directly from consumers and industry stakeholders at events.
“Most data collection is cold and impersonal,” she said. “We want to center the human in the data—invite people to share their feelings, habits, and stories in a hospitality-driven way. It’s about making space for real conversations.”
She highlighted upcoming activations at industry events like NECAN New Jersey in September and the upcoming Friday Sesh Live in California, where her team will set up photo booths and focus groups to gauge the sentiments of both consumers and industry leaders. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between industry data and consumer experiences, providing a clearer picture of what people truly want and need.
Advocacy, Authenticity, and Industry Growth
Kenya emphasized that her work is rooted in activism. Her platform deliberately avoids hype and negativity, instead focusing on authentic stories and constructive dialogue. “We don’t do pay-to-play or sponsored content,” she stressed. “Our goal is to support small, legacy, veteran, and women-owned businesses and give them a voice.”
She expressed a strong belief that the industry’s future depends on transparency, regulation, and community-building. “We need standardization in language and education,” she said. “Most consumers don’t understand terms like live resin or full-spectrum, and that creates barriers. We should meet people where they are, not where we want them to be.”
Overcoming Challenges and Envisioning the Future
Discussing hurdles, Kenya candidly shared the financial struggles that many small operators face in a still-regulated market. Despite limited resources, she remains optimistic about the industry’s potential for growth and education.
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d expand this platform globally, paying fair wages and reaching more people,” she revealed. “My dream is to build a full-time team that can focus solely on authentic storytelling and community engagement.”
She also highlighted the importance of in-person events for relationship-building and education, noting that direct conversations are vital to breaking down stigma and understanding consumer needs.
A Call to Action for Industry Unity
As the interview wrapped up, Kenya encouraged newcomers to actively seek relationships within the industry. “Reach out, connect, and lean into conversations,” she urged. “The industry is still in a building phase, and genuine relationships are how we move forward.”
Kenya’s presence on the show underscores her dedication to authentic engagement and community-driven growth. Her work with Stashbag Data exemplifies a new wave of cannabis industry efforts—prioritizing human stories and consumer voices over hype and profit.
