Enjoy Every Single Day: Time moves quickly, and it’s essential to savor each moment. In the hustle of daily operations, it’s easy to forget to celebrate small victories.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dominique White.
Dominique White is an experienced Store Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. Skilled in Luxury Goods, Microsoft Excel, Store Management, Retail Sales, and New Store Openings, Dominique has worked for Ivy Hall Dispensaries for about 2 years now, having worked her way up from a General Manager to Director of People and Operations.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
My journey to becoming the Head of People and Operations for Ivy Hall Dispensaries is a blend of personal passion, professional evolution, and a deep commitment to community and representation. Growing up, I witnessed how the War on Drugs disproportionately affected certain communities, and how people were denied access to cannabis under the misguided assumption that it was wrong or dangerous.
I am proud to have been able to join a community like Ivy Hall in a role that showcases the distinct attention to detail and care that should come with the cannabis shopping experience.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
One of the most interesting and memorable experiences since I began as Head of People and Operations for Ivy Hall was meeting Governor JB Pritzker and giving him a tour of our flagship store.
When I first joined the company, I was the second employee hired, starting out as a General Manager. It was a thrilling time, and I quickly grew into my current role overseeing People and Operations. Being part of every single store opening from the ground up has been an incredible experience. I’ve seen us scale from a small team to a thriving network of dispensaries, which has been truly exhilarating.
What made Gov. Pritzker’s visit particularly special was the recognition of our efforts to build an inclusive and socially responsible business. Governor Pritzker’s interest in our work and his support for the industry reinforced the importance of what we are doing. It was a moment that underscored the impact of our collective hard work and dedication.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
One of the funniest — and most enlightening — mistakes I made when I was first starting in the cannabis industry involved Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO.
I’ve never been particularly sensitive to most edibles, so I didn’t think much of it when I decided to try RSO for the first time. I had heard about its benefits and wanted to see what the fuss was all about. Not realizing that RSO is an extremely potent concentrate and that you’re only supposed to take an amount as small as a grain of rice, I took the whole dose, thinking it was like any other regular edible!
What followed was a day of extreme relaxation and a bit of unplanned introspection. It was a humorous yet humbling experience that taught me a lot about respecting the products we handle and the importance of educating both our staff and customers about proper usage.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
Ivy Hall is a licensed social equity dispensary chain. We are deeply committed to fostering positive change in the greater Chicago community.
First and foremost, our dispensaries are Black and Veteran-owned and operated. This is significant because it challenges the historical exclusion of Black individuals from the economic benefits of the cannabis industry. By having a strong presence in this space, we aim to set an example and open doors for others who have been previously disenfranchised.
As a social equity dispensary, we actively participate in community outreach and support initiatives. We work with local organizations to provide education about cannabis, advocate for policy changes that promote equity, and support expungement efforts to clear the records of those with past cannabis-related convictions.
In essence, our organization is about more than just business; it’s about righting historical wrongs, uplifting our communities, and paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future in the cannabis industry.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
This past 4/20, one of our regular customers, a veteran who uses a cane, came into the dispensary. He wasn’t aware that it was 4/20, and as you can imagine, the store was exceptionally busy with long lines for our special sales.
When he arrived, it was clear he was uncomfortable standing in line for such a long time. One of our attentive budtenders noticed his discomfort and quickly stepped in to help. The budtender offered to swap places with him, allowing the veteran to sit on a couch in our waiting area where he could relax while still holding his place in line. We also provided him with some water and snacks to ensure he was comfortable during the wait.
This simple act of kindness and attentiveness made a significant impact on him. He later left us a beautiful review on Google, expressing his gratitude for the care and consideration he received during his visit. Reading his review really resonated with me and reinforced why we prioritize leading with people.
Stories like this highlight the core of our mission: to create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about building a community where people feel valued and cared for. This experience with the veteran on 4/20 is a perfect example of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and customer care in our daily operations.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Destigmatize Cannabis Use:
One of the biggest challenges we face is the lingering stigma around cannabis use. Despite its proven medicinal benefits, many people still judge those who use cannabis. I recently experienced this firsthand when I was at a baseball game, sharing a joint with a friend, and received some strange looks. It’s frustrating because for many, cannabis is medicine. We need more public education and awareness campaigns to shift perceptions and help people understand the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. Politicians can play a pivotal role by publicly supporting these initiatives and promoting positive messages about cannabis use.
Support Social Equity Programs:
The community and politicians can support social equity programs that aim to repair the harm caused by decades of cannabis prohibition, particularly in marginalized communities. This includes backing policies that provide funding, resources, and support for minority-owned cannabis businesses. By promoting fair access to the industry and offering assistance to those disproportionately affected by past drug laws, we can work towards a more equitable and inclusive cannabis industry.
Advocate for Comprehensive Legal Reforms:
Legal reforms are crucial for addressing the root issues in the cannabis industry. This includes pushing for the decriminalization of cannabis at the federal level, expunging past cannabis-related convictions, and ensuring that regulations are fair and do not disproportionately burden small businesses. Politicians can champion these changes by proposing and supporting legislation that aligns with these goals. Community members can contribute by staying informed, voting for candidates who support cannabis reform, and engaging in advocacy efforts.
By working together on these fronts, we can help create a more accepting, equitable, and just environment for cannabis users and businesses alike. These efforts will not only benefit those in the cannabis community but also contribute to broader societal progress.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
To me, leadership is about showing people how to be better and helping them develop their skill set. It involves guiding others, not just through direction, but through example and support.
Leadership is also about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It’s about maintaining integrity and making ethical choices, regardless of the circumstances. This principle is especially important in the cannabis industry, where building trust and credibility is crucial.
An essential part of leadership is leading with empathy. Understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of your team and your community is fundamental. When you lead with empathy, you create a supportive environment where people feel valued and understood, which in turn fosters loyalty and motivation.
For example, in our dispensaries, I always strive to lead by example. When we were preparing for a major store opening, I made it a point to work alongside our team on the front lines, helping to set up, answering questions, and providing support wherever it was needed. This not only helped in getting the store ready but also showed our employees that I am willing to roll up my sleeves and work with them, reinforcing the team spirit.
Furthermore, when one of our regular customers, a veteran who uses a cane, came in on a busy 4/20 and felt uncomfortable standing in the long line, our team quickly stepped in to help. One of our budtenders offered him a place to sit, provided him with water and snacks, and ensured he was comfortable while waiting. This act of empathy and customer care was a direct reflection of the leadership values we uphold.
In summary, leadership in our organization means guiding people to be their best, acting with integrity at all times, and leading with empathy. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and feel supported.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously:
In the cannabis industry, it’s essential to strike a balance between professionalism and having fun. Early on, I learned this the hard way. I was so focused on ensuring everything was perfect that I forgot to enjoy the process. One day, during a particularly stressful store opening, a colleague cracked a joke that broke the tension. It reminded me that a little humor can go a long way in lightening the mood and making the workday more enjoyable. Embracing this approach has helped me create a more positive work environment.
2. Learning and Training — Have the “Why” Behind the “What”:
Understanding the reason behind our actions is crucial. When I first started, I focused heavily on the tasks at hand without always grasping the bigger picture. During a training session, I realized that our team was more engaged when I explained not just what we were doing but why it mattered. For instance, explaining the benefits and proper use of cannabis products helps our staff provide better customer service and fosters a deeper connection with our mission.
3. Pick Up the Positive:
Positivity is contagious and can transform interactions. I make it a point to greet everyone with a smile and a positive attitude. One of our regular customers once told me how much she appreciated the friendly atmosphere in our dispensary. She said it made her day brighter, which reinforced the importance of maintaining a positive demeanor. Encouraging positivity not only enhances customer experiences but also boosts team morale.
4. I Have to Work Twice as Hard:
As a woman of color in a leadership position, I constantly remind myself that I need to work twice as hard to prove my worth. This reality was evident when we were pitching our business to potential investors. Despite facing skepticism, I ensured our presentation was flawless and backed by solid data. Our hard work paid off, and we secured the funding. This experience underscored the importance of perseverance and excellence in breaking barriers and achieving success.
5. Enjoy Every Single Day:
Time moves quickly, and it’s essential to savor each moment. In the hustle of daily operations, it’s easy to forget to celebrate small victories. One day, after a particularly challenging week, we received a heartfelt thank-you letter from a customer whose life had been positively impacted by our products. We took a moment to celebrate this win as a team. It was a powerful reminder to appreciate the journey and acknowledge the positive impact we’re making, no matter how small it may seem.
Each of these lessons has shaped my approach to leadership and has helped me create a supportive, engaging, and effective work environment.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would like to advocate for a movement focused on destigmatizing and promoting responsible cannabis use. The movement would center around education and awareness surrounding cannabis use, including disseminating information that cover the plant’s medical benefits, responsible consumption methods, and more.
I would also want to use my platform and Ivy Hall’s platform to support initiatives that promote social justice and equity within the cannabis industry, including opportunities for minority-owned businesses and communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite life lesson quote is, “Don’t trip, chocolate chip. There’s always a way to fix everything.”
This quote has been a guiding mantra for me, especially in my role as Head of People and Operations for Ivy Hall. It embodies the resilience and problem-solving mindset that I strive to maintain every day. There have been countless situations where challenges seemed insurmountable, but reminding myself of this quote has helped me stay calm and focused on finding solutions.
Additionally, I’ve taken numerous leadership quizzes and assessments to understand and refine my leadership style. These exercises have consistently identified me as a “commander” type of leader, someone who is determined to find a way or make a way. This aligns perfectly with the “Don’t trip, chocolate chip” philosophy, as it emphasizes the importance of being proactive and tenacious in the face of adversity.
This quote and the mindset it fosters have been crucial in navigating the complexities of the cannabis industry and in leading our team with confidence and resilience.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Firstly, Michelle Obama is a profound inspiration to me. As a Black woman from the South Side of Chicago, her journey resonates deeply with my own experiences. Her grace, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to empowering others, particularly women and communities of color, are qualities I deeply admire. Having the opportunity to sit down with her would be an invaluable experience to discuss leadership, resilience, and how to make a meaningful impact in our communities.
Secondly, Beyoncé is another person I am absolutely obsessed with. She embodies excellence, creativity, and hard work. Beyond her phenomenal music career, she has been a powerful advocate for social justice and empowerment. Her dedication to her craft and her influence on culture and society are truly awe-inspiring. Sharing a meal with her would be an incredible chance to talk about her journey, her vision, and how she balances her artistry with her activism.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Check out Ivy Hall at ivyhalldispensary.com and you can find me on LinkedIn.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Dominique White of Ivy Hall Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.