Creator Spotlight - Lauren Mundell - Hi Curious

From Corporate PR to Cannabis Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Lauren Mundell

In the latest edition of our Creator Spotlight series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lauren Mundell, the dynamic founder of Hi Curious. Hi Curious is a groundbreaking platform designed to connect brands with the right influencers, and Lauren’s journey to this point is nothing short of inspiring.

A Bold Career Shift

Lauren began her professional journey in the corporate PR world, working with some of the biggest names in wellness, such as Pfizer Consumer Healthcare and Weight Watchers. However, a significant shift occurred in her life in late 2016 when she began using cannabis. Lauren’s initial reluctance turned into curiosity and then a passion for the plant’s wellness benefits.

“My husband, who was retiring from the Navy Reserves, was excited to smoke weed again. At first, I was skeptical, but seeing the positive effects on him made me curious. I started using it and realized it’s a wellness supplement,” Lauren shared.

Embracing Cannabis as Wellness

Lauren’s background in wellness marketing made her uniquely positioned to see cannabis through a different lens. She recognized it as a wellness supplement and wanted to bring this perspective to a broader audience. “I trusted myself, having tried many supplements before, and saw cannabis as a wellness product. This realization ignited my desire to learn more about the industry.”

Her approach to normalizing cannabis is influenced by her wellness background, which she integrates into her marketing strategies. “I bring a different way of thinking about marketing and advertising, which is refreshing for the cannabis industry, considering the restrictions we face.”

Influencer Marketing in Cannabis

Lauren has effectively leveraged her PR expertise into the realm of influencer marketing, a strategy she believes is vital for the cannabis industry’s growth. “Influencer marketing is an integral part of marketing. It’s shocking how hard it has been to explain this to cannabis companies, but it’s essential as we move forward.”

She emphasized the importance of third-party endorsements and the role of influencers in today’s advertising landscape. “People don’t want to hear from brands about how great their products are. They want to hear from someone they trust.

Handling Stigma and Misconceptions

Lauren’s open approach to cannabis use, both personally and as a parent, has faced its fair share of challenges. Despite the stigma, she has been transparent about her journey, even sharing it in her book, “High Curious.”

“I’ve been very open about my cannabis use, which was shocking to many, including my father. Parenting is also interesting in this context. I have a 19-year-old and a 23-year-old, and I’ve had to navigate these waters with them.”

Her viral Instagram posts, particularly those about parenting and cannabis, have garnered both support and criticism. “I’ve received a lot of hate, but I see social media as a game. Trolls often mean you’re reaching a wider audience.”

Exciting Projects Ahead

Lauren continues to push boundaries with innovative projects like the Canna Moms pool parties and TrimsGiving. These initiatives provide a space for women who use cannabis to connect and break the stigma associated with the plant.

“I’m co-hosting two amazing Canna Moms pool parties and organizing TrimsGiving, where people from the Colorado cannabis industry come together to trim my backyard grow. These events are about building community and enjoying cannabis without stigma.”

Join the Conversation

Lauren Mundell’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing change and breaking down stigmas. Her work with Hi Curious is paving the way for a new era in cannabis marketing, one where wellness and authenticity are at the forefront.

For the full conversation with Lauren Mundell, check out the video on YouTube: Watch here.