Entrepreneurial Highlight: Kamani Jefferson

In this series we will be highlighting burgeoning entrepreneurs in the modern era. These are folks who have taken the risk of quitting or working double to quit their conventional jobs in pursuit of their passions. This is a difficult road that many never find the courage to venture upon, but the rewards are so worth it, and as you know, no risk, no reward, know risk, know reward.

This episode highlights Kamani Jefferson, who took it from the lobbies of Brooklyn apartments to being the premier lobbyist for the Massachusetts legalized cannabis industry. Taking your passions, and rolling them up into goals large enough to challenge you grow is how we find ourselves in rarified air. Read on to learn how Kamani has taken America's favorite taboo plant, and ensuring that a burgeoning new industry remains clean, ethical, and open so that people from all walks of life can toke in it's business.

Tell Me A Little More About What You Do And How You Got Into It

I'm a registered lobbyist and community educator in the cannabis industry.

Do you Remember Your First Day? What Were You Feeling?

I knew once legalization of Marijuana happened last November in MA, I need to form a group of consumers to advocate. I was hyped. Ready to work in the field of my dreams.

What Were You Doing Before? Why Made You Want To Try Something New?

I was helping my first nonprofit Cannabis Cultural Assoication get it's feet wet. I was hungry for specifically get more involved with pot politics and helping others chase their marijuana dreams in Massachusetts.

How Do You Balance Your Time?

I read, smoke pot (lol), bike and run.

Tell Me About Your Business?

Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council, or MRCC, seeks to ensure the safety of recreational marijuana consumers by bridging the gaps between communities, local legislators, and Massachusetts businesses.

How Much Time Per Week Would You Say You Dedicate To Your Work?

At least 30 Hours. But, I'm pretty much always working or atleast thinking about the legal weed industry.

What Else Do You Like To Do With Your Free Time?

I read. Reading case in point and just finish rereading "Founders at Work." I also read articles on the Cannabis industry everyday.

What's Next For You?

Fund MRCC and make sure Cannabis Cultural Association is ready to take over NYC (hometown) while I'm in MA.

Any Advice For People Wanting To Follow A Similar Path?

Follow us on IG @maconsumers or check out massreccouncil.com

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Entrepreneurial Highlight: Lee Cooks

In this series we will be highlighting burgeoning entrepreneurs in the modern era. These are folks who have taken the risk of quitting or working double to quit their conventional jobs in pursuit of their passions. This is a difficult road that many never find the courage to venture upon, but the rewards are so worth it, and as you know, no risk, no reward, know risk, know reward.

This episode highlights Lee Cooks.The world is an oyster, variety is the spice of life, and Lee Cooks will spice your oysters to perfection. Life is about living on your terms and at your pace. Lee knows like a good meal, all things in life take their time and she's mastered patience and the art of living life artfully. Read to learn more, and make sure you take time to just stare out the window.

Do you remember your first day, What were you feeling?

My first gig I was 90 minutes late. All my food was done and heated by 12pm. I asked a friend of mine who had a minivan would he drop me off at Queens College Manhattan campus,I needed to be there by 3 to set up. I asked could he pick me up at, he said yes. Long story short, he didn't tell me till 1:45 that he couldn't pick me up, and it took me 30 minutes to get a cab that would go from the Bronx to lower Manhattan. I was so angry and obviously annoyed when I got to the college, which wasnt a good look. It was a huge learning experience for me, always have a back-up plan.

What Were You Doing Before? Why Made You Want To Try Something New?

I was doing customer service jobs. H&R Block, cold calls. I hated it, I hated having to deal with the customer directly. I'm an introvert/ extrovert, food was/is my passion. I decided to say Screw it and go to Culinary school. If I could get through school, Again, in my adult life. It was meant to be. I graduated, me and 4 others. From a class that started with 25 students.

How Do You Balance Your Time?

I have a lot of time now that I live in New Mexico.Taos specifically. Everything moves at a much slower pace, so I have time to do my leisure activities; as well as focus on my business. Gratefully a lot of the times they intertwine.

Tell Me About Your Business?

My business is me. Yes I cook, and have done catering, and pop-ups, but I indulge in more than just one art form. I sing, I make jewelry, I write, I throw parties. I use my talents to make money, grow my network,and be free. Leecooks Everything is literal in EVERY way. I'm cooking up a little of everything. I won't let myself or anyone else pidgeon hole me in a box.

How Much Time Per Week Would You Say You Dedicate To Your Work?

I'd say I put in about 4 to 5 days a week towards my business. I take time to just be.

What Else Do You Like To Do With Your Free Time?

I like to write, hang out with my circle, stare out the window and be in the moment.

What's Next For You?

I've been in New Mexico for the past six months, I'd like to live in another place outside the country for 8 to 9 months. Study their Cuisine. I'm thinking of Brazil being my next tour

Any Advice For People Wanting To Follow A Similar Path?

Have everything in writing.

Always know your worth, don't let anyone try to shortchange you. Don't let your talent go to waste, use it to uplift yourself and to encourage someone else. You never know how your of service to another human being. Someone is always watching


Want to learn more about Lee Cooks, book her to cater your next event? Hit her up and have some of the best food of your life!

Website: Leecooks.com

Instagram: Leecooks_everything

Fb: Leecooks Taos

Entrepreneurial Highlight: Craig Levy

In this series we will be highlighting burgeoning entrepreneurs in the modern era. These are folks who have taken the risk of quitting or working double to quit their conventional jobs in pursuit of their passions. This is a difficult road that many never find the courage to venture upon, but the rewards are so worth it, and as you know, no risk, no reward, know risk, know reward.

This episode highlights Craig Levy, musician, sound engineer, artists whisperer. Craig saw his industry falling apart, and decided to hone in on the things he does best. This approach, rooted in gratitude and simplicity has afforded Craig freedom and fulfillment. Read his story to learn more about how he achieved such a zen like balance.

Tell Me A Little More About What You Do And How You Got Into It

To make it easy i call myself a "music producer" but i handle everything from writing and playing instruments around an acapella to just recording vocals for my mc's who bring in finished instrumentals to mixing and mastering… basically whatever anyone thinks i'm good at :)

Do you Remember Your First Day? What Were You Feeling?

Yeah i almost threw up!

What Were You Doing Before? Why Made You Want To Try Something New?

I worked at atlantic records in the a&r department when the music business was thriving.. and i left right when it was imploding. for the next few years i drifted until i started recording my own music and fell l in love with it. about a year later i put up an ad on craigslist and the rest is history…

How Do You Balance Your Time?

Honestly i have a hard time with that… i found "my thing" and it's still an honor 13 years later that people like what i do so i find it hard to say no…

Tell Me About Your Business?

I simply charge per hour ($40) and my artists come over and we do whatever they have planned: record, have me write around their vocals and play instruments, mix, master. they are often also part therapy sessions: it's the artists choice what goes on during their time so we may talk for a bit…my psychology degree gets put to good use :)

How Much Time Per Week Would You Say You Dedicate To Your Work?

Probably 40 hours in sessions and another 10 or so doing the un-fun business stuff.

What Else Do You Like To Do With Your Free Time?

Biking, hanging with my girlfriend and our cats.

What's Next For You?

More of the same in terms of making music with my artist's daily, but dedicating more time to licensing… i've had over 250 placements so far but would like to see it really take off. either way it's fun to see your tracks on tv.

Any Advice For People Wanting To Follow A Similar Path?

Be ready to dedicate your whole life to this! it really does take 10,000 hours.


To learn more about Craig or to book you recording session now, click here...

Entrepreneurial Highlight: Kevin Delgado

In this series we will be highlighting burgeoning entrepreneurs in the modern era. These are folks who have taken the risk of quitting or working double to quit their conventional jobs in pursuit of their passions. This is a difficult road that many never find the courage to venture upon, but the rewards are so worth it, and as you know, no risk, no reward, know risk, know reward.

This episode highlights Kevin Delgado, author, illustrator and independent publisher of the renewed forward thinking comic book series "Volantis". Kevin turned his passion for drawing and his natural eye for design, fueled by a lifelong dream and is venturing out to make it all come to fruition in a major way. Kevin shares what it takes to balance time between being creative and taking care of business, being a dad and being a boss, and a turning your passion into a career.


From Volantis #2Kevin Delgado


Tell Me A Little More About What You Do And How You Got Into It

My name is Kevin Delgado and right now I am writing, illustrating, coloring, and lettering my own comic book called "Volantis". I have taken art seriously my entire life. I even went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and got a degree in Graphic Design, which I also do for a living. I had always wanted to draw comics, but put it on the back burner to pursue a career in music. I got back into after a near fatal incident that left me incapacitated for months. It was during that time that I really started making more art and putting it out there and getting great response.

Do you Remember Your First Day? What Were You Feeling? What Were You Doing Before? Why Made You Want To Try Something New?

Like I mentioned earlier, I had pursued a professional career in music under the stage name "Frigid Giant", both as an emcee and producer. I still make music and perform live steadily. I think all musicians are artists and vice versa, its a different way to express yourself. My artistic direction shifts constantly. If i feel like making music, I make music. If I feel like drawing, I draw. I never force myself to do either.

How Do You Balance Your Time?

The hardest part about life is time management. I try my best to eliminate needless distraction (Phone, internet, games, etc). Its hard, especially considering that i have such a lust for life and adventures. I also try to decrease my alcohol intake as much as possible, I cannot illustrate inebriated, rapping on the other hand....

Tell Me About Your Business?

Solstice Art is my publishing banner. I self produce and publish comic books. I am also open for commissioned Illustration and graphic design. I also provide print services.

How Much Time Per Week Would You Say You Dedicate To Your Work?

I do graphic design 40 hours a week, I probably put an additional 30 hours or so into commissioned work and the comic book series.

What Else Do You Like To Do With Your Free Time?

Travel. I have kids that I am raising as well and a fiance. I really don't have free time. I am constantly working. I love the hustle.

What's Next For You?

This comic book is no joke, I have pretty much set it up to be my life's work. I want to keep making it and hopefully have it adapted for television / movies. I am also interested in real estate, I am in the process of buying some property as we speak.

Any Advice For People Wanting To Follow A Similar Path?

I would say to make sure you are ready to dedicate your life to it. If you are not completely obsessed with it, don't go for it. Don't waste your time or anybody elses. I am still very far from where I want to be, but I HAVE to put the leg work in now. All I can hope for is that a publisher sees my dedication and work ethic and decides to pick me up, whether it be for my book or someone elses. That and don't give up, not much success comes over night.

To learn more about Volantis, Kevin, and how to grab your copy, click here...