He’s the number-one-selling budtender for Catalyst Cannabis who doesn’t consider himself a budtender but the best friend you ever had. Outside of the shop, you’ll find a family man who coaches youth sports and is following his artistic passion in rap music. Follow him on Instagram @guttagone.
By giving yourself a name that wasn’t given to you at birth, do you feel like it’s a reinvention of who you are?
I was given the name Joseph Apana at birth, which I don’t mind. When I was 14, my father died, and Joey, Joseph Apana also died. In search of my own identity, I got in trouble and ended up spending over seven years behind bars. My graffiti name was Goner. Tagging crews turn into gangs and all that. Eventually, I started to play around with music and loved what I heard. I was going by Gone at that time. One time when I was in prison, I rapped the words Gutta Gone and some of the guys said, “That’s hard, man, you should roll with that.” And the rest is history. So, you can call me anything, but this is what I’m going with at this phase of my life.
How has the Cannabis industry welcomed you?
I get to be me here.
Now that you’ve paid for the mistakes in your life, do you feel optimistic about your future and that you’ve got a bigger purpose?
Definitely. I’m a father of three and I’m very active in their lives. I had given up on myself until my daughter was born while I was in prison. I had to meet her through a glass screen. I always knew I had this power, something special in me, and that was part of the ‘catalyst’ that helped me to wake up and realize that I have more to offer. I’m not that wayward kid with little to offer the world.
What would your 80-year-old self say to your 33-year-old self?
Find balance. Make sure you touch all the bases before you touch home plate. Don’t cut corners so you don’t have to go back and retrace your steps. I’ve got great things ahead for myself. I’m a natural healer, I have it in my heart.
If you could share a stage with anyone, who would it be?
I wouldn’t want anyone to pull me up. I would want my name to speak for itself. But if I had to, it would be Nas. He put in hard work, dedication and passion. Somebody with poise.
