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Photo by Mike Ricker

Budtender of the Month: Jewels Tran

“I feel I can be creative in this industry."

She loves expressing herself creatively through mediums like drawing, painting and designing nails. You might find her at exhibits and art museums when she’s not modeling for car shows as a fun side gig. And check out her podcast called “Joints and Drinks.” Follow her on IG: @jewelsnextdoor and @jointsanddrinks.

You’ve got a lot going on. How do you take the energy from your other endeavors into budtending?
I feel I can be creative in this industry like there are no limits. And I think it’s important to stay curious like your customer. I have a good amount of knowledge, and I’m big on customer service. I believe that anyone who comes here deserves to have good service. My first priority is always the customer. I budtend for results.

As an artist, if you were to create your own weed brand, what would it look like?
That’s always been something in the back of my mind. Obviously, it would be woman-owned. The brand would be all about potency and genuine quality. I would like it all-natural, organic, no banned pesticides. I would want people to know that a woman did this, long nails, all byherself. I would want it to be vibey.

What would your brand look like aesthetically?
It would represent me. I draw all my tattoos myself and have the artist do the work. They are Asian style, so the art of the brand is Asian and woman-based. Maybe I can be the first one! I would want the look to be cool and crazy with airtight, convenient packaging.

What would you say to other Asians who are uncomfortable with Cannabis?
Up the standard and explore your options! I’m big on my Vietnamese culture, and I advocate for my fellow Asians to open their minds and find the benefits of this plant and the cool community that celebrates it.

If you could share the microphone on stage with any singer, who would it be?
Sade. Her voice sounds like a good weed strain — a nice indica that would put you to sleep.

Photos by @rickerdj

About Mike Ricker

The first time Ricker smoked weed was at a Santana concert at the age of 12. He then followed in his footsteps as an award-winning radio personality who became notorious for offering a stage for bong toking listeners in 9 different markets over 20 years. In 2016, the Cannabis industry came calling and the rest is history.

This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of California Leaf.

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