Entrepreneur Ariane Kirkpatrick is kicking in cannabis industry doors. She is the state of Ohio’s only black woman vertically integrated into the industry. In other words, she is licensed to grow, dispense and sell cannabis.
As reported by AfroTech, Kirkpatrick’s success didn’t happen off the bat. She says, “I didn’t think that they would allow someone like me to be in this business, and they didn’t.”
The Real Struggle
The obstacles came from all corners. The attempts to keep her down were harsh. The businessperson says she was identified by the n-word and was thoroughly investigated. But Kirkpatrick refused to settle for less. Despite any setbacks the system created, she defended herself and achieved success.
“I guess it’s funny because I’m proud to be where I am, but at the same time I’m sad.”
Affecting Change
Kirkpatrick’s uphill battle was a no-brainer. She believed — and still believes — Harvest of Ohio is bigger than her.
“While my journey has been hard, it’s been a journey that I’ve just had to make happen and it almost seems normal to me. I’ve been fighting all of my life, and it’s what my mother taught my sister and me to do. … At an early age, we were picketing in support of Black businesses. We were boycotting McDonald’s because they didn’t have a black franchise. So, I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to do.”
Kirkpatrick hopes her achievements inspire. People of color need to see her accomplishments and know they can achieve anything. She feels the cannabis industry is the revolution and if it circumvents the idea of BIPOCs selling on street corners, good.
“People need to see the success for Black women and just successful Black folks period so that they can emulate it and continue to grow more generations filled with success.”
Entrepreneurial Direction
The legal struggle and bittersweet success led to Kirkpatrick’s determination to be a multi-state operation with Harvest of Ohio as her platform. Several companies have approached Kirkpatrick for partnerships. Instead, Kirkpatrick has chosen to work with companies with a focus on philanthropic and collaborative operations.
Harvest of Ohio is in the business of topicals, edibles, and flowers, among other products. Founded in 2017, the company started and continues to maintain philanthropic leanings and community-supported agendas.
Keeping It in the Family
Kirkpatrick is the founder of Harvest of Ohio. Her sons are Chief Financial Officer and Chief Technology Officer. Kirkpatrick’s sister is Chief Executive Officer while her stepdaughter acts as Director of Licensing. Her son’s girlfriend is the Director of Marketing. A student of Kirkpatrick’s mother is the Director of Human Resources. An old friend has the appointment of Chief of Housing.
Kirkpatrick is not only the brainchild behind Ohio’s first vertically integrated cannabis company. She is the first female of color licensed by the Ohio Board Pharmacy, giving her the authority to grow and dispense medical weed. She is also one of only two black dispensary runners in the state.
Harvest of Ohio currently manages three locations in Columbus, Beavercreek, and Athens.
