The integration of massage and topical medicines like CBD and THC sparks interest wherever Drew Evans sets up her Holistic Hammock LLC massage services. She’s been a familiar face at MedicateOH events, so it’s high time we learn more about her!
MedicateOH’s Amanda Pesante interviews Drew about her business inspiration, challenges, and successes as a black-owned, woman-owned cannabis massage business owner.
Holistic Hammock: A Black-Owned Wellness Brand
Amanda: I recently had the pleasure to sit down and interview Drew Evans who is a Massage Therapist and the Owner of Holistic Hammock LLC, a Black owned wellness brand that offers CBD and THC massage with a strong focus on providing education and guidance to individuals interested in alternative healing. I asked some tough questions and I’m proud to share our conversation below.
Amanda: As a woman of color, what does it mean for you to own a business in the cannabis space and what impact do you hope to have on other POC who are beginning to to build their own blocks of entrepreneurship within the space?
Drew: I think it’s really important, especially for women of color to have to have ownership in this industry.There is a stigma that follows POCs in the industry. They are mostly labeled discriminately as “ Lazy PotHeads”, meanwhile our White counterparts are praised for their courage and bravery for taking on such a challenge and rarely is their professionalism questioned. I want women to know that there is so much untouched potential in this industry and if they have an idea for a business within this space they should work diligently towards turning those ideas into reality.
Amanda: In what ways, if any, have you felt inspired to develop your company further since the passing of Issue Two in Ohio?
Drew: The passing of Issue Two still came with many regulations and that leaves me unsure about diving into some of the things I want to do within the adult use space. I feel like we are getting closer to where we want to be, as a community, and I’m hopeful for the future but I am still cautious. I also believe since the passing of Issue Two, more people are inclined to try CBD & hemp massage, and that allows me to reach a greater audience of people seeking alternative medicine or healing.
Another positive note since the passing of Issue Two, is that I have been able to connect with dispensaries and other businesses within the industry to offer On-Site massages to their employees, “a show of gratitude that far exceeds the value of a pizza party!”
Eventually I would like to be able to provide dispensary grade products to my customers, but only time and legislation will tell.
Amanda: What challenges do you face when it comes to making connections and standing out in the cannabis space, and how did you overcome those challenges?
Drew: In the past I struggled with finding ways to reach out to current medical patients within the industry who might be interested in my services; especially because of the regulations restricting advertising in dispensaries. The best way to overcome this was by vending and attending many industry and educational events within the community which allowed me to network. I also used ancillary companies to my advantage by leaving my business cards at different smoke shops etc.
Amanda: What was the most insightful moment of 2024 and what new adventures does Holistic Hammock have in store for the 2025 year?
Drew: Keeping up with cannabis news and learning about the passing of issue two was the most insightful moment. It gave me hope that I can do more with my business than I’m capable of currently, and I hope that it motivates others to do the same.
Holistic Hammock has attended and participated in many industry events in the past, and for 2025 I hope to host my own events and I’m actively working to collaborate with different businesses such as The LotusTuch on hosting events that explore and celebrate the intersectionality of cannabis and sensuality, in a sane and safER space.
Amanda: What are some of the physical and mental health benefits of massage combined with infused cannabis topicals?
Drew: Massage on its own can be very relaxing and can provide relief from pain and inflammation. Combined with cannabis over time, the sense of relief is greater and may last longer. Massage
can be a great stress reliever and can reduce anxiety for many as well. Feeling a calm, healing, and soothing touch can be emotionally and mentally therapeutic as well.
Amanda: Lastly, what is one thought or feeling you hope your customers walk away with after using your services?
Drew: Cannabis isn’t a drug. There are so many benefits of cannabis and a variety of different ways it can be used and different things it can be used for. I think it’s important for people to know that you don’t have to feel the psychoactive effects of cannabis in order to receive these benefits.
Connect with Drew/Holistic Hammock
Drew welcomes any inquiries regarding the topics in this interview. You can reach out to her on her website HolisticHammockLLC.com or follow her on Instagram at @Holistic_Hammock to learn about upcoming events and promotions.
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