Hanna Brand - Farmer & Co-Owner Autumn Brand
Hanna Brand
Hanna Brand is a co-owner of Autumn Brand and a sixth-generation farmer and a recent graduate with a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Horticultural Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She has a rare combination of old-world craftsmanship and tech savviness coupled with a millennial’s approach to holistic wellness.
Born and raised in Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County, Hanna is a member of the local Sunset Rotary Club and counts wakeboarding, skiing, soccer, and beach volleyball among her favorite off-duty activities. Hanna also possesses an unusual skill in the United States – speaking Dutch.
Autumn Brands is a licensed California cannabis cultivator dedicated to the synergy of health and wellness. The Autumn Brands’ family farm started in Holland more than a century ago, and today, sixth-generation farmers apply the same expertise garnered in growing the world’s finest tulips to producing pure and potent strains of cannabis in sunny, coastal Santa Barbara County. Autumn Brands is proud to be 50 percent woman owned, and they are committed to cultivating the highest quality, pesticide free, sungrown-indoor cannabis flower possible.
Together their families bring generations of experience with agricultural growing techniques, compliance, financial acumen, marketing, sales and customer service. But, they wouldn’t be anything without the rest of their dynamic team of managers and staff that help them run every fun and challenging aspect of Autumn Brands.
Cannabis represents an industry of health and wellness whether you utilize its benefits for medical or recreational purposes. As Hanna shares, as awareness grows, people are finding out just how incredible this under appreciated plant can be for themselves, family and friends. I’m so excited for you guys to learn more about Hanna and her journey, and to connect with her and follow along!
I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.
I grew up in santa barbara county with my parents a brother.
I got a degree in Agriculture and environmental plant science from Cal Poly, SLO
I am one of the owners of Autumn Brands, a 50% women owned and family run cannabis cultivation farm
My job includes post-harvest management, sales (branded and bulk) and being a brand representative. Currently most of my work is in metrc compliance for post harvest inventory, sales and shipping manifests.
How did you get started?
I grew up on an avocado ranch and spend a lot of time working at my dads cut flower nursery. I always wanted to work with my dad, even before it was cannabis, because I looked up to him and his work ethic. In 2015 when we switched flowers over to cannabis.
What inspired the work that you're doing?
My family inspired me. I work with my parents and brother, I am a 6th generation farmer and 1st generation american. My grandparents dad and uncle moved here from Holland 35 years ago and have instilled in me, my brother and my cousins the character of hard work pays off.
What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?
My biggest passion currently is creating a product that helps people. Whether its medically or recreationally used there is no doubt that cannabis is improving peoples lives. The stories people share with me when I work in dispensaries is so heart warming and reassures me that I have made the right decisions to be where I am.
What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?
Having the opportunity to not only work with my family but build something truly special together.
Walking the greenhouse daily to check the plants.
Working in dispensaries and getting to hear the stories of how Autumn Brands have helped peoples lives.
Being proud of the product we are putting out for the customer. We grow sustainably and pesticide free because this is a product people are smoking and it is so important to keep it 100% clean.
How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?
Good communication, whether its with coworkers, family, friends or even myself. Being honest, admitting when I am wrong, and asking for help when I need it keeps me very grounded. I always try to put myself in other peoples perspective and understand why they might not have the same view or attitude as me. It is very easy to push our ideas or characteristics onto others even though no two people have the same life or experiences.
What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?
She would be extremely proud of me graduating from my dream school but would never believe her dad, brother and her are growing legal cannabis. Not only that but her dad has given her to opportunity to own 25% of the company.
Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?
Roll-up your sleeves and get to work, no-one is going to give you anything you aren't willing to work for.
What is your biggest dream?
I have a lot of dreams...My biggest dream for the cannabis industry is for cancer research to continue and help find a cure. I have heard so many stories from people of skin cancer disappear, doctors not being able to find it and canceling the operation, colon cancer shrinking to a manageable size, and blood cancer being non-detectable 3 months of using high dosage cbd:thc tinctures to name a few.
To learn more about Hanna you can connect with her on Facebook @autumnbrands Twitter @autumnbrands Instagram @autumnbrands and on her website www.autumnbrands.com
Joy Corner is a new interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here