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Cannabis Exec Ericka Pittman Talks Disrupting The Space, Self-Care & Power Of Sisterhood
Ericka Pittman is a woman whose career gives true meaning to the power of black girl magic and the ultimate career glow up. With a resume that includes leadership positions at companies including Vibe Media Group, AQUAhydrate, and Combs Enterprises (the brainchild of Sean "Diddy" Combs and powerhouse umbrella to the Ciroc empire, among others), she has shown enough business tenacity to join the ranks of the fashion, entertainment, and beverage industries' top executives.
In her latest boss move, she has landed a gig as CMO of Viola, becoming the first black female CMO of a cannabis brand. The company offers cannabis flowers (or weed, as we all know it), ready-made joints (called pre-rolls), vapes, and concentrates.
"While cannabis is a consumer packaged good, we want to make sure that we are brand-forward. We want to do that through purpose, product, process, and people," Pittman explained during an interview with xoNecole. "The purpose is our social equity initiatives around the war on drugs' [affect on] nonviolent crime offenders. It's important for Viola to establish a platform for education and opportunity within the cannabis space---entrepreneurship and expungement of their records so they can have a clean slate and start a new record for themselves in the new landscape of the cannabis industry."
In terms of product and process, Pittman said, the brand approaches creation very meticulously, taking "painstaking time" to ensure an end-result that is top-notch. So, this isn't just your regular marijuana shop. "We want to make sure that people understand that when they engage and interact with Viola, they are receiving a quality premium product," she added. "The people side of it are the brand and lifestyle [aspects including] interacting in spaces that are similar to other brands---you know, fashion, art, music. These are all key areas that we want to figure out ways to partner and expand the Viola imprint above and beyond the [cannabis] flower."
We talked further about the impact Pittman would like to make on the industry, how she finds balance, and how she advocates for women in business:
What piqued your interest in the cannabis industry?
I'd say over the last 10 years, working with Combs Enterprises, [my career has been about] representing brands in the spirits industry, fragrance, fashion, even with the media platform---the television network Revolt---and water companies. This was a natural progression being that I have had innovative opportunities over the years with developing new products and bringing unique messaging to the marketplace--engaging consumers in a different way. Those elements, I think, were the parts that really got me excited about working in marketing and getting up every day to come to do the work I was doing. As I thought about expanding my career, cannabis was sort-of the next frontier.
I love the idea of being one of the pioneers in this industry potentially. Being able to define the narrative around how to communicate with consumers in this space was really compelling for me.
What does an average day look like in this new role?
We start work sometimes as early as 8 a.m., and it's pretty aggressive hours. We work from 8 until [the work is] done. I think the environment is really inspiring. I work with a group of really curious, dedicated, passionate people that are committed to making this brand excellent. There's a whole host of team members who are working behind the scenes to make sure that this brand is consistent and that it lives up to the premium product that we're evangelizing in the marketplace. So there are a lot of meetings, calls... I mean, it's a usual workplace---it's nothing fundamentally different from, you know, working at a bank, except you may [see] a celebrity rapper come in to play ping pong with [Viola founder] Al Harrington. That could easily happen. But other than that, it's a typical work day.
What challenges have you faced as a female executive?
[One is] being heard without being perceived as a steamroller or know-it-all. It's figuring out how to be heard in a room where, perhaps, the woman's voice is not always appreciated in the same way without being offensive.
There are these preconceived notions about a woman's place---when and how she should speak, what tone she should use. There are all these different rules and guidelines around being a woman in a business environment. I think the biggest struggle for me... is figuring out a balance between having my voice heard and taken seriously without alienating my constituency.
What advice do you have for other aspiring female executives to advance in the workplace?
First and foremost, people do business with people that they like. So, while you can have every skill set in the world and be experienced, if you're not well-received and well-liked, you may have a harder time getting buy-in from your peer group and your superiors around whatever your goals or initiatives are. Make sure you have the right attitude and the right mindset. Put the brand and the goals of the business first.
[Second, you must be] OK with doing the work. Put your ideas out there in real life. Being someone who can actually execute the ideas is a unique talent and is a skill set.
Third, don't just come to the table with a problem. Come with some recommended solutions on how you might achieve a goal. Know where your value lies, and understand the value you're providing the organization. Make sure that everyone around you understands that as well, and that they are aligned. A win only matters if it achieves the objectives of the greater good.
As a busy exec, how does self-care play into finding balance in your life?
Self-care and balance is a huge part of success in this day and age, particularly for women. In more recent years, people are starting to respect and appreciate the balance of self-care, mental health, and wellness with ambition and striving to be your best self. I started to [wake up] earlier---about 5:30 a.m.---so that I could have more time at the front half of my day to calibrate how I want my day to go. So that includes meditation, journaling, or [listening to] a positive audio book. I think that helps me to get myself in a frame of mind of positive intention and really thinking through my day---the personal things that I need to achieve, the professional things I need to achieve---and being able to eat healthy and work out a bit before I go to work.
I really like to hike. I'm actually bi-coastal, but I spend the majority of my time in California these days, so being able to go outdoors and hike is really inspiring for me---just the scenery and the fresh air. It gives me a good energy boost.
[After work], I'll go home and sit in silence, quite frankly. There's just me with my thoughts to decompress. This role means a lot of decisions that need to be strategic so we need to think about things six steps out, and it requires a tremendous amount of cognitive functioning. By the end of the day, my brain tends to get a little foggy. So it's easier for me to just be quiet. But then there are times when I want to kind of connect with friends and detach a bit. So, you know, going out to dinner and those sorts of things tend to help.
Speaking of friends, how do you find time for a social life and for family?
I am very family-oriented. There's literally only five of us in my entire [immediate] family, so we're all very close. They are mostly on the East Coast, so when I do get back East, I try to spend as much time with them as possible. I also have five godchildren, and I have a slew of best friends who have children.
My whole journey is about how do I navigate and how do I help other females navigate their success in their lives, whatever that is. And so there's no judgment on what it is you want for your life, but it is helping you to maximize getting there as quickly as possible.
I am a girl's girl. I have very strong female friend network, and I am a loyal friend. I have friendships that are literally 40 years old, so I happen to really, really appreciate the female dynamic--being a woman. I think that we as women tend to have very similar experiences. They may be different scenarios, but I feel like there are a lot of things that we think are just happening to us that are actually happening across the board. So it's important for me to express those things and connect with dynamic women who I view as peers to gain perspective and encouragement. I think over the years in doing that, I have created a bit of a tribe of my own---women lifting women up and that's very important to me. It's completely the ethos of what I do.
Find out more about Ericka Pittman and her latest book via her Instagram here.
Featured Image by Jack Manning, courtesy of Ericka Pittman
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
For Crystal Obasanya, her wash day woes came shortly after her son did. The beauty and lifestyle content creator had been natural for years, but during postpartum, she quickly learned about one reality many mothers can relate to experiencing: postpartum hair loss. “Sis had thinning hair. Sis had split ends,” she shared about her hair changes in a Reel via xoNecole.
Over a year into her postpartum journey, Crystal explained she also had dry, brittle hair, noting that keeping it hydrated before pregnancy had already been “a task.” The 4C natural recalled going from thick hair during pregnancy to a thin hairline due to postpartum shedding as “devastating.” When it came to strengthening and revitalizing her hair, the new SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection was just the thing she needed to elevate her damaged coils to revive and thrive status and get them poppin' again.
SheaMoisture is providing us with the cheat code for transforming dry and damaged strands into thriving and deeply nourished crowns. By unveiling their 4-step hair system, the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is equipping you with the tools to reverse signs of hair damage caused by protective styling, heat, and color and is uniquely formulated for Type 3 and 4 hair textures.
The haircare system revives damaged natural hair by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds through a game-changing combination of HydroPlex Technology and AminoBlend Complex, a unique blend of fortifying amino acids formulated specifically for curly and coily hair. Scientifically proven to reduce breakage by 84% and make your hair six times stronger (vs. non-conditioning shampoo), the collection infuses your hair with the nourishment it craves and the strength it deserves.
All five products of the SheaMoisture Bond Collection are infused with natural strengthening ingredients like Amla Oil and fair-trade shea butter. The collection consists of the 4-step breakage-fighting Bond Repair system, as well as the Bonding Oil.
“When trying it out, I quickly noticed that my hair felt revived and renewed, and my curls were so hydrated,” Crystal said while using the Amla-infused Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. “I also felt my hair strands were stronger.” So much so that the influencer felt brave enough to get her hair braided shortly thereafter. “I can definitely say that I will be keeping it in my hair wash routine,” she added in the caption of her Reel about her positive experience using the products.
SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is making bond-building a key player in your wash day routines and the purveyor of life for thirsty manes. Because who doesn't want stronger, shinier, happier hair?
Step One: Bond Repair Collection Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Collection Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are powered by the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, SheaMoisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Collection Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Collection Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Featured image courtesy
Looking for ways to level up your solo sex sessions or your partnered sex play? Entering the wonderful world of arousal oils might be exactly what the doctor ordered. As its name suggests, arousal oil arouses. And they might very well be the pleasurable vessel through which your mind-blowing orgasms can be beckoned. Specifically, arousal oils are a pleasure-enhancing sex lubricant intended to increase the sensitivity to your nipples, your vulva, or your clitoris, just to start.
With an ingredient list that can include the likes of CBD, ashwagandha, and essential oils, arousal oils act as an aphrodisiac in a bottle, maximizing intensity and heightening the levels of pleasure you feel, thereby making your climax that much more attainable.
Keep reading for our selection of some of the best arousal oils in the game right now.
Bloomi Luxe Arousal Oil
Described as a "sensual pleasure oil," the Luxe Arousal Oil by Bloomi is clean with plant-derived organic ingredients. With 2-4 pumps, a gentle massage with this oil-based intimacy oil is formulated to intensify pleasure to your clitoris, your vulva, your thighs, or anywhere else you care to use it, before and during the act.
Foria Awaken Arousal Oil
Not only do reviewers rave about the "incredible o's" from Awaken Arousal Oil, but this best-seller is also known for its sensuous aroma, slip, and feel. With the uncanny ability to enhance sensations, users of the product have reported reinvigorated orgasms and renewed sex lives. And all we have to say is, say less.
Mood Maker Pleasure-Enhancing Intimacy Oil for Couples
Amazon
The Mood Maker had us at hello. Christina Aguilera's sex oil is where luxury and intimacy meet. Thanks to the relaxation facilitated by magic mushrooms and pleasure-enhancing adaptogens, the Mood Maker lays the groundwork for easeful foreplay, sex, and even an encore. With its texture like silk and warm scent, the oil effortlessly sets the perfect mood for pleasure play and allows your body to follow suit.
Lure Deluxe Intimacy Oil
Sultry, clean, and moisturizing are the cornerstones of this intimacy oil. The oil is formulated with organic ingredients like MCT coconut oil and CBD, so there is no need to worry about throwing off your pH balance or leaving behind a sticky residue when using it for intimate moments. The silky texture provides a sensual slip that is all gas no brakes, creating a slip n' slide glide during partner play, as well as solo play.
Bonus points: since it's all-natural, it's also oral-friendly. So Deluxe Intimacy Oil is queening-approved.
Green Compass Intimacy Oil
Green Compass
Entice and awaken your pleasure and your senses with the Intimacy Oil by Green Compass. An intimacy oil made for every body, this oil is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free and formulated with plant-based and organic ingredients. With ingredients like organic hemp flower extract, coconut oil, and jojoba oil, the pleasure felt and experienced in intimate areas becomes even more intense upon application.
FOCL CBD Arousal Oil
Loved by users for its "perfect texture," its "warm wonderful feeling," and the fact that it's "non-irritating," the CBD Arousal Oil by FOCL is definitely worthy of a spot in your tox boy. Like other CBD oils, the hemp-derived product is said to ease tension and promote blood flow, which are major keys to enhancing and maximizing your sexual pleasure.
Sensuva On Arousal Oil
Amazon
Looks like we saved the best for last. Available in Lite, Original, and Ultra to give you the ability to choose the intensity that suits your intimate moments best, the On Arousal Oil by Sensuva is said to be one of the most powerful arousal oils on the market with good reason. With a "unique, buzzing vibration sensation on the clitoris," in 1-2 drops, On Arousal delivers more sensation during sex, helps women achieve orgasms quicker and more intensely, and can also help curb any issues with vaginal dryness.
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