Annu Khot, an Indian American entrepreneur managing a Cannabis dispensary in Chicago, recently shared her entrepreneurial journey with Hindustantimes.com. Despite the legal acceptance of cannabis for recreational use in 24 US states, it remains a contentious subject. Khot, originally from India and having moved to the US in 2008, embarked on launching Socíale, one of the world’s pioneering cannabis dispensaries owned by an Indian-American woman, after witnessing the medicinal benefits of cannabis.
Opening up about the initial stages of her entrepreneurial venture in a still-emerging field, Khot discussed the challenges she faced as an Indian-origin woman in the cannabis industry. She highlighted the frequent rejection and the industry’s limitations, such as lack of access to traditional banks and restrictions on social media marketing due to federal non-legalization.
Overcoming these challenges proved to be a demanding aspect of owning Socíale. Khot acknowledged the significance of persevering through numerous rejections and focused on the mantra of needing just one ‘yes.’ Despite India’s historical connection to cannabis in traditional medicine, Khot encountered resistance within her own community. However, three months post-launch, Socíale’s success, including its design, repeat customer base, and diverse consumer age groups, has impressed skeptics.
With an extensive tenure in the cannabis industry, Khot offered advice for Indian Americans aspiring to succeed in the US. She highlighted the steep learning curve upon moving to the US and stressed the necessity of creating one’s own support system. In entrepreneurship, Khot emphasized the importance of approaching mentors with specific requests, as guidance may not be as readily offered as in India. She concluded by underscoring the traits of fierce independence and a risk-taking attitude as essential for thriving in the US business landscape, expressing gratitude for having developed these attributes.
