Missy Bradley, co-founder and chief marketing officer of Ripple, has a compelling story in the ever-evolving cannabis industry. From her roots in journalism to becoming a pioneer in cannabis-infused products, Bradley’s journey is filled with innovation, perseverance, and seizing unexpected opportunities. Ripple, a Colorado-based company, has been developing highly potent and efficacious products for nearly a decade, from its early THC-infused teas to its latest offering of live rosin-infused gummies. In this exclusive interview, Bradley shares insights on product innovation, market trends, and the importance of company culture in an unconventional industry.
Cannabis Now: Can you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur and how you got involved in the cannabis industry?
Missy Bradley: I started my career as a journalist and always dreamed of working in publishing, specifically magazines. When my family and I moved to Colorado, a childhood friend approached me about licensing a cannabis business. It started as a two-year residency requirement, but it turned into something much bigger. Now, almost 10 years later, I am working in the cannabis industry.
CN: Can you talk about the growth of Ripple and how it has evolved over the years?
MB: We started ideating in 2014 and were fully licensed in 2016. Initially, we targeted the micro-dose, soccer mom, Whole Foods consumer. However, Colorado is more of a full 10-milligram dose, recreational high market. While functional users are mixed in, it’s challenging to build products for a small market. We still see that sort of Whole Foods functional use coming, but it’s further out than we initially thought. We believe we’ll see wider adoption once products are available in more mainstream locations.
CN: How has your team evolved over the years?
MB: We were a small team and remain relatively small. We now have 42 employees, with a solid handful from 2016. We founded this company with culture as a tentpole, focusing on making it a people-first organization.
CN: You co-founded Ripple with two friends, Justin Singer and Jeremy Goldstein. Can you speak to your experience as a woman in the industry?
MB: I’ve had a positive experience and have benefited from women’s networking events and organizations like Women Grow. Our company typically employs over 50% female employees. While the industry has seen fluctuations in gender representation, I’ve found the cannabis space to have more gender equality compared to other industries.
In conclusion, Missy Bradley’s journey in the cannabis industry is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and seizing opportunities. As co-founder and chief marketing officer of Ripple, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in cannabis product development. With a focus on company culture and a strong team, Ripple continues to thrive and make a significant impact in the industry.
