We find out what’s new and going on with our inaugural V-Giving Grant winner
V-Giving Team:
Hi Miko, we are so glad to have a moment to chat with you, it has now been about 6 months since you won the V-Giving grant and we wanted to check in and see how things are progressing with Resziin Farms.
Miko:
Hi, yes, So we are currently in the process of laying the foundation, we broke ground a little while back, so that we could get the grading done. Urban City Flowers is our cultivation site, we are meeting with contractors to get that operation moving as well. Our goal for that is to be operating by October or November.
V-Giving Team:
When you speak of Resziin farms as a whole, what exactly is this entity as it currently exists?
Miko:
This is the shared facility, I always looked at resin farms as a shared space to create opportunity for other social equities, I never thought of it as an actual product but I am now thinking about branding more.
V-Giving Team:
Essentially you are the brand, you have become the face of Resziin farms, is that something you expected and are interested in developing?
Miko:
Yes I’m excited about it, I really just wanted to create a space for others but I would be cool with a brand. From an investment standpoint, I get it, and a brand would make sense. I have been approached with people saying, “do you have a brand?” and my answer currently is no, but it sounds like I need to be branded, so I’m starting to think about which direction that could go. I really haven’t even considered specific branding until recently, but we are going through the trademarking process, I know this is a long process, I would love to connect and bring Resziin farms to the forefront of the industry. A lot of these processes take forever but some good news is that the city social equity program out here may end up paying for some of the build out cost, which is super helpful. Then I’ll be able to focus on branding.
V-Giving Team:
Are you obtaining more Licenses?
Miko:
We have most of our licensing secured. We received the conditional use permit for Rezsiin farms. We are approved for everything except a couple things which we will be able to obtain when we move into the building, allowing us to complete and operate in this building which is great.
V-Giving Team:
How is it operating in the Bay Area?
Miko:
You know, Sacramento is going through a lot of political changes. They are trying to shut down a lot of operations and districts. They are going through the process of restructuring it and, it’s continued to be a fight. For new people to start businesses, you’re looking at 2-3 years out. I have become a success story, but I also want to set an example for others. The people starting businesses after me are now facing more challenges which goes against the whole point of having people from the black market come to the forefront in a legal cannabis space. It’s hurting businesses.
V-Giving Team:
What advice would you give another grant winner?
Miko:
Keep moving forward. But first and foremost you need to have a budget. With the $10,000 that I was blessed with from Vertical, it went to architectural fees, and helping us move along in that process. So having a clear budget is super important. Make sure the money is going towards the actual dream of entering the cannabis space. There are so many individuals out there that can use this money to have their dreams built too. Collaborations and partnerships are everything! The connections and collaborations are helpful because we don’t need to reinvent the wheel, if somebody has knowledge about something you don’t know, then take the advice, take the help when you can get it.
V-Giving Team:
What insights did you take away from your Needles Campus tour?
Miko:
When I visited Needles, I actually was able to have a good chat with Robert Scott because we needed help with things as simple as the HVAC system in our building. He also knows a lot about cultivation, which was helpful too.
V-Giving Team:
Are there any other aspects of the business you are looking to work on? Keep in mind we are a vertically integrated company.
Miko:
I’m really just trying to focus on getting everything built out. I’m moving along trying to figure things out but I’m glad to have your support. I will definitely reach out moving forward. We will be operating as a vertically integrated company as well, so I’d love to talk to Todd (Kaplan) and pick his brain about a few things.
V-Giving Team:
Well, Miko, it was so nice catching up with you. Don’t be shy we are always here to help!
Miko:
I appreciate you guys so much, because again, this process is not easy, but to know you have support and to have you guys assist us through it is amazing. I’m always thinking about you guys, and I’ll continue to reach out.
