Today we’d like to introduce you to Ishqa Hillman.
Hi Ishqa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t expect to go into cannabis. I spent nearly 20 years building other people’s businesses in the corporate world, but I always knew I’d have to face the trauma from my past—abuse, homelessness, gangs, juvenile halls. I just didn’t know cannabis would be part of my healing—or my purpose.
At one point, I barely left my house for four years. The social anxiety from my unhealed trauma was that intense. Cannabis helped me find a little peace, and from there, I started building more peace. I left my corporate job in late 2019 to focus on helping others—mentoring businesses, speaking in juvenile halls, and unknowingly launching a new business: The Canna Boss Babes®.
The Canna Boss Babes® started as an entrepreneurial support platform for women who felt shut out of the cannabis industry’s “boy’s club.” We’re not anti-men—everyone’s a babe—but we are focused on creating inclusive, supportive spaces where people can learn, grow, and thrive.
When the pandemic hit, I pivoted fast. I launched a daily live series on Instagram and completed 804 lives in just 85 weeks—bringing on a team of diverse co-hosts from around the country. Since November 2021, I’ve continued the work solo, interviewing people in cannabis and psychedelics from around the world every Tuesday at 7:10 PM PST. I’m proud to say we’re now ranked #5 on FeedSpot’s Best Women in Cannabis Podcasts.
Beyond the podcast, I help other Canna Boss Babes grow their businesses through strategy, management, and connection. I also host signature events like Babes in the Bay, which is now officially bi-coastal through our expansion with The CannaJoint. Everything I do is about creating space for healing, visibility, and community—because I know what it’s like to feel unseen, and I’m here to change that.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—it’s been anything but smooth. Navigating an industry that’s still so new, both to the world and to me, has come with constant learning curves. On top of that, 80% of disabilities are invisible, and cannabis is still so misunderstood—even though for many of us, it’s medicine. I went from dealing with debilitating social anxiety that kept me home for years to now showing up weekly in the public eye. That kind of shift isn’t easy, but it’s been worth it.
And let’s be real—the cannabis industry is still severely stigmatized. We deal with marketing restrictions on social media that most industries never have to think about. There’s also a lot of talk about equity and justice, especially around expungements, but very little follow-through from the government. Social equity programs were supposed to help right the wrongs of the drug war, but many of the people who took a risk and invested in the licensed market are still struggling—locked out of real opportunity and fighting for a pathway to thrive.
Despite all of that, I continue because there’s nothing more powerful than helping our community find each other, support each other, and grow together. Healing is essential, and it’s not just personal—it’s collective. We need to give each other space and grace to heal, because we never truly know what someone is carrying behind closed doors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Canna Boss Babes® is more than a brand—it’s a movement. I started it to create the kind of space I needed when I entered the cannabis industry: one that centered connection, collaboration, and compassion. We support entrepreneurs, brands, and creators—especially those who’ve felt overlooked, underestimated, or left out of the “boys’ club” side of the industry.
We’re known for our community-driven approach and for being a platform that amplifies real stories. Whether it’s through The Canna Boss Babes Live or through our signature events like Babes in the Bay, we focus on creating safe, elevated spaces where people can come as they are and connect with purpose.
Our offerings include business management, event strategy, content creation support, and brand partnerships. I help other Canna Boss Babes launch, grow, and scale their businesses with heart. I also host a weekly Instagram Live show featuring voices from the cannabis and psychedelic industries worldwide, providing visibility and validation for people doing incredible work—whether or not they have a massive platform.
What sets us apart is the energy behind everything we do. We don’t just offer services—we offer support, strategy, and space to be seen. This isn’t about hype; it’s about impact. I’m most proud of the way we’ve built an inclusive, cross-industry community that creates genuine support to so many people.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s this: no matter where you come from, there’s room for you here. Your story matters. Your vision is valid. And if you’re ready to build something meaningful, I can help you grow to greatness.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a mix of fire and survival. I was bold, curious, and deeply empathetic—but I also had to stay on high alert because of the chaos and trauma around me. I learned early how to take care of myself and others. Even in the hardest times, I always had this inner drive to understand people, to connect dots, and to be useful. I was the kind of kid who paid attention to what others needed—even if they didn’t say it out loud.
One of my favorite things as a kid was the classifieds section of the newspaper. I’d give my little sister the comics, and I’d sit with the classifieds and look for things I’d overheard people needing throughout the week. I loved playing connector, even back then. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that same instinct is exactly what I do now—connecting people to the resources, community, and support they need to thrive.
I also loved magazines and vision boards, even before I had the words for it. I used to make my own “magazine pages” out of cutouts—posters full of images, words, and dreams. I didn’t know it was a vision board at the time, but now, they’re a core part of my life and brand. They show up in the background of my live show, in the events I create, and in the way I bring ideas to life. It’s been amazing to see that little five-year-old part of me, who just wanted to create and dream big, finally get to live that out. She’s never been happier.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecannabossbabes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecannabossbabes?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecannabossbabes?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishqahillman-thecannabossbabes
- Twitter: https://x.com/cannabossbabes?s=21
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VIp1dvwBaczoyNqxLssUS?si=3Bjg4wGbSG6ZgaIXIpIaoQ
Image Credits
Josue Mendoza
The Potparazzi
