Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Garawi.
Hi Ali, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My entrepreneurial journey started during my college years alongside my brother, as we ventured into the import and sale of luxury consumer goods, batteries, and smoke shop accessories. However, our trajectory took a transformative turn when we recognized the burgeoning market for vape hardware, leading us to dive deeper into the realm of cannabis vape technology.
Back in 2018, ensuring the quality of vape products was a formidable challenge, but through dedication and resourcefulness, we successfully imported reliable hardware tailored for the cannabis industry. This breakthrough propelled our venture forward, with cannabis vape hardware swiftly emerging as our flagship product. Recognizing our expertise in this niche, we strategically chose to brand the hardware, now celebrated under the renowned name of Muha Meds.
Since our humble beginnings, we have experienced remarkable growth, establishing a presence in four states and broadening our product offerings across both the THC and hemp markets. Our product range includes our notorious vapes, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, and flowers, reflecting our commitment to meeting diverse consumer needs. Today, we take pride in our role as employers, with a team of over 200 individuals contributing to our shared success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our journey has certainly been far from smooth sailing. We’ve faced numerous unforeseen challenges that required quick adaptation. A particularly daunting challenge emerged with the onset of “Vapegate,” a crisis that posed a significant threat to the cannabis vape industry’s survival. We chose not to yield to adversity; rather, we seized it as an opportunity for growth. We quickly reassessed our priorities, overhauled our standard operating procedures, and became the first brand in the industry to integrate QR codes into our packaging. As the first brand to offer QR test results, we provided our customers with unparalleled assurance regarding the safety and quality of our products.
Like many in the cannabis industry, we’ve faced the challenge of navigating the constantly evolving legal landscape, transitioning from medical to recreational markets. In some cases, we were forced to lose everything and start from scratch. Each state presents its unique regulations, demanding a careful equilibrium between state and federal standards for regulated cannabis products.
As you know, we’re big fans of Muha Meds. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
At Muha Meds, we embrace vertical integration with a “go big or go home” mindset. We meticulously run every aspect of our operations in-house, from extraction to the final product on store shelves, ensuring both quality and cost-effectiveness at every stage. In addition, we also develop, build, and maintain all our product manufacturing equipment in-house, allowing us to stretch the boundaries of customization, which sets us apart from many of the Mickey Mouse brands that just plug-and-play equipment and hardware from third parties. This comprehensive approach results in premium cannabis products that maintain affordability for our valued customers.
Significant attention and resources are dedicated to our branding initiatives. We prioritize investing in our team’s growth for the collective benefit of the company. With six skilled graphic designers, three talented 3D artists, two dedicated marketing managers, and a proficient influencer manager, we stand out in the regulated cannabis market. Internally, the Muha Meds team deeply understands and resonates with our brand identity, enabling us to communicate our message effectively across our products, merchandise, events, and community.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I never particularly network for the purpose to network, rather l establish a clear objective before engaging in networking endeavors. Whether it’s related to manufacturing, marketing, or any other aspect, knowing what you aim to achieve is crucial before reaching out to potential contacts. Authenticity and integrity are highly valued traits that draw people in, so it’s important to conduct oneself with humility and respect when seeking assistance. Keep in mind that the responsibility lies with you to impress others, highlighting the importance of maintaining genuine sincerity is crucial for building meaningful connections.
Oftentimes, even if the person you’ve connected with doesn’t have the information you seek, they will almost always know someone who does. By being humble, sincere, and forthright, people are often always willing to assist while recognizing the potential for future business opportunities. However, amidst new beneficial connections and success in your own craft, there are people who see it as inexperienced blood in the water they can take advantage of, so exercise caution when engaging with others for your business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.muhameds.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muhameds/
