Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Balluch.
Hi Abby, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Growing up, I always had a love for scrapbooking and taking photos… even asking my mom for a disposable camera every time I saw one or a new digital every Christmas. When my first daughter was born in 2017, she inspired me, and I started taking my dream of photography seriously. I started doing jobs shortly after for other people in my area of Trumbull County, OH, and Mercer County, PA and even started getting Brand rep deals and partnerships on Instagram for clothing companies, house products, accessories, and more. The fun continued, and I started working at a cannabis grow in 2018; many people knew, but nobody truly KNEW where I stood on the plant. It took me a while to become comfortable with the fact that cannabis is what truly helped me. You see, I grew up in a canna-friendly home but was never truly EDUCATED on it. I had mixed emotions. Since, I learned a lot and truly saw first-hand working in the industry what this plant does to help people… of all ages. Not to just get high, but to medicate. It took time, but in 2020 I decided to publicly come out about being a mother that consumed cannabis. Many people couldn’t believe it, and a lot of people had questions. I once was a person who didn’t believe in this plant… but it helped me to understand now how someone else may think. They just simply DON’T know… and that’s when I used my voice to spread awareness and advocate for cannabis. For the people that don’t know. For the mom who spent all day playing and taking care of her kids that wants to unwind at the end of the night with a joint. For the parents that would rather smoke on a Friday night after putting their kids to bed than to go out and drink the bar. For the people not wanting to feel shame in using cannabis for their aches and pains. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – I just hope our future generations don’t have to worry about being judged, or even worse just because of a PLANT. That’s why we continue to do what we do.
In 2020, my significant other Marquies (aka Canna Dad) and I started our business, Canna Brand. We put his passion for growing cannabis (for the state of OH) and my love for photography together. We created a company to spread awareness and help normalize cannabis in new ways. We are the first canna-friendly photography company in our home states of OH & PA. We cater to the cannabis industry with content creation and special projects.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Canna Brand is like another child to me & Canna Dad! We put blood, sweat, and tears into what it is today. Building a business from the ground up isn’t easy, but I’m glad I have an amazing partner to be in this with.
As you know, we’re big fans of Canna Brand. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
What is Canna Brand?
We are more than just a brand—- WE’RE A MOVEMENT.
CannaMom and CannaDad started this business to help educate people on cannabis regulations and uses, as well as being parents trying to help end stigmas and normalize plant medicine in the best ways we know how.
In doing so, we combined the two things we love together. When we first met, CannaDad hated his photos being taken… until he met me, CannaMom, and I made him feel comfortable in front of a camera as well as wanting to capture all our memories together. I was never a true cannabis advocate until I met CannaDad; he showed me all the benefits and would even give me little lessons on the topic. Ever since we met, he showed me the benefits and good sides to the plant. Do what you love, and you’ll love what you do… seven years later, we both brought what we loved together, photos and cannabis and now share those bonds with each other.
Canna Brand is a company that specializes in drone footage and photography, as well as selling apparel to help spread awareness of our brand and the benefits of marijuana through our social platforms. #normalizeit We are one of the few cannabis-friendly photography companies on the East Coast and the first in our state.
We’re looking to work with different cannabis companies, such as hemp and marijuana grow/ processors, as well as dispensaries as two people who have worked in this industry, we know this is an environment we know and love.
Our goal is to be a part in normalizing this plant and help end stigmas for all who enjoy it.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
A lot of people from my past probably know me as being “anti-weed.” I’m a great example of how the future could be and how by simply educating someone can change a viewpoint on cannabis. When I publicly came out about where I stood on cannabis, I got a lot of surprising responses. Now I help other people understand that cannabis is just a plant, and for a lot of people it helps if you use it in the right ways.
Pricing:
- Family Sessions- $115-200
- Couples/ Engagement- $115-200
- Grow/ Dispensary- Request a Quote
- Content- Request Media Kit
- Events- Starting at $200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cannabrand.shop
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/abigailsydni
Image Credits
Canna Brand Photo
