Maggie Connors

founder & ceo of besito | @maggiefishh | Los Angeles, CA

WHY TFP LOVES BESITO:Besito makes safe, sleek cannabis vaporizers. Besito's brilliant, signature aesthetic is the brainchild of a diverse team led by female founder Maggie Connors, a Stanford graduate with proud Cuban roots. Known for an unshakable commitment to justice reform + social good, Besito brings color, culture and inclusivity to the Los Angeles community.

Everyone has a folk healer in the family—the grandma with the onion chest rub, the uncle with the hot toddies. Have you picked up any healing traditions from your bloodline?

My Cuban heritage picked up some traditions from Santeria: cotton ball on the head to cure hiccups, gargling salt water for a sore throat, honey for hoarseness, alcohol in ears to dry them out after swimming, and butter on burns. I don't practice any of these anymore!

SEE RELATED: HEALER LIZZY JEFF

The digital life is a vibe killer in large doses. What do you do to disconnect?

Absolutely--I finally feel like I took control of my phone this year after it being boss for years. I turned off all notifications and therefore only pull updates with intention and in the right mindset. I put time limits on all social media, and never post live. And when I know things are under control (relatively...), I put my phone away for the night or large time blocks on the weekends. Best of all: my husband and I go camping often where we don't have service and really immerse in nature.

What first step do you recommend to newbies who are just starting out on their wellness journeys?

Follow your own path and don't fall blindly into any "wellness" dogma. I'm at my best when I take what works for me from many different sources, programs, recommendations etc, but also listen to gut when many of these go just a touch extreme which doesn't work for me. Listen closely to your own body and heart, since ultimately you're the only one who decides what fuels your personal wellness. Also, I'm always practicing radical self-acceptance and reject programs that are constantly telling me I need to *improve* in some way. Sure we all can grow, but I'm also aware when capitalism is what's driving relentless self-correction, which is not a good way to live in the moment.

If you were stuck on a desert island, what medicinal plant would you hope to find while scavenging?

Coconut! Can build, drink, & eat from it.

💦 bonus: our fave multi-use coconut offering

Healing is all about community, and finding the people you trust. Who are your go-to gurus?

I'm so grateful to have amassed a crew of women healers that I see often here in LA. Top of my list is my therapist, who I see weekly and has been critical for building awareness. We've also incorporated cannabis consumption to enhance presence and deeper consciousness. I also regularly see my acupuncturist, herbalist, MD, yoga/barre instructors, and my business coach. Lastly, I respect my closest friends so deeply that they have also become gurus in my life.

Out of all the lessons you've learned, what's the number one piece of business advice you would give anyone starting out?

The main thing I've learned is that it's all about grit. There will always be reasons it's difficult, otherwise everyone would have already done it. But the difference is that you keep going, keep finding solutions, keep making it happen. And if you can develop some patience and self-compassion along the journey it's quite helpful.

What's your favorite TFP product? How does it heal you or enhance your life?

I love Foria! The lubes are fun and I've found the hemp suppositories to be critical for the first day of my period which always brings awful cramps. They are another local brand committed to the highest quality ingredients and sustainability.

WHAT’S THE TEA WITH CBD?

Music as medicine, what's your current or forever go-to album?

My DJ friend Alicia sent me Caroline Rose recently, and I can't stop playing "Feel The Way I Want." Watch the video, hear the beat and you'll feel empowered and be dancing with your morning coffee in no time.

*DEALERS* CHOICE: Are there any projects you're working on, fun factoids about you or PSAs you'd like to share with our community?

I've been growing cannabis in my garage for about a year. I've learned a ton about farming cannabis, but also developed a new relationship and respect for my favorite plant. Not only is it magical to see her go from seed to flower, but I've also lived through everything that can go wrong so have a new understanding of protecting the grow process.

We think about everything in terms of plants. What's your spirit flower?

I seriously go crazy over a huge, wild bougainvillea. I love the bright colors, watching them climb up buildings or cascade off ledges. The humility of small flowers paired with the bright colors and free-spirited nature is powerful.

REASONS TO SUPPORT WOMEN-LED BUSINESSES

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