Episode Summary

In this captivating episode, I sit down with Kirsten Velasco to explore the intersection of invention, innovation, and cannabis industry challenges. Kirsten shares her journey of designing practical yet promotional accessories, VapenProp and Grip & Clip, that not only safeguard cannabis devices but also amplify brand presence in an industry restricted by conventional marketing methods. Expect candid insights around the cost dynamics of patenting, staying agile with product pivots, and why accessibility and emotional messaging are critical in the cannabis space. This is a conversation filled with inspiration, pragmatism, and real-world takeaways for entrepreneurs navigating niche markets.

Timeline Highlights

• [00:02:00] – Origins of Innovation: Kirsten explains how personal “necessity is the mother of invention” and how real-world problems drive her ideas.
• [00:06:30] – Patent Process Realities: She contrasts high-priced attorneys in big cities versus cost-effective suburban options, and the pragmatic advantage of being “patent‑pending” rather than fully protected.
• [00:12:15] – ROI of Patents: Discussion about how patents become strategic assets for funding, exits, licensing—even acting as deterrents instead of litigation tools.
• [00:18:45] – Cannabis Industry Dynamics: Kirsten reflects on how limited marketing channels in cannabis spur creative solutions and how ancillary products like hers offer lower-risk, more scalable opportunities.
• [00:23:00] – Positioning Products for Use & Branding: The evolution of the puzzle-piece VapenProp and Grip & Clip demonstrates usability, customizability, and manufacturing decisions anchored in user context.
• [00:30:20] – Leveraging Accessories as Brand Tools: Why physical, usable items hold more emotional and strategic weight than typical swag—especially when traditional advertising is off the table for cannabis brands.
• [00:36:10] – Educating & Advocating: Kirsten recounts her grassroots work in dispensaries, her background in public speaking (Toastmasters), and how empathy shapes her approach to cannabis consumers.
• [00:41:30] – Staying Grounded Across Roles: She reflects on navigating the contrasts between innovation, advocacy, marketing, and surviving C-suite volatility in the cannabis industry.
• [00:47:20] – Final Advice: Emphasis on building real-world networks (“your net worth is your net work”) and designing products that are intuitively understood in a few seconds.
• [00:50:00] – Where to Find Kirsten: Guests can connect via [email protected] or explore her whimsical design offerings—and place orders—at vapenprop.com.

Links & Resources

• Kirsten Velasco LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenvelascocannabisadvocate/ 
• Kirsten Velasco Website: https://vapenprop.com/ 
• Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com
• Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

Thanks for listening to this inspirational and insight-rich chat with Kirsten Velasco. If you're passionate about innovation, patents, or making an impact in unconventional industries, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. If you enjoyed it, please rate, follow, share, and leave a review, it helps us bring more great conversations your way!