Women to Watch: Ashley Goulas

Ashley Goulas proudly originates from Louisiana, born in the charming town of Morgan City before settling in Kansas City, Missouri.

Before entering the cannabis industry, her professional journey began in retail, where she gained invaluable experience in multi-unit management.

Goulas started her career at Claire’s when she was just 19, and spent a decade honing skills within the company. 

While Goulas built her skill set in retail, her curiosity and love of knowledge both enhance and extend beyond her career.

“I am part of a unique duo—I have a twin who is the proud founder of a school in Tanzania. I’m deeply passionate about education and proud to serve as the President of the Board for my sister’s school, where we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young learners. I am also on the Advisory Board for the Women in Leadership Certificate program at Missouri State University. This blend of professional experience and personal values drives me to make a positive difference in my endeavors and philanthropic pursuits.”

“My greatest professional accomplishment is my educational journey, I pursued and earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Global Business, which has been instrumental in shaping my career path,” she continued. “I began my college journey in my mid-20s while working full-time at Claire’s. Balancing work responsibilities with academic pursuits was challenging, but it taught me invaluable lessons in time management, perseverance, and determination.

“Completing both my undergraduate and master’s degrees while actively working has not only expanded my knowledge base but also equipped me with a diverse set of skills that I continue to leverage in my professional endeavors. This educational journey is a testament to my dedication, resilience, and commitment to personal and professional growth.”

Now, Goulas who has been a successful mainstay in the cannabis industry in Missouri, has found a home.

Working in Business Development for Curio Wellness, she joined the renowned brand as it entered the Missouri market in September 2023.

“It’s a privilege to be one of the first Curio Wellness employees in Missouri and to help launch the brand in the state. It is very rewarding to be part of a company that empowers employees, particularly as a woman. Curio’s staff is 46% female, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusivity,” she said.

Curio Wellness is a cannabis company known for its dedication to science-backed innovation and providing a pharmaceutical approach to cannabis wellness products.

Curio recently launched its award-winning chews, vapes, topicals, and high-quality flower for consumers and patients across Missouri.

“One aspect that sets Curio apart is the genuine appreciation for employee input. I feel heard and respected, knowing that my feedback carries weight within the organization. My background in retail has seamlessly integrated into my role here. It’s inspiring to work alongside colleagues with diverse backgrounds, where everyone’s unique experiences contribute to our collective success.

“Curio Wellness is cultivating a better way of life. As a trusted healthcare partner providing safe, reliable, and effective products, they seek to continually elevate the healthcare conversation through education and patient experiences that are truly transformative. Whether for Missouri patients, partners, or employees, we seek to inspire and affect innovative healthcare solutions,” Goulas told Greenway.

    

How did you get into cannabis?

I wanted to join the cannabis industry because I have a deep-rooted passion for its remarkable health benefits. I know firsthand the effect that cannabis has had on my father. Dealing with neuropathy in his feet, he found relief through THC topicals, enabling him to reduce his reliance on three prescription medications. I have always been attuned to the medicinal effects of cannabis, and drawing from my retail background, I recognized a unique opportunity to translate my skills into a new realm.

What does it mean for your Curio now that cannabis is legal in Missouri?

The legalization of cannabis in Missouri presents a significant milestone for Curio Wellness. It opens avenues for expanded access to our wellness products, allowing us to reach more individuals needing safe, effective, and cannabis-based remedies. With this new legal landscape, we can broaden our reach and continue our mission of presenting consumers with top-quality, reliable cannabis to improve quality of life. Additionally, the legalization presents opportunities for growth and innovation within the industry. We’re excited to explore new partnerships, expand our product offerings, and further contribute to the well-being of our community. As regulations evolve and the market matures, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

What, if any, challenges have you faced that you feel men in the industry don’t generally deal with?

Unfortunately, it’s a given that in any professional industry, women are bound to face biases that men do not. In male-dominated spaces, women often have to work harder to gain recognition and respect for their contributions.

However, being that cannabis is still a new and growing industry, there’s a lot more opportunity to get in on the ground floor and grow, regardless of your gender. I’ve found that I feel like I’m on even footing with my male counterparts as we all work to normalize a plant that provides beneficial and essential care to patients around the state.

What motivates you?

What motivates me most is my father’s unwavering dedication and selflessness. He’s not just my dad; he’s a three-time war veteran who served his country with valor. From being drafted during the Vietnam War to his deployments in Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, he’s exemplified sacrifice and resilience.

When my father was away at war during my Junior year of high school, his influence resonated deeply. His mantra of working hard and doing what needs to be done, even in challenging circumstances, has been a guiding light for me.

Above all, my father’s relentless commitment to putting others before himself inspires me daily. His sacrifices and devotion instilled in me a drive to make the most of every opportunity and to always strive to make a positive impact on the world around me.

What advice or encouragement would you give to other women in the cannabis industry?

To my fellow women in the cannabis industry, my advice is simple yet powerful: Be yourself.

Embrace your unique strengths, talents, and perspectives, and let them shine through in everything you do. In a rapidly evolving and diverse industry like cannabis, authenticity is key to success.