Women to Watch: Ashley Cook

Ashley Cook is the owner and creator of Itsa BoBo, cause you can’t say bong!

Itsa BoBo is a different kind of bong. Stylish, cute, and classy. Itsa BoBo is glass covered in art and sealed with epoxy. 

“Nothing else is a BoBo. Each BoBo is a one-of-a-kind piece of art hand-crafted by me and signed itsaBoBo.”

Ashley grew up in Springfield, MO, graduated from Missouri State with a marketing degree, and loves cannabis, art, and smoking cannabis while making art. The legalization of marijuana in Missouri was great for her and Itsa BoBo. Legalization allowed BoBos to be sold in dispensaries and lounges around Missouri. 

How did you get into creating Bobos?

I couldn’t find a glass bong with mermaids, so I made one. When I started selling pieces I couldn’t say bong so I would say “It’s a BoBo”. ItsaBoBo sounded better than “the water pipe” and it stuck. 

Why cannabis?

I love cannabis. It’s made a difference in my life and I’ve met others who have said cannabis changed their lives for the better too. 

What is it like being a woman in your field? 

Not always easy but luckily I’ve met some amazing women along the way who have given me great advice and encouragement. 

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

   

I make cute bongs. It’s difficult to be a woman marketing something “feminine” and be taken seriously. I’m not sure a man marketing “manly” products for men who use cannabis would get the same reactions. 

What are you passionate about?

Making quality, one-of-a-kind pieces of art that people can cherish for a long time. 

Where do you find inspiration in the designs that you create?

I get inspiration from a mix of places. I try to keep BoBos looking trendy and use ideas people share. 

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

Uniqueness is a superpower.

What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?

Meeting great people in the cannabis industry and having BoBos in dispensaries and smoke lounges around Missouri. 

You can find ItsaBobo products in local dispensaries such as Terrabis and Greenlight. You can also find them in local shops such as Groovy Gardens or places like The Cola Lounge, from time to time.

Check out ItsaBobo on Instagram!