Unconventional: A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot

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When Jamie Andrea Garzot launched her first cannabis store in 2009, it wasn’t for financial reasons, as she was already employed in a well-paying corporate job. Jamie had always been attracted to the road less traveled, and the challenges of starting a new business with a product that would take several years before it was fully legalized did not deter her from her bold decision. In fact, she faced several daunting challenges and still went on to grow as an entrepreneur and a leader who increased a revenue of less than $100,000 to nearly $12 million. Unconventional: A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot is a motivational memoir that reveals key lessons about entrepreneurship from a former corporate employee who left her comfort zone to start a new cannabis business under unfriendly circumstances.

I wish individuals in charge of businesses and organizations around the world would adopt the goals Jamie had when she started her business: to provide the best retail experience and to be the best employer she could be. Both employees and customers would definitely benefit immensely from such considerate goals. This is just one of the gems Unconventional contains, as the author shares intricate information about what creating a company that rakes in millions of dollars per year entailed for her. For example, Jamie shares about the time the business faced opposition from a sheriff who was against cannabis and so she invited the cops over to witness the business’ operations for themselves, which ended up resolving a tense situation.

Unconventional contains several quotable, inspirational lines, as Jamie Garzot does a great job of communicating and passing her message across. I was touched by the stories that revealed how her products impacted lives and helped people get through their darkest times. In addition to information about how the business was operated, the author also includes a moving account of the struggles in her marriage as she dealt with a suicidal husband and the issues she had with her parents.

Readers who have been hesitant about embarking on a new challenge will likely find Jamie’s story profoundly motivational because it shows the magnitude of what can be achieved by taking a step toward a goal, even when it’s accompanied by doubts and possible ridicule. That the book includes not only the attractive parts but also the author’s personal struggles reveals that even when faced with mountainous obstacles, one can still create something so beautiful that it touches lives significantly. Jamie’s vibrant and concise tone makes Unconventional such an exciting read—besides being poignant, informative, and thorough. It is the latest addition to my list of favorite memoirs!


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Author
Star Count 5/5
Format Hard
Page Count 194 pages
Publisher Girl Friday Books
Publish Date 19-Apr-2022
ISBN 9781954854291
Bookshop.org Buy this Book
Issue December 2021
Category Biographies & Memoirs
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