Conversations with David Michaels

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Michaels.

Hi David, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
Honestly, it all started a few years ago with medical marijuana. I (David) learned how medical patients can grow their Cannabis for medical needs. I threw a few seeds in some soil and started learning. As Cannabis was becoming increasingly accepted, I just happened to feel there was something there, and I wanted to be a part of it. So that’s how the name came along. I tried to incorporate Cannabis and Kansas City into one name by keeping KC in the name. So I switched the C in Cannabis with a K, took off the BIS at the end, and BAM, Kanna City. So once I had the name, I had to figure out a logo and my vision. I got a logo made but was still figuring out what I would do to push and impact this brand name I’m creating into something big. So as I’m learning to grow Cannabis and find a way into the legal market, I’m learning more and more that it will be difficult. I tried to get a job at medical dispensaries or grows but seemed to be turned away because of my criminal record or employment background (I had none in agriculture or sales). It was just hard to explain to people your vision or goals towards a company when all they see first is a criminal record and not the person for who they are. So in my eyes, I had to find another way to learn about how the cannabis industry works. Most of my knowledge of the cannabis industry comes from being self-taught or asking questions. My passion then was to get into a growth facility, thrive with the company, and learn it all. Now it’s to be a company or business related to Cannabis and helping my community. Still, to this day, I feel Cannabis is frowned upon though it’s making an impact. I’ve watched this plant help people with real medical problems from cancer to arthritis put pills down and pick Cannabis up. This plant is a savior, so I have seen that getting into a growth facility or working for a company wasn’t happening. I sat back and thought about what else I could do to push the name—clothing, and apparel, something everyone needs. Right now, we’re working on getting the KannaCityClothing name out there, from going to do pop-ups and events to giveaways. We have had a couple of places interested in our clothing in their stores, just still working on getting our inventory to where we want it—always working on new logos and clothing ideas. Trial and error to find what people like and want to wear.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not smooth at all, but sometimes it does take hard work and dedication. From trying to balance family and kids, working full-time, networking and meeting new people, and learning things you’ve never even batted an eye at trying to learn: many sleepless nights, early mornings, and lost time with loved ones. In the end, I hope it all pays off, but if not, it’s a learning curve I’ll be able to teach my children.

Thanks for sharing that. You could tell us more about your work.
So as far as work, I work in Kansas; there not too cannabis friendly, haha. I do work a full-time job in the union. I work for Kelloggs’ at the Cheezits factory. Even getting my job at Kellogg was difficult because of my record of having a felony. I got fired for being on probation, leaving me jobless with a newborn and bills. I worked low-paying crap jobs for probably a year or more. Then when I finally got off probation, I told myself I would get my job back, and that I did. It’s hard to get a job with Kelloggs’ and stay, but I knew it would provide greatly for my family, so I kept going and got my job back after countless emails. In the end, it was my drive and dedication that got me my job back. Hopefully, I won’t have to clock in for a company and can bring generational wealth to my family because I believe cannabis can change the world.

I don’t specialize in certain things; I’m a jack of all trades and love learning. Mostly I’ve been learning about business, marketing, agriculture, and mycology. I feel mycology is up next to Cannabis. I’m most proud of just becoming who I am today. A father who’s here to take care of his children and watch them grow up. From beating a 5-year opiate addiction to providing for my family and finding my passion. Cannabis saved my life, literally. What sets me apart from others is my ambition and drive. My will to learn more and talk less. There’s definitely a light at the end of this tunnel I plan to get to, and not going to stop till I see it, honestly. Generational wealth and knowledge are what I want to leave my children.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
Ohh, there are soo many podcasts I jump through. Here are a few of my work listens.
•Motivation Daily by Motiversity
•Motivational Speeches
•Garden Talk with Mr.Grow It
•The Potcast
•From The Stash
•Million Dollars Worth Of Game
•Drink Champs

Pricing:

• $20 Tshirt
• $25 Sweatershirts
• $30 Hoodies
• $10 Hats & Beanies
• $5 Socks

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kanna_city_clothing
• Facebook: kanna city clothing co
• Other: @kannacitygrow