Expectation Management
Who TF Is ZaZa Media Co?
When people think of a media company, they often picture a newsroom full of writers, photographers, producers, and editors.
ZaZa Media Co doesn't look like that.
At least, not yet.
Right now, ZaZa Media Co is me—Angelina Smith, better known online as She ZaZa.
I'm the founder, writer, photographer, videographer, editor, producer, social media manager, podcast host, researcher, and, more often than I'd like to admit, the IT department.
Like many startups, I'm building this company one project at a time.
Why I Started
I didn't start ZaZa Media Co because I wanted to become an influencer.
I started it because I couldn't stop asking questions.
How do patients navigate medical cannabis?
Why do laws vary so dramatically from state to state?
Who are the people building this industry?
What stories aren't being told?
The more I learned, the more I realized there was room for media that felt curious, approachable, and grounded in real experiences.
That's the kind of company I wanted to build.
My Perspective
I write from the perspective of an Arkansas medical marijuana patient.
That experience shapes how I see the cannabis industry.
Living in a medical-only state means navigating regulations, limited access, changing policies, and a market that continues to evolve. Those experiences don't represent everyone, but they are an important part of the broader cannabis conversation.
My goal isn't to speak for the entire industry.
It's to contribute an honest perspective while creating space for others to share theirs.
What You Can Expect
ZaZa Media Co is built around conversations and storytelling.
You'll find:
Industry commentary that adds context beyond the headlines.
Interviews with entrepreneurs, advocates, patients, and professionals.
Event coverage focused on the people and ideas shaping cannabis.
Educational content that makes complex topics easier to understand.
Podcast conversations that explore the industry's opportunities and challenges.
Consumer stories that reflect how cannabis fits into everyday life.
Some stories will be serious.
Some will be celebratory.
Some will ask difficult questions.
All of them will be guided by curiosity and a commitment to learning.
Building in Public
One of the things you'll notice is that I'm building this company in public.
I'm sharing the wins, the setbacks, the lessons, and the pivots along the way.
You won't just see polished success stories.
You'll see the process of growing a startup media company from the ground up.
I hope that transparency encourages other creators and founders who are building something of their own.
Looking Ahead
Today, ZaZa Media Co is a company of one.
Tomorrow, I hope it becomes a platform that brings together contributors, collaborators, industry experts, and community voices from across the cannabis landscape.
The name on the website may stay the same, but the stories will grow far beyond my own.
Thank you for being here at the beginning. If this resonates with you, subscribe to the newsletter for future articles, podcast episodes, and cannabis industry commentary.
