1922 Community Series - Elyse Bevan (TREC Brands)

Elyse Bevan is the Ontario Territory Manager for TREC Brands (Wink, Blissed, Thumbs-Up). Her outgoing, friendly, and educated demeanor make her one of our favourite reps and an easy choice for our next Community Series Feature. Not to mention Wink is one of our new favourite brands at 1922.

Sidenote - TREC Brands has launched an unprecedented initiative to contribute 10% of profits to transformative causes that put people and the planet first. Another reason we’re happy to partner with TREC and work more with Elyse moving forward.

Why did you get into the industry?

What can I say, I love weed! My passion for this plant and my desire to make a difference in people’s lives are what led me to this incredible industry. Cannabis has not only helped me manage my own anxiety/depression, but it has also allowed me to live a more fulfilling life by keeping me off multiple pharmaceutical drugs for my Endometriosis. At the end of the day, our body was literally made to connect with this plant and I’m on a mission to help everyone find a cannabis product that works for them.

I also joined the industry to do MORE and to push others to do the same. I want to see MORE female-identifying and BIPOC representation at all levels of this industry. I want to see LP partners doing MORE and giving back to their communities, like TREC Brands who was founded on the 10% for Good mission whereby we donate 10% of our net profits back to causes that align with each one of our brands. I want to see less waste and MORE environmental solutions from packaging to displays and everything in between.

2021 is the year of MORE and I’m committed to shaking things up.

Any tips for women looking to get into the cannabis industry?

Understanding the current restrictions placed on all of us because of Covid-19, my biggest advice would be to network as best you can and leverage platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Clubhouse to connect with industry experts. If you don’t have prior cannabis experience, don’t let that deter you! This industry is filled with people from all walks of life and the opportunity to carve out a place for yourself is there; you just have to be persistent.

“2021 is the year of MORE and I’m committed to shaking things up. “

How many other females work with you on your team?

I feel really fortunate to be working for TREC Brands because I am surrounded by 7 of the most passionate, driven, and impressive women in the cannabis space; Trang, Kayla, Trina, Dianne, Maddie, Marlene, and Nithasha. Working alongside them has been one of the biggest highlights of my career as these women embody the very values that makeup TREC; Trust, Respect, Equality, and Compassion. I’ve never been more excited to go to work and join the ranks of the other female-identifying warriors in cannabis. Together, we can truly make a long and lasting impact.

Whose work do you admire in relation to women's rights and equality?

The late and Honourable Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG), hands down. She was a true champion of women’s rights and a radical thinker. Standing at a strong 5’ tall, this powerhouse of a woman blazed her way through two law schools and eventually found herself as only the second woman ever to be appointed to The Supreme Court. She didn’t let anything stand in her way and if something did, she figured out how to smash through it and get to the other side. We owe a lot to the Notorious RBG and I am confident that her legacy will be instilled in all future generations to come.

“It’s time to have those uncomfortable conversations because, without them, change cannot be made.”

Where would you like to see the legal cannabis industry in 5 years?

For me, it is imperative that we see more female-identifying, BIPOC, and LBGTQIA+ representation in legal cannabis, period. We have a chance to build one of the most inclusive industries in the world and it will be up to all of us to ensure this happens. It’s time to have those uncomfortable conversations because, without them, change cannot be made.

Similarly, I would like to see the path made easier for those to transition from the legacy space into the legal market. After all, they are the true pioneers of this industry and are the reason we are all able to work in this kick-ass industry.

I’d also like to see that every Licensed Producer, cannabis retailer, and any other player in the cannabis industry is giving back to the communities that they operate in. Cannabis is a community, and we cannot forget that.

What’s your International Women’s Day message?

"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception."- RBG

To learn more about Trec Brands and their 10% For Good initiative visit their website.

Interview by: Ke-Xin Richardson -1922 Community Marketing Specialist

Elyse’s Picks

Wink - MMMosa (Tutti Frutti) | Sativa Hybrid





Wink - Wedding Cake (Girl Scout Cookies x Cherry Punch) - Indica Hybrid