Plain Jane Cannabis

Born and raised in the Peace Country, Tatum Small developed a deep connection to her community from a young age. She grew up coaching gymnastics and working at the local ski hill, both of which taught her the value of hard work, leadership, and community involvement. By 21, she took her first big entrepreneurial leap and opened her first (of four) cannabis stores. We asked Tatum to answer a few questions for us for our January Client Feature:

𝗤: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘀?
А: Plain Jane Cannabis’ journey began with a passion for retail that was nurtured over the years, but like many, I faced challenges when the pandemic disrupted the industry. As the world shifted, I recognized that cannabis stores were considered essential businesses, providing an opportunity to stay connected to the retail world I loved. This inspired me to pivot into the cannabis industry. I opened the first Plain Jane Cannabis location in Falher in May 2021, followed by Spirit River in September 2021, Beaverlodge in September 2022, and most recently, Peace River in November 2023. Each location reflects not only my dedication to providing quality cannabis products to Northern Alberta, but also my commitment to growing a business rooted in resilience and community.

Q: How did you build an empire so quickly?
The rapid expansion of Plain Jane Cannabis wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from my family, the communities we serve, and organizations like Community Futures. From the beginning, my family played an integral role, offering guidance and hands on help every step of the way. The communities, too, embraced our business with open arms, and their trust and loyalty have been key to our growth. Additionally, Community Futures provided invaluable support through funding, mentorship, and resources that helped bring our vision to life. However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the major hurdles I faced was navigating the complexities of zoning regulations. In some cases, I had to work through lengthy processes to change zoning laws in order to open the doors, which added unexpected delays and additional costs. Adding to these challenges was the 17-month process with AGLC to secure the licensing, a rigorous and time-consuming step critical to the operations. These struggles only strengthened our resolve and deepened our commitment to providing a valuable service to our communities. Each new location was made possible through perseverance, community support, and the partnerships we’ve built along the way. Our success is a testament to the power of collaboration and resilience, and I’m deeply grateful for the ongoing support that has allowed us to expand quickly while remaining true to our roots.

𝗤: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿?
A: Being an entrepreneur is incredibly fulfilling because it allows me to turn my vision into reality and create something from the ground up. I love the freedom and creativity that come with building my own business, where every decision I make has a direct impact on its growth and success. The challenges I face push me to grow, learn, and innovate, making every day an opportunity to evolve both personally and professionally.

𝗤: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻?
A: The support has been nothing short of incredible. My family has been my rock, offering unwavering encouragement, guidance, and hands-on help from the very beginning. Their belief in my vision has kept me motivated, even during the most challenging times. The communities I serve have been equally inspiring, welcoming my business with open arms and showing trust and loyalty that have been instrumental to my growth. Organizations like Community Futures have also played a pivotal role by providing funding, mentorship, and resources that have helped turn my ideas into reality. Their support has not only eased some of the burdens of starting and expanding a business but has also been a constant reminder of how collaboration and community can empower success. Overall, the support I’ve received has been a cornerstone of my journey, and I am truly grateful for every person and organization that has contributed to my growth