Sensi Magazine - Nevada - October 2020 by Sensi Magazine

FUEL TO THE HIRE Break into a canna-career

N E VA DA OCTOBER 2020

VEGANS, BABY! Pioneers like Diana Edelman bring the lifestyle to the Strip

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FEATURES

30 36

Breaking In

How to get hired in cannabis at a time like this

Vegans for Vegas

The plant-based lifestyle grows strong in southern Nevada.

DEPARTMENTS

9 EDITOR’S NOTE 18 THE LIFE Contributing to your health and happiness 12 THE BUZZ CBD BEAUTY Is it more News, tips, and tidbits

than skin-deep? to keep you in the loop ARTS IN MEDICINE Cure 4 VIRTUAL TOUR Visit the the Kids’ new program Neon Museum from home. HOROSCOPE What the WEDDING PLAN B Cactus stars hold for you Collective Weddings COCKTAILS Two tastes helps couples say “I Do” from Vegas Baby Vodka from a distance. NEW PRODUCT Introducing Cookie Punch FlowTHE SCENE er from The+Source Hot happenings and hip DEFY REALITY Local pho- hangouts around town tographer captures the HEMP HEMP HOORAY absurdity of beauty. Fashion companies ON THE COVER MOVE OVER, TIKTOK New redefine hemp wear. Diana Edelman, founder of Vegans, Baby social video app launches TASTY Egg Sammie COURTESY DIANA EDELMAN LIFE-PROOF Protect your innovates a classic. EDITS BY JOSH CLARK important docs with HIGH SOCIETY Criss Angel Secure My Legacy Bags. gets kids on track.

56 THE END A new mural honoring culture hits Chinatown.

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ADVISORY BOARD

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EXECUTIVE

Ron Kolb Founder, CEO ron@sensimag.com Stephanie Wilson Co-Founder, Editor in Chief stephanie@sensimag.com Mike Mansbridge President mike@sensimag.com Fran Heitkamp Chief Operating Officer fran@sensimag.com Lou Ferris VP of Global Revenue lou@sensimag.com Chris Foltz Director of Global Reach chris@sensimag.com Jade Kolb Director of Project Management jade.kolb@sensimag.com Kristan Toth Head of People kristan.toth@sensimag.com EDITORIAL

Doug Schnitzspahn Executive Editor doug.schnitzspahn@sensimag.com Debbie Hall Managing Editor debbie.hall@sensimag.com Leland Rucker Senior Editor leland.rucker@sensimag.com Robyn Griggs Lawrence Editor at Large robyn.lawrence@sensimag.com Nikki Neu, Mona Van Joseph Contributing Writers

DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Jamie Ezra Mark Creative Director jamie@emagency.com Rheya Tanner Art Director Wendy Mak, Josh Clark Designers Neil Willis Production Director neil.willis@sensimag.com PUBLISHING

Abi Wright Publisher abi.wright@sensimag.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

Shows have closed. Festivals, conventions, and

concerts are postponed to 2021. Digital has become the new platform for many expressions of culture. Still, culture and the arts remain alive in Las Vegas, a city with over 115 years of history. Neon lights, artistic creations, uplifting music, and entertaining theater still shine in this enduring city’s cultural landscape. The Las Vegas entertainment community recently banded together and recorded an original song, “Needing Each Other,” posting the video on YouTube. The project is one of many fundraisers to assist the entertainment community. Through the nonprofit Composers Showcase LV LTD (thecomposersshowcase.com), TCS Entertainment Community Relief Fund was set up to assist out-of-work performers, musicians, and those in the arts and entertainment community who need financial assistance during this difficult time. Keith Thompson (musical director of the Las Vegas company of Jersey Boys, creator/director of The Cocktail Cabaret, and founder/ host of The Composers Showcase at The Smith Center) wrote and co-produced the project. Alan and Kathi Glist of Glist Entertainment, Inc. (producers of Menopause The Musical and The Bronx Wanderers at Harrah’s Las Vegas and Thomas John: Celebrity Psychic Medium at Caesars Palace) also co-produced the project. So many singers, musicians, artists, and performers are sharing their talent and joy. Live performances (think Hamilton) are streaming online. Bard at the Bar presented Caesar and Cleopatra on Facebook Live in August with more planned throughout the year. Vegas City Opera offers Wine Wednesday: The Quarantine 15 on Facebook Live. The Las Vegas Philharmonic has been posting videos on YouTube to keep the music and conversation going. Art still communicates, and visual imagery signifies expression. Culture captures and safeguards the past, present, and future. The face of society is expressed in creativity. Our cultural community is standing together, bringing artistic expressions to Las Vegas (and the world) and helping each out. Culture remains a living, fluid entity, and we embrace it. Thank you for reading Sensi Nevada while we explore the new world together.

The face of society is expressed in creativity. Our cultural community is standing together, bringing artistic expressions to Las Vegas (and the world) and helping each other out.

Yours in the new normal,

Debbie Hall debbie.hall@sensimag.com O C TO B E R 2020

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And we acknowledge that. We are firm believers in the idea that the first step to fixing any problem, to spur any change is to admit there is a problem to begin with. As media attention shifts away from the racial problems our society continues to face, it would be easy to sweep this under the rug, to not address it because the topic no longer trends nightly, despite the ongoing protests, despite the president inciting violence and blaming it on the opposing political party and candidate. But there is no denying there is a problem—parts of our society are broken. We see it play out on video after iPhone video, news report after social media post: People in positions of authority and power murder black men and women without repercussion. It’s a huge problem that we as a society must commit to changing. It is not going to be easy, and it is not going to be quick. But it won’t ever happen unless we take whatever steps we can now and continue to push forward, to push back, to create space and lift up the voices long silenced. We must do what we can with what we have. We at Sensi have a platform, and we intend to use it to lift up and amplify the voices of the people who have been most adversely affected by the prohibition of cannabis and the ongoing, racist War on Drugs. In Sensi’s culture and values statement, we outline the virtues we wanted to grow our company upon—humility, growth, giving spirit, fun-loving focus. It was not until this summer, after George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were murdered and the racial disparities in our so-

5-STEP COMMITMENT TO CHANGE 1. We want more team members of color, especially in leadership. While we have always been an equal opportunity employer because we know that working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds makes us a stronger company, Sensi will be adding a diversity and inclusion-focused leader to our core team as soon as financially possible as part of a formalized commitment to creating a diverse environment. 2. Following the lead put forth by industry-leading publications like Cosmopolitan, we will ensure that the visual components of our content, the creators of our content, and the voices featured in our content, across all platforms, reflect the diverse and inclusive world we want to live in. This includes not just race but also gender identity, sexual orientation, body type, and ability. 3. We will continually audit our editorial content to ensure coverage is diverse and inclusive across the board—on covers and in articles. We will make a marked effort to highlight businesses and organizations led by people of color in stories we publish across all platforms. 4. We will develop a specific style guide to inform our writing about race, racism, and racial issues, as well as appropriative language— again following Cosmo’s lead. 5. We will be holding required diversity and inclusion training for all existing and new team members, with details in development.

ciety were in the spotlight, that our blinders lifted, and we saw that what we did not say in our company’s cultural outline is perhaps more important than what is in it. Nowhere in the document do we discuss diversity or inclusion. That was a mistake, and it is one we are changing now. Diversity and Inclusion is now the eighth pillar of Sensi’s culture. The specific language that will define it is currently being developed, but the gist of it is that Sensi is the sum of its communities, and we must represent the perspectives and reflect the experiences of the people within those communities.

It’s easy to write any company’s cultural pillars off as nothing more than corporate bullshit. But at Sensi, they are more than that—they guide us as we navigate business decisions both minor and major. To not have any mention of diversity and inclusion as part of our culture is a glaring omission that does not reflect our values. We commit to do better, and we will begin by formalizing our commitment. These are not new tenets for Sensi; they are expanding on and formalizing our commitment to being stewards of the communities in which we operate—our homes. We can do better, and so we must. And we will. O C TO B E R 2020

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Virtual Time Capsule The nonprofit Neon Museum offers a 360 Virtual Tour, allowing visitors to “move” freely throughout the Neon Boneyard. Guests can explore the culture and learn about the history of Southern Nevada by exploring the glowing collection. The digital circuit highlights more than 130 hotspots around the yard enhanced by content from the museum’s archival collection. Give them a quick click to reveal written descriptions, historical photos, or short videos like a 12

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short Neon Museum Gallery Talk or documentary. For an illuminated experience, check out the Evening Glow experience, which gives guests a chance to take the tour at night when place is all lit up with the glowing signs from Vegas’ iconic past. Speaking of icons, the 82-foottall neon guitar that beckoned visitors to the Las Vegas Hard Rock Café for 27 years underwent 1,650 hours of refurbishing last year in preparation of its move to the Boneyard. Check out the 27-min-

ute documentary Strings of Neon to witness the resurrection of one of the city’s enduring landmarks. Another tour highlight: artworks from the 2019–20 exhibition of Lost Vegas: Tim Burton @ The Neon Museum. Witness the recent relamping of the Stardust letters on the virtual tour. The tour is available for $10 and allows indefinite access to the content on any device, including a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Neon Museum neonmuseum.org/virtualtour

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE NEON MUSEUM

Visitors can explore Neon Museum, including Neon Boneyard and Evening Glow digitally.

CONTRIBUTOR

Debbie Hall

BY THE NUMBERS

126 HOURS “I Do” at a Distance

FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF CACTUS COLLECTIVE WEDDINGS, COURTESY OF AMOURCBD

Cactus Collective Weddings plans elopements and micro-nuptials. The desire to exchange vows remains strong in the country’s wedding capital, despite the continued spread of COVID-19. Cactus Collective Weddings in Las Vegas offers couples an alternative to the traditional big blowout affair: elopements and micro-weddings. McKenzi Taylor, owner of Cactus Collective Weddings, defines a micro-wedding as an intimate wedding ceremony with less than 50 guests. “We’re seeing that couples are anxious to make their unions official in these uncertain times, and they don’t want to wait,” McKenzi says. Elopements and micro-weddings in the Las Vegas desert allow for social distancing, fresh air, and plenty of outdoor space. The surrounding views offer an intimate and romantic ambiance. Many couples are creating pandemic-friendly party favors, providing guests with decorative masks and mini bottles of hand sanitizer and serving pre-sliced cake, finger foods, and pre-poured champagne. McKenzi predicts these changes are here to stay for awhile: “We expect the elopement and micro-wedding trend to continue to soar through the end of 2020 and throughout most of 2021.” Cactus Collective Weddings / cactus-collective.com

The length of the Guinness World Record longest dance marathon by an individual, set by Bandana Nepal

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

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YEARS

The age of cave paintings discovered in India that demonstrate the first archeological proof of dance.

$26

BILLION I THINK THAT'S BECOMING The amount of money put aside by the Federal-Aid Highway Act for the construction of the Interstate Highway System in 1956.

THE KEY TO WHERE THE WHOLE IDEA OF ART AND CULTURE ARE GOING— NOWADAYS ANYWAY—THE IDEA OF CURATION.

—A-Trak, DJ and producer

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THE BUZZ

LOCAL BUSINESS

#VegasStrong Blood Drives The tragedy of One October and the heartfelt response of the community will remain part of the tapestry of Southern Nevada. Distill Bar and Remedy’s Tavern continue to remember and give back to the community. The business will host its third annual #VegasStrong Blood Drives from 2 to 8 p.m. at Remedy’s St. Rose on October 7 and Distill Summerlin on October 14. Distill and Remedy’s are partnering with Vitalant to host the two blood drives to make an impact during these times. Anyone donating will receive a “Pint for a Pint” voucher good for any 16-ounce beer during the month of October. Donors are advised to make a reservation and save a spot online (bloodhero.com) by searching for “yourlocalbar” on the site to book appointments at either Distill or Remedy’s. Distill and Remedy’s will also be selling a Salty Dog Press Cocktail ($10) made with Absolut Grapefruit Vodka, grapefruit juice, and a splash of soda with a salted rim. All proceeds from the sale of that drink throughout October will be donated to the Injured Police Officer’s Fund. “We are very community-driven and we have built community initiatives, sponsorships, and giving back into our business model,” says Amy Vandermark, marketing manager of Distill Bar and Remedy’s Tavern, “When the senseless acts of One October happened, our team was involved with the shows of that evening, whether as patrons or helping others. We wanted to create a fundraiser to help, and we continue to give back. We will never forget.” Distill Bar / distillbar.com Remedy’s Tavern / remedystavern.com

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PHOTO BY OBI ONYEADOR

Distill Bar and Remedy’s Tavern bring the Vegas community together.

THE BUZZ

BILITIES DANCE, BY STEPHANIE WILSON, EDITOR IN CHIEF

1 ADD TO PLAYLIST: “Overwhelmed” by Royal & the Serpent. The catchy-as-hell beat gets ya grooving while the of-the-now lyrics get ya moving. This is an anthem of the times: “All of these faces / Who don’t know what space is / And crowds are shut down / I’m overstimulated…”

2 FACE IT: Emerald CBD + Adaptogens Deep Moisture Glow Oil by Herbivore ($48; herbivorebotanicals.com). The women behind the clean skincare brand are advocates for the legalization of cannabis, and they say their goal is “to enlighten and educate on the many wonders of cannabis for everything from chronic disease and pain management to its incredible skincare benefits.” $1 from every Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil sold goes to Americans for Safe Access, an organization that supports safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. 3 DRESSING DOWN: I don’t remember the last time I wore pants with a zipper, and my platform Converse are now considered a dress shoe. Will I ever wear heels to work again? Heel no!

4 FRESHEN UP: Some might consider fresh flowers a frivolous

PHOTO BY AMANDA VICK

indulgence amid a pandemic that’s decimated my bank account, but I consider each stem an investment in self-care. Tip: Find a local wholesale florist open to the public for ridiculously low prices and an incredible selection. At Denver’s Associated Wholesale Florists (on Mississippi between Federal and Santa Fe), I picked up a few hydrangeas stems last week for $1.80 a pop.

COMPETE, AND VOTE

US-Based DanceFight, alternative to TikTok, launches on iPhone. While the future of the availability of TikTok in the US is unknown as of press time, the new platform DanceFight gets users grooving into the social video world with a game-like experience. The fresh platform, brought to the world by Virtual Arts Inc., invites users to challenge their friends to a dance off. Dancers upload short videos of themselves showing off their best moves, and the winner is crowdsourced. Users then can scroll through short fun dance videos uploaded by users, voting for their favorites. Dancers can send challenges directly to one or multiple friends, whether on or off the platform. DanceFight is also collaborating with music artists who are running dance challenges on the app. Users have access to millions of songs, including the current hot tracks, as well as timeless dance classics to create and spread the next trending challenge. DanceFight / Free on the App Store / dancefightapp.com

“No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.” — Mahatma Gandhi

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THE BUZZ

VOX POPULI

Question: What is your top online source for cultural updates and pursuits?

SARAH O’CONNELL

KEITH THOMPSON

SAM NOVAK

OLIVER JONES

ROZ KNIGHT

Nonprofit executive Las Vegas

Composer, musician Las Vegas

Writer, humanitarian Las Vegas

Actor Pahrump

Artist, teacher, executive director Las Vegas

___________________

I love local arts and culture and so I started eatmoreartvegas.com to help Southern Nevadans “Eat More Art” that’s created close to home.

BroadwayWorld.com keeps me informed about Broadway and the theater. YouTube videos of Leontyne Price and Great Performances from Lincoln Center on PBS feed my soul.

Since the pandemic, LinkedIn has broadly expanded its purpose beyond business connections to include matters of cultural significance. It’s Facebook with class.

I don’t go anywhere online to find out about cultural events because performance art is like the ruins of a long lost past right now.

My resources include art teachers groups on Facebook, my family, Clark County School District, Downtown Arts Community, National Art Education Association, and Jewish Community Center of Las Vegas.

Vital Safeguard

PHOTO COURTESY OF SECURE MY LEGACY BAGS

Secure My Legacy Bags protect important documents and valuables from the elements.

Anyone who has ever suffered flooding or a fire will probably say that replacing important documents was their first priority. There is also the loss of USB jump drives as a backup to files and valuables such as heirlooms and jewelry. During these uncertain times, Secure My Legacy Bags are waterand fire-resistant bags that protect their contents from fire, smoke, and water damage. Think about all of the essential documents you can’t lose: passports, birth certificates, social security cards, medical files, legal papers, photos (from negatives), cash, and contracts. The lightweight Secure My Legacy bags weigh five ounces, measure 11-inches-by-15-inches, and can expand to hold over 300 documents. Constructed of multiple layers of fire- and water-resistant materials, they can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees F. There are bags labeled in big letters for emergency, medical, legal, business, and real estate, as well as unlabeled bags. Secure My Legacy Bags / Bags ranging from $14.99 to $17.99 / securemylegacy.com

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CBD The Beauty of

The “it” cannabinoid is the hottest ingredient in skincare, but will it really make you hot?

PHOTO CREDITS (FROM LEFT): JACOB LUND, ADOBE STOCK / COURTESY OF SAINT JANE

TEXT STEPHANIE WILSON

The CBD beauty market is on track to reach $25 billion globally in the next 10 years—a mind-blowing figure when you consider that five years ago, most of us hadn’t even heard of CBD. I hadn’t. Then I did, and soon it was everywhere, being sold as a potential cure for everything, hawked by everyone—the gas station attendant pushing CBD gummies; the elderly neighbor talking about the CBD tincture that got him back on the pickleball court; and even the

girl from high school who stumbled into my DMs reciting practiced MLM scripts and urging everyone in her orbit to join her marketing mission, to get in on the ground level of the cannabinoid craze. I think about that girl often, especially as I click through my inbox, which received an average 11 unsolicited emails related to CBD every day of 2019, many of those pitching stories on the latest and greatest and most innovative, game-changing CBD product to hit

the (already saturated) marketplace. She’s got a whole lot of competition. And it grows by the day. The “it” cannabinoid roared onto everybody and their grandmother’s radar in 2018, and today’s infused offerings run the gamut from awesome to abhorrent. Sometimes it’s not easy to tell the difference between the two, but fret not: We’re here to help. CBD is a beautiful thing with plenty of potential in the beauty industry. Many readers have asked me about CBD beauty products,

so I put together this tutorial for you all. If you like it or if you’re new here, don’t forget to click “like” and subscribe and let me know in the comments. Appreciate you! First, the Legalities In late 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) federal law, changed the definition of “marijuana” to exclude hemp—a type of cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight. Any CBD derived from hemp is A-OK with DEA.

Saint Jane Luxury CBD Beauty Serum With 500 mg of fullspectrum CBD, plus 20 potent botanicals, this antioxidant-packed superblend promises to hydrate, calm redness, detoxify pores, and restore your natural glow. $125 / saintjanebeauty.com

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THE LIFE

D O N ’ T T RY T H I S AT H O M E

PHOTO CREDITS (FROM LEFT): JACOB LUND, ADOBE STOCK / HUMBLE FLOWER

CBD pillows exist. The science behind the maker’s claims that sleeping on one delivers any cannabinoids to your system, however, does not. Buyer beware.

Oversight of the popular cannabinoid now falls under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration, which retains authority to regulate products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds (hemp included). That said, the FDA doesn’t do much regulating of the cosmetics industry in general, only stepping in to prevent

products from maiming or killing consumers. The FDA defines cosmetics as “articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced to, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance, and articles intended for use as a component of any such articles.”

Basically, anything you’d find at Sephora. So to recap: cannabis + cosmetics = legal. But are cannabis cosmetics beneficial, or are companies just capitalizing on the hype, snake-oilsalesman-style? Ingesting cannabis is known to have benefits, but does it do anything when it’s just slathered on your skin? Does it have any beauty benefit? That’s subjective, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all. The science behind these cannabinoid-laden skincare and beauty products is definitely not full coverage. To use another makeup analogy, it’s more Alicia Keys than Ariana Grande. But you can find worthy products that fit your needs: do some research, ask friends for recommendations, and read up on the products and the companies you’re considering. And do as any Sephora VIB (Very Important Beauty, of course) would: check the customer reviews, which more often than not offer more insight about whether a product is right for you than any marketing campaign ever could. Talking Shop Most department and specialty stores have a growing number of cannabis-related prod-

ucts in their portfolio of offerings. But to find the high-end products worthy of your attention and your dollars, start with the high-end stores employing discerning buyers whose job it is to vet products before agreeing to sell them to their customers. You’ll find top-quality lines with price tags to match at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and so on. At Sephora, you’re likely to find the most robust number of cannabis-derived beauty boosters for your perusal. Sephora’s lineup includes items such as Herbivore’s Emerald CBD + adaptogens deep moisture glow oil ($58), made with full-spectrum CBD oil, plus hemp seed oil. Farmacy makes the Better Daze Ahead CBD moisturizer ($68); Kiehl’s has a cannabis sativa seed oil herbal concentrate ($50); and Milk Makeup has KUSH mascaras and lip glosses made with hemp-derived cannabis seed oil. It’s worth noting here that cannabis sativa seed oil, cannabis seed oil, and hemp seed oil are the same thing, and that thing is very different than CBD oil. You’ve likely used hemp seed oil before—it’s been around for centuries, and it’s often used as a base in-

370% The increase in online searches for “CBD beauty” after the US legalized hemp-derived CBD in 2018 SOURCE: Allure

Humble Flower Jasmine & Rose Body Lotion With 500 mg CBD, botanicals, and pure essential oils, this silky cream delivers instant hydration. $75 / humbleflower.com

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THE LIFE

Check This List Thinking of adding some CBD to your skincare routine? Look for quality products that mention these components or practices on the label: • Full- or broad-spectrum CBD, with the quantity clearly listed. Some companies are adding trace amounts to justify jacking up the prices. No official dosage recommendations exist, but if it’s more than a single serving, expect triple digits.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIMA

• Organic cultivation practices, free of pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful materials • USA-grown hemp: Imported hemp may have been exposed to chemicals banned by the US. • Third-party lab testing, with results available online

gredient. It’s inexpensive; it’s a good moisturizer; and it doesn’t clog pores (so it’s unlikely to cause breakouts).

CBD oil, on the other hand, comes not from hemp seeds, but from the plant’s stalks and stems. Because it comes

from the whole plant, it contains the same valuable vitamins, minerals, and nutrients found in hemp, as well as the cannabinoids. This magical combo is thought to be why CBD oil may calm irritated skin and combat acne. CBD has antioxidant properties more powerful than vitamins C and E. It’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and it has conditioning/lipid-producing properties that makes it a great moisturizer. Dr. Cheryl Bugailiskis, a board-certified pediatrician and cannabis specialist with HelloMD, spoke with online magazine Bustle about why our skin can potentially respond very well to CBD. Turns out, the skin has the highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors, to which cannabinoids like CBD bind upon application, working with our endo-

cannabinoid system to help the body reach a state of balance. Bugailiskis says when CBD is used for therapeutic purposes tied to the skin, it’s believed to work by impacting our skin’s cannabinoid receptors “to better regulate pain, inflammation, bacteria, lipid production (which can lead to acne), the release of histamine, as well as skincell proliferation (which causes psoriasis). While more research is needed, some studies indicate CBD could be effective in calming irritated skin and reducing redness, helping to lessen visible signs of aging, and as a potentially powerful way to combat acne.” Clearly, there’s a lot of goodness packed into one plant. And our bodies are basically designed to reap its benefits, so slather on a liberal application and reapply as needed.

Clean wellness and beauty brand Prima uses hemp-based CBD in its award-winning line, which is now available at Sephora stores nationwide. $16–$96 / prima.co

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THE LIFE ART

Healing Ability Cure 4 The Kids Foundation debuts Arts in Medicine Program.

—Diane Mifsud, Founder of the Arts in Medicine program

TEXT DEBBIE HALL

Last year, about a thousand children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening conditions were impacted by the Arts in Medicine program through Project Imagine. Since 2010, the initiative’s founder Diane Mifsud has used her artistic talents working with children who 24

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“I had lost a little friend to cancer 15 years ago, which changed my life and trajectory. After a year of grieving, I wanted to use my professional art career to enhance and influence the lives of children with cancer and other longterm illnesses.”

are receiving treatment at the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, and Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center. Project Imagine recently became a full-fledged Arts in Medicine program with the foundation. The merger benefits the arts initiative, including

the ability to strengthen and expand the program, seek additional revenue sources through Cure 4 The Kids Foundation donors, and provide the program with a permanent location. Mifsud has become director of the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation Arts in Medicine program and a member

MORE INFO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CURE 4 THE KIDS FOUNDATION

Cure 4 The Kids Foundation cure4thekids.org

of the organization’s Behavioral Health Team. “I had lost a little friend to cancer 15 years ago, which changed my life and trajectory. After a year of grieving, I wanted to use my professional art career to enhance and influence the lives of children with cancer and other long-term illnesses,” she says. “That was the birth of Project Imagine.”

Mifsud will bring her artistic interventions to patients at the clinic, including before and after medical appointments and during lengthy treatments in the clinic’s infusion suite. Cure 4 The Kids patients admitted to Summerlin Hospital’s Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit will interact with Mifsud via virtual online visits. O C TO B E R 2020

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Q: Which U.S. President Asked Congress To Decriminalize Cannabis?

A: Jimmy Carter

Within ďŹ rst six months of taking oďŹ&#x192;ce, President Jimmy Carter was candid about cannabis. During a 1977 address to Congress, he asked they abolish federal penalties for possession. If we know this much about cannabis, imagine what we know to Lift Your Business.

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THE LIFE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mona Van Joseph has been an intuitive since 2002. She is an author, columnist, and the host of Psychic View Radio. She created dicewisdom.com, which also has a smartphone app. mona.vegas

HOROSCOPE

OCTOBER HOROSCOPE What do the stars hold for you? TEXT MONA VAN JOSEPH

SEPT. 23-OCT. 22

LIBRA

Doors opening are meant for you. Accept all invitations because they are leading you to the next step in something important. It’s time to create your network.

made an incorrect assumption about someone (or something), so it’s time to do your research and get the real story. Avoid those with stinking-thinking.

this vibration by choice, and it may be time to take care of that one thing to finally free yourself.

DEC. 22-JAN. 19

Recommit to personal discipline. It could be diet, exercise, avoiding negative people, reconnecting with spirit, going on a fast, or taking a class. Pick something to do every day in October.

CAPRICORN

Communicate and release SCORPIO your perceived failures this You can’t do what you want month. Recognize that they all by yourself right now. are actually lessons in disIt’s time to allow others to guise. It’s supposed to be a help you get what you want. month of freedom for you, Open most conversations and the last tether is these with, “I need your help,” and old issues. then be grateful that they can and will. JAN. 20-FEB. 18 OCT. 23-NOV. 21

AQUARIUS

A long-standing situation SAGITTARIUS gets addressed this month. Give people the benefit of You are tired of feeling the doubt this month. You’ve trapped or limited. You’re in NOV. 22-DEC. 21

FEB. 19-MAR. 20

PISCES

MAR. 21-APR. 19

ARIES

Be totally committed to your work. Whether that is to find a job or rededicate to a current one, this month is all about you being “all in.” You are the king or queen of cooperation this month.

APR. 20-MAY 20

TAURUS

LIBRA, ACCEPT ALL INVITATIONS BECAUSE THEY ARE LEADING YOU TO THE NEXT STEP IN SOMETHING IMPORTANT. IT’S TIME TO CREATE YOUR NETWORK.

Stay in control of your emotions because it’s time to reevaluate your relationships in an almost businesslike way. It may be time to cut your losses and let go of what’s not working. MAY 21-JUNE 20

GEMINI

the people who don’t. Your connection with spirit will be stronger than ever and will send you signs to guide you. JULY 23-AUG. 22

LEO

You are magic this month because spirit is guiding you toward the life you’ve always wanted. Look at every single human as though they are conspiring for you to be happy and successful.

All the crap you’ve been going through in 2020 will make a great screenplay. But that will shift if you pre- AUG. 23-SEPT. 22 pare in October for forward VIRGO movement in November. This will be your luckiest month of the year. While JUNE 21-JULY 22 that doesn’t necessarily CANCER mean you’ll win Megabucks, More than ever, you’re discov- it does mean your hard work ering your priorities, the peo- is about to yield some pretty ple who align with you, and amazing results. O C TO B E R 2020

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THE LIFE DRINK

Spicy or Sweet

Vegas Baby Vodka embraces the taste of the city. TEXT DEBBIE HALL

Whether it’s for a romantic dinner or a refreshing poolside beverage, Vegas Baby Vodka captures the spirit of the city with its delicious taste. Vegas locals Jennifer Higgins and Megan Wilkes founded Vegas Baby Spirits in 2019, turning their love of cosmopolitan cocktails into a brand available in nearly 100 locations throughout Las Vegas including Lee’s Discount Liquor.

The Vegas Baby Vodka Pineapple Jalapeño Cocktail Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS

2½ ounces Vegas Baby Vodka 2½ ounces Pineapple juice 1 teaspoon jalapeño juice Juice from half of a lime Soda water Pineapple chunks Jalapeño slice

pineapple chunks in glass and garnish with a jalapeño slice.

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine vodka and fruit juices and shake with crushed ice. Strain into rocks glass and top with soda water. Float

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF VEGAS BABY VODKA

SEE WHAT Vegas Baby Spritz Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1 ounce Vegas Baby Vodka • Combine all ingredients except orange and 6 ounces Berry Sparkling strawberry in a chilled Lemonade cocktail shaker filled with 1½ ounce Aperol crushed ice. Strain into a ½ ounce Lemon Juice white wine glass. Garnish with an orange wheel and Orange wheel a slice of strawberry. Strawberry slice

CBD CAN DO FOR YOU.

702.857.7474 THISSTUFFISGOODFORYOU.COM LOGOS ARE A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OWNED BY THE NEXTL3VEL SERVICES GROUP LLC. 2018THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.*NOT ACTUAL PRODUCTS SHOWN

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So, you want to get a job in the cannabis industry? Better sharpen your digital networking skills. The competition is fierce. TEXT ROBYN GRIGGS LAWRENCE

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JOSH CLARK / ORIGINAL IMAGES VIA ADOBE STOCK

Exploration 01:10 4/19/2020

Discovery 18:20 4/19/2020

OVID-19 has turned the cannabis job market on its head. Before the pandemic hit, employers were struggling to find and retain talent in the lightning-hot cannabis industry, which boasted one of the country’s fastest-growing job markets, with a job-creation rate of 110 percent from 2017 to 2020 and a median annual salary of $58,511 (11 percent higher than the national average), according to Forbes. Cannabis companies competed mightily for quality workers amid record low unemployment. In Canada, the shortage was so dire that companies were importing workers from the US (those were the days, eh?). Then in March, it all came to a screeching halt. “For the first time in five years, we had zero job openings for a week,” says James Yagielo, CEO of HempStaff, which does hemp and cannabis recruiting and dispensary training. For a moment, no one knew what would happen. Denver experienced the shortest prohibition in history when Mayor Michael Hancock closed dispensaries and stores, then opened them a few hours later after dangerous crowds swarmed, looking to stockpile reserves. Unlike the travel and hospitality industries, cannabis bounced back in an extreme-V recovery as soon as it was deemed an essential business in most states where it’s legal. Sales have soared throughout the lockdown and beyond, and New Frontier Data predicts they could reach $13.1 billion by 2025. By the end of April, Yagielo says, job listings were back up to about half of what they were pre-pandemic. After the Fourth of

July weekend, when people began to realize their federal unemployment benefits were about to run out, far more resumes than job listings began flooding in. Recruiters say a lot of resumes are coming from people who have been ousted from jobs in other industries, people who might have considered cannabis too risky or controversial before but couldn’t help but notice that dispensaries and cannabis stores remained open—and quite busy—while the rest of the world shut down. Being deemed essential did a lot for the industry’s reputation. “What COVID-19 has done, really, is address the stigma around cannabis on the broadest scale,” says Brian Sekandi, founder of Careers Cannabis, a smart-search platform that connects talent with companies in the global cannabis industry. “Everybody was confronted with the fact that cannabis is an essential business

across North America, and that really confronts the idea that cannabis is bad. It’s no longer this nasty underground industry.” “When it was deemed an essential business, that was a big mindshift for a lot of people,” says Kyle Arfsten, client relation director for Kforce (kforce.com), which builds and manages technology, finance, and accounting teams for top employers, including cannabis companies, nationwide. “People who typically wouldn’t attempt to get into the industry are now open to the idea.”

TOP JOBS The highest-paying jobs in the cannabis industry are consultant (unlimited), COO and CFO ($125,000+), extraction technician ($75,000 to $125,000), grow master ($80,000 to $100,000), and edibles chef ($40,000+), according to Investopedia.

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All that means “a lot of people are trying to transition into the industry right now,” says JR Hindman, founder of Marijuana Resumes, which has been providing job seekers with resumes and cover letters coded for the industry since 2016. “They’re unemployed, sitting at home, and thinking, ‘what is my next move? Why not switch gears and pursue a career I never thought possible?’ These are weird times, so why not get weird with it?”

LEAN OPERATIONS Industry recruiting platform Vangst surveyed 39 US companies about their hiring intentions this year and found that 36% reduced headcount while another 33% used temporary employee furloughs in response to the pandemic. SOURCE: 420 Intel

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QUANTITY DRIVING QUALITY In July, HempStaff advertised a customer service job in Los Angeles. More than 1,600 people applied. “Companies are running into the issue where they have an abundance of people applying for jobs, and they have to sort through them,” says Arfsten. “There is definitely an increase in the talent pool—like the old saying goes, quantity drives quality.” In addition to all the newcomers from shuttered restaurants and retail hubs, the cannabis industry was already accumulating a stable of experienced workers laid off as the young industry went through some necessary reality checks in the months leading up to Covid. After being out of work for upwards of six months, Yagielo says, these professionals are willing to take a pay cut if it means steady employment. He has seen master growers’ salaries drop from upwards of $100,000 to $80,000. “I used to tell people it would take six to eight months to break into the industry,” Yagielo says. “Now, who knows how long it’s going to be. We’re seeing people with industry experience take six to eight months to find a job.”

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“EVEN THOUGH THERE’S TONS OF OPPORTUNITY IN CANNABIS, IT HASN’T BECOME EASIER TO GET IN.” —Brian Sekandi, cofounder of Careers Cannabis

LOW AND SLOW Wildly uncertain economic times certainly aren’t helping job seekers right now, as a lot of companies take a more conservative approach and slow down on hiring until they have a better sense of what the future holds. “Unfortunately for individuals in this market, even though there’s tons of opportunity in cannabis, it hasn’t become easi-

er to get in,” says Sekandi. On top of all the barriers to entry, the type of jobs available and how much they pay have both been diminished since the pandemic hit, Yagielo says. Budtending jobs, which pay between $12.50 and $18 an hour, are the most abundant and available. Budtending has been the most common way of breaking into the industry since the be-

ginning, but budtenders are more in demand than ever as cannabis retailers open their storefronts back up while maintaining curbside pickup and delivery (which became way too popular during lockdown to let go). Reviews of budtending as a career starter are decidedly mixed. It is, after all, a retail job. You have to be able to deal with the public and, sometimes, managers with dubious if not nefarious leadership skills. You may have to throw out a few people who refuse to wear masks in your store, but you’ll also get to be an ambassador for people who have never experienced cannabis before. “The pay is shit, but the perks are great,” is how one Redditor recently summed it up. “I love getting

free samples all the time. Brands and growers are always kissing our asses with free stuff, and that makes the lousy pay worth it.”

“The folks who stand out in this environment are the ones who do a little bit extra, put in a little more effort,” says Sekandi. “Put yourself out there. Be willing to EXPERT ADVICE learn and listen. Engage without Standard advice for job seekers getting something in return. The in any industry is to get out and key is to get on people’s radars.” network, but as Hindman points Sekandi says his own network out, “it’s not like you can go out has exploded now that he is no and shake hands and kiss babies longer limited by physical boundthese days.” aries. He’s constantly online taking In this age of social distancing, classes and participating in Tech Hindman says, networking has Stars programs and conferences, shifted to LinkedIn and social mewhere he finds ample opportunity dia—so you better get savvy there. to meet and connect directly with Taking an online training or cerparticipants and speakers. tification is another way to meet “In chaos, the world becomes people (while also beefing up your flat,” he says. “I now have access resume), he adds. “People have to so many people who were just to start thinking outside the box if too busy pre-COVID-19. Today they want a career in this industry.” they’ll take the time.”

SCISSORS OUT Want to be a grower? You may have to start as a trimmer. It’s the most common entrylevel position in cannabis cultivation, according to Cannabiz Team.

HIRED.EXE

Start your online job search with these nine cannabis-centric career aggregates: 420Careers / 420careers.com Full- and part-time jobs and gigs

HempStaff / hempstaff.com Hemp and cannabis industry recruiting

Cannabiz Team / cannabizteam.com Places talent in all areas of the cannabis industry

Marijuana Resumes / marijuanaresumes.com Helps job seekers write resumes and cover letters coded for the industry

Cannajobs / cannajobs.com Jobs in growing, technology, and more Careers Cannabis / careerscannabis.com Smart-search platform connecting talent with companies Ganjapreneur / ganjapreneur.com Searchable job board

Ms. Mary Staffing / msmarystaffing.com Dispensary recruiting agency THC Staffing Group / thcstaffinggroup.com Boutique recruitment firm for the cannabis industry Vangst / vangst.com Cannabis industry job board and more

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VEGANS FOR VEGAS PHOTO BY ROGER BENNETT

Plant-based lifestyle grows strong in southern Nevada. TEXT DEBBIE HALL

as Vegas is going vegan as both tourists and locals are expanding the community with a definite presence this year. In the 20th century, the city was known for carb-filled buffets, $2 steak dinners, and bacon-and-eggs breakfasts for 99 cents. Leather furniture, animal-tested cosmetics, and fur clothing were acceptable— even desirable. Today, healthy living and concern for the environment is the benchmark of the city with a growing vegan population. The vegan lifestyle, whether dietary, ethics-based, or eco-friendly, has always been a part of the culture. What makes it

different now is the incorporation by mainstream America, including embracing a vegan food option— even if it is someone just trying a plant-based burger at a fast food place. As the US–and the world— transform, the new normal continues to grow and expand, embracing what was once considered radical or strange and now accepted as one way to live the best life. The growing trend also includes clothing, accessories, teeth-whitening products, cosmetics, beauty products, and shoes, all created using plants instead of animal-based elements and byproducts. However, food is the biggest factor, with vegan restaurants

flourishing in the valley and other eateries located on and off the Strip offering vegan alternatives. One of the biggest influences is Chef Mayra (chefmayra.com), also known as Dr. Flavor, who has beeen reaching out to people through her vegan cuisine for over 20 years. The Latin chef continues her mission to change the culinary landscape, making vegan cuisine even more intriguing. She describes her cooking as gourmet comfort food bursting with flavors. “I believe that we will see big changes in the food industry this year,” she says. “There are plantbased dairy products and meat. Last year, two fast food chains O C TO B E R 2020

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offered vegan burgers as a choice. This is huge, and I see our country moving to eat more plantbased food.” It was her pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit that led her to open the first 100-percent cruelty-free restaurant, Pura Vida Bakery & Bystro, on July 16, 2011. The small, nondescript building south of downtown attracted diners from all dietary backgrounds. However, with the Department of Transportation’s fast tracking of the area for Project Neon, the building was sold and eventually demolished with Pura Vida Bakery & Bystro serving its last meal on Jan. 7, 2014. Chef Mayra now consults with restaurateurs and chefs, creating vegan options that fit their cuisine as a flavorable dish to offer on their menu. Chef Mayra is also certified in sports nutrition, macrobiotic cooking, holistic, and Feng Shui cuisine. Her personal style merges flavor and fusion from Caribbean and Southwest cuisines. One obstacle she encounters from chefs is the misconception that the entire commercial kitchen would have to be modified to accommodate vegan food at exorbiant costs. According to chef Mayra, major food distributors —Diana Edelman of Vegans, Baby offer vegan choices at competitive prices, and anything can be prepared in a commercial kitchen with little or no modification. “At this time, I believe the best way to reach people about living a vegan lifestyle is to introduce them to vegan food in their favorite restaurant,” she explains. Another vegan pioneer and game-changer in Vegas is Diana Edelman, founder of Vegans, Baby (vegansbaby.com). Edelman started

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANA EDELMAN

“I BELIEVE THIS WILL BE A PIVOTAL YEAR FOR THE GROWING VEGAN LIFESTYLE IN LAS VEGAS. THE WORLD IS BECOMING MORE AWARE OF THE VEGAN LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE. THERE ARE SO MANY VEGAN OPTIONS OFFSTRIP, AND MORE CHOICES ARE AVAILABLE ON THE STRIP.”

her company in 2016 after becoming vegan to offer a comprehensive guide to vegan life with a mission is to make being vegan in Las Vegas more accessible and the food approachable to tourists and locals. Living in Las Vegas off and on since 2005, Edelman became a vegetarian in 2012. “I was living in Thailand doing elephant rescue work, and I witnessed a truck full of pigs driven to slaughter. I have never touched meat after that,” she explains. While working with the elephants in the sanctuary and seeing the way animals are treated, including going undercover to research abuses, she was horrified. “I decided to live my life as kind as possible and try to harm as little as possible. I feel that living a vegan lifestyle is good for animals and the environment, and people’s health.” After living abroad for four years, Edelman went vegan when she returned to the US and launched Vegans, Baby to highlight her finds around the city. When she started Vegans, Baby, there were five vegan restaurants. Today, there are over 20 with others that support vegan cuisine. “I believe this will be a pivotal year for the growing vegan lifestyle in Las Vegas,” she says. “The world is becoming more aware of the vegan lifestyle and culture. There are so many vegan options off Strip, and more choices are available on the Strip. There are numerous factors at play right now in terms of people opting to eat plant-based and restaurants adopting more options on the menu. With the pandemic, there is a widespread meat shortage, outbreaks in many farming and O C TO B E R 2020

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PHOTO CREDITS (CLOCKWISE): COURTESY OF BONJOUR BAKERY / NADINE PRIMEAU / COURTESY OF PASTA SHOPPE

processing plants, and a growing awareness of the health benefits of removing animal-based products from plates.” She also believes celebrity is feeding into the vegan lifestyle. “Joaquin Phoenix gave a speech during the Oscars early this year about going vegan. Many of the award shows this season went vegan for their meal being served; high profile people are starting to elevate the lifestyle. It will become more mainstream this year.” Edelman has taken Vegans, Baby to new heights since its inception. Today, she has become a face of plant-based dining. The vegan entrepreneur has extended her reach thanks to partnerships with the James Beard Foundation and Life is Beautiful, serving as the plant-based curator and highlighting talented chefs creating vegan dishes. She also released her third edition of the Las Vegas Vegan Food Guide, spanning over 40 dining categories with 100-plus restaurant recommendations. It’s available for purchase on Amazon, the Nook, and iTunes. Edelman has launched international vegan tours, taking a soldout group of 10 on a 10-day trip through Thailand. She has also hosted several local tours, but her passion is traveling, and she is now focused on organizing and hosting international vegan tours. “I want to take people to different cities around the world and appeal to foodies, regardless of whether or not they are vegan. In February, I visited Madrid and Paris, and I literally ate my way through both cities. I am thrilled to show people a different side to vegan living around the world,” she says. “I want to make it easier

for people to travel vegan and to showcase the exceptional plantbased cuisine around the world.” Edelman’s vegan tours are on hold for the time being (she expects Las Vegas tours to return later this year and international tours to start mid-2021). She is currently planning a six-night epicurean tour of Madrid, three-night luxury experience in Sonoma, and 11-night tour of Madrid and Paris, as well as 10-night tour of Morocco and a two-week tour through India. The all-vegan culinary trips hosted by her include lodging, most meals, attractions, activities, local guides, and in-country transport. She is excited about the expansion to show people that being vegan is accepted around the world. Earlier this year, Edelman took her popular vegan dining month, which aligns with the international Veganuary challenge, to two new

cities—San Diego and Portland. “THE BEST Edelman plans to extend the vegWAY TO an dining month, which featured over 30 Las Vegas restaurants this REACH PEOPLE year, to more cities and countries. ABOUT LIVING According to Mintel.com, there A VEGAN has been a ten-fold sales spike in LIFESTYLE IS plant-based and vegan food sales in the past two years. Vogue Busi- TO INTRODUCE THEM TO VEGAN ness (voguebusiness.com) reports that leather is facing competition FOOD IN THEIR from vegan alternatives. Those FAVORITE who still wear leather are looking to purchase responsibility-sourced RESTAURANT.” —Chef Mayra leather and vegetable tanned hides. Animal testing on cosmetics and beauty products are not acceptable to most people. The desire for greener food and products is demonstrated by demand and sales. Las Vegas Locals and tourists have embraced the vegan lifestyle as the terrain of the city changes and morphs into a new reality. O C TO B E R 2020

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Hooray!

Hemp, Hemp,

These companies are redefining hemp clothing for everyday wear. TEXT NIKKI NEU

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THE SCENE

Many people don’t realize that the fashion industry can be, at times, incredibly wasteful and strenuous on the planet. For a single t-shirt, the reach extends far beyond the garment. The cycle starts with the hundreds of gallons of water it takes to process the fabric, and includes

has been traced as far back as 8,000 BC in Mesopotamia and for the last 6,000 years in China. Up until recently, hemp clothing has been known to be a less-than-comfortable fabric with a stiff feel, a strong aroma, and an almost waxy residue. But, lately, a few

the (too often) unfair labor conditions it takes to make that shirt, the shipping and emissions to transport the shirt, and then, ultimately, the landfill waste to dispose of the shirt. One of the earliest known plants used for textile, hemp fabric

companies have led the charge in revolutionizing this fabrication, refi ning the fibers and creating hemp-hybrid clothing mixed with cotton to derive a soft, wearable feel. Hemp textile has several benefits, including naturally anti-bacterial

properties. When the fabric is worked correctly, the material is also breathable and soft— contrary to the popular belief that hemp fabric is scratchy. Part of this evolution is the process and methods by which the hemp is sourced and treated before creating the material to be worn.

non-hemp products but all sustainable—and approachable. Nash brings a luxury-feel product to market in ultra-soft hemp-cotton knit shirts, but without the luxury price tag. While designer men’s t-shirts can go for hundreds of dollars, Tact & Stone’s hemp tees cost $65, making it easy for

ACCESSORIES Wendy Gelbart of ’80s Rocker Mom creates and designs jewelry using leather clothing, broken accessories, discarded beads, and vinyl album covers in her ’80s Rocker Mom jewelry line. Accessories feature bold cuff bracelets; chunky statement pieces; festival-wear adorned with wood, beads, and feathers; funky earrings; and lots of skulls. IG @80srockermom

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BRANDS WE LOVE anyone to add an envi-

Tact & Stone

tactandstone.com

Landon Nash, a founder of Los Angeles-based menswear clothing company Tact & Stone, is on a mission to change how customers buy fashion. The company has a variety of hemp and

ronmentally-conscious option into their wardrobe, while saving 84 gallons of water. With these advancements in fabrication, hemp can comfortably be worn as everyday wear, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and even underwear.

THE SCENE

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SETPIECE Horse Trailer Hideout is an industrial country-chic horse trailer bar (along with other unique mobile bars). As a sustainable company, all of its products are fully compostable— including hay straw. Horse Trailer Hideout provides bar programs including craft cocktails, elevated wines, and beers influenced by local ingredients. horsetrailerhideout.com

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With one of the best fabrications we’ve felt, Tact & Stone provides a clean, modern menswear line with a socially-conscious eye on the environment. Based in Los Angeles, the company prides itself on being 100-percent sustainable and ethically conscious. The ultra-soft tees, tanks, and shirts come in primary solid colors (blue, black, gray, white) and can be used as undershirts or favorite tee. Our picks: The IZE Hemp Tee in burgundy ($65; available in sizes S-XL). This versatile t-shirt can take you from morning workouts to weekends under a chunky cardigan to the boardroom under a blazer. We loved layering it

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over the IZE long sleeve tee ($75) in gray for a chic skater look.

or dress it up with a slip dress and strappy sandals for a night out. Men, style it with skinny black jeans and your favorite tank and high tops.

designing our hemp wear is that our customers like stretchy and low maintenance clothes. They want Seeker the latest cutting edge seeker.earth fabrics, even if it’s hemp. If you’re looking to Hemp doesn’t mean you start adding hemp into Nomads Hemp Wear have to wear a potato nomadshempwear.com your wardrobe, we’re all bag,” says Seguin. “Yoga about it! Embracing this According to Lou Seguin, is another segment where versatile fabric, Seeker is a founder and director hemp clothes shine, espea fashion-forward brand of Nomads hemp wear cially now that people are with a modern monk vibe. based in Canada, the more aware of microplasThe clothes are young, sustainable clothing tics’ pollution and health fresh, gender-neutral, business trend has never impact.” and free-flowing. The really kept up with the With an easy, everymaterials are cool, and mainstream trends. His day look, Nomads has the lines just funky. inspiration comes from a variety of clothes for Our picks: The living with the land, every day. The collecKimono in navy blue traveling, and going to tion features soft, flowy ($219; available in sizes festivals. His designs are oversized racerback tanks, XS-XXL). This versatile about comfortable yet sweaters that feel more stylish clothes for real woven hemp flax linen like fine French terry than everyday life. duster is the perfect a cotton/ hemp blend, and all-seasons piece. Ladies, “The one thing we’ve a fitness line with breaththrow it on over leggings learned over the couple able capri pants and hoodand a tank for everyday of decades we have been ies. For a dressy-casual

THE SCENE

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look, Nomads dresses and LOCATION skirts are on-trend with Wildhorse Golf Club fea- sophisticated bias-cuts tures a beautifully landscaped golf course in a and available in a range of park setting with a pond, sizes, from XS-XL. waterfall, and ducks in Our picks: The Dreamthe heart of Henderson. weaver Tunic ($33; The Country Club at Wildhorse features a Grand available in sizes XS-XL). Ballroom with an outdoor This tunic is super soft, balcony overlooking the available in a range of course, and an intimate setting with a gazebo colors and sizes, flowy, and benches. breathable, and the golfwildhorse.com perfect loungewear piece

by itself or in layers for cooler months. Wama Underwear wamaunderwear.com

Highlighting hemp’s softness and versatility, Wama features a selection of undergarments, including bras, panties, and boxer briefs. The line is for both women and men, and many of the items come in earth tones and cool dark slate colors. As a bonus, the product pages tell you exactly how much water and electricity buying a Wama 2XL0. This bralette can Underwear item saves. go from yoga poses to a Our Picks: The Racgreat full-coverage operback Bralette, ($38, tion under those super available in sizes XSlow-cut maxi dresses. 48

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PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH ALBA, HOLLIE CARDINAL, ANNJANETTE ARNOLD STYLIST NIKKI NEU CREATIVE CONSULTANT INDIA MCMIHELK LOCATION WILDHORSE GOLF COURSE MOBILE BAR HORSE TRAILER HIDEOUT HAIR AND MAKEUP TRACY SHELOR ACCESSORIES ’80S ROCKER MOM MODELS KAYLI KONARSKI, JAMEIL WOODS, LAUREL GUNN ASSISTANT ANDREA DUPPER FASHION HOUSES TACK & STONE, SEEKER, NOMADS HEMP WEAR, WAMA UNDERWEAR

THE SCENE

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THE SCENE

EGG SAMMIE

TASTE BUDS

7379 S. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas (725) 204-8881 @EggSammie

Twist on Taste

Egg Sammie reconstructs the conventional breakfast. TEXT DEBBIE HALL

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breakfast on-the-go or as sit-down dining.” While basing the restaurant on the business model of successful fast food chains, Egg Sammie offers a chef-driven approach using high-quality ingredients. Focusing specifically on reconstructing the popular breakfast sandwich, all of Egg Sammie’s sandwiches begin with thick-cut brioche Texas toast baked in-house daily. All eggs are cage-free. Hearty appetites will appreciate Egg Sammie’s specialty sandwich: the Fremont, made with soft-scrambled eggs topped with caramelized onions on a house-baked brioche slathered with fried mozzarella and spicy aioli. Brunch items include the Viking, a griddled egg, Norwegian smoked salmon, and shaved cucumber topped with red onion and whipped goat cheese served on the house-baked brioche. Extras can be added, including jalapeño bacon, house-made breakfast sausage, avocado smash,

or vegan chorizo. Sides include Crispy Smashed Taters with smoked salt and crack sauce and Cheesy Taters that combine a soft sous vide egg, gruyére cheese, and spun potatoes served with black salt, chives, and a baguette. Beverages include brews and iced coffee varieties as well as Two Leaf Paisley organic hot teas. As for the decor, the

yolk-inspired color pops and cracked-egg light fi xtures pair with the pure white lines, and modern furniture, creating a bright and contemporary dining room. As a way for Egg Sammie to give back to the community, Clark County School District employees get free coffee, and healthcare workers receive 50 percent off of their purchases.

PHOTOS BY PHIL TZENG

Above: Egg Sammie Buttermilk Sandwich Left: Egg Sammie dining area

A new twist on a favorite can first create a trend, then a tradition. Chef and partner Marc Marrone demonstrates his artistry with eggs, bread, and other ingredients at Egg Sammie. “Our whole approach was to fill a niche market. As long as I have lived in Las Vegas, no matter what is going on, breakfast places are always crazy busy,” says Marrone. “As we progress through trends, and see what people like, egg sandwiches remain a favorite.” Growing up in New York City, Marrone always got a big egg and cheese sandwich before school. As an adult in Las Vegas, he wanted to take the best of trending items and traditional dishes to create a great breakfast experience in a fast, casual environment. “In today’s world, we wanted to cook something that can be graband-go,” he explains. “All of the stars lined up to create a concept that we can offer people what they want to eat for

THE SCENE TASTE BUDS

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CRISS ANGEL ESCAPE TRAIN WHERE: CURE 4 THE KIDS FOUNDATION WHEN: JULY 18, 2020 PHOTOS: COURTESY OF CURE 4 THE KIDS FOUNDATION

THE SCENE HIGH SOCIETY

Scenes of Hope

Strip headliner Criss Angel is a proud supporter of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation (cure4thekids.org). Recently, his team from Criss Angel Studios installed a Woodland Scenics model set with a train in the foundation’s patient waiting room. It’s a welcome scene for parents and other family members of a child diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening conditions. In Las Vegas, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation provides high-quality, research-focused medical treatment for these children. Angel also sponsored a themed patient exam room at the clinic in 2019.

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P R O M OT I O N A L F E AT U R E THIS STUFF IS GOOD FOR YOU

plus Aaron and Michael. It has moved from Aaron’s dining room to a 2,500-squae-foot office/warehouse facility in Las Vegas, where all reLeaves and TSIGFY products are manufactured. In February, the brand opened its first retail store on Ft Apache Rd. and Tropicana Ave and it’s in over 20 stores in the Las Vegas valley. This Stuff Is Good For You’s best-selling pain management cream was something that Rodriguez created to help manage the pain he experiences in his knees. “It was an accident many years ago,” he says. “I was on prescription meds for a long time and one day, woke up and thought that there has to be a better way.” Rodriguez says that This Stuff Is Good For You is always trying new things with different CBD product offerings and welcomes customer feedback and suggestions. “We have the standard CBD products, tinctures and creams, but we also have things you typically won’t products: bar soaps, deodorant, sham- find in the other CBD stores. poo, and laundry soap. The pair spent This Stuff Is Good For You has some the year at farmer’s markets all over exciting new products coming soon, the city—six markets a week! including a CBD massage oil; a newly It is 2016, This Stuff Is Good For You formulated CBD dog shampoo, and a new had earned a good reputation across tincture that will be specifically for sleep. the valley. Through customer feedback, the boys saw an opportunity to begin offering a brand new and, at the time, controversial product line that contained CBD. After a year of testing various CBD-infused products at the markets and getting customers feedback, the boys began transitioning to include CBD in all their bath and body products. In 2017, they debuted reLeaves, the CBD product line for This Stuff Is Good For You. “All the products are created with hemp,” Rodriguez says, Fast forward to 2020. This Stuff This Stuff Is Good For You Is Good For You has grown from a CBD Products two-person team to six employees thisstuffisgoodforyou.com

Creating the good stuff for you

This bath/body product company is transitioning all its products to CBD

aron Rodriguez and partner, Michael Cabarus, were sitting in the garage wondering how to make a difference in the world. They discussed seveal ideas that day; one of them was a visit to a local Las Vegas farmer’s market. “I had never been to a farmer’s market before,” says Rodriguez. “ I saw so many vendors selling handmade crafts. I remember mentioning to Michael, we could do these bath and body products better and come out here and sell them.” Michael and Aaron agreed that they could be onto something. Six months later in 2015, This Stuff Is Good For You was officially born, with the manufacturing in Aaron’s dining room, Aaron made all the products while Michael designed all the labels, branding, and marketing materials. They started with simple handmade

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THE END

A D U LT S U P E R S T O R E

Living Art

grandfather was fullblooded Chinese and I wanted to honor my heritage. My dream has finally came true,” Adult Superstore celebrates culture says Duran. with a mural symbolizing rebirth. Duran executed the TEXT DEBBIE HALL auspicious mural using his extensive experience creating large-scale paintChinatown in Las Vegas and an advisor on the ings, art installations, represents its communi- project, envisioned a mu- and transformative projty vibrant cultural arts. ral representing a unify- ects. As an artist, he is inCelebrating diversity, ing force and rebirth for a spired by science-fiction Lanny Love—philancity rising again. writings and ancient mythropist, and propri“When I moved to thology leaning towards a etor of the Adult SuperLas Vegas [in 2006], I dark, surrealistic graffiti stores—commissioned had always wanted to sci-fi approach. Duran Las Vegas-based artist create some awesome, celebrates his Native Gear Duran to transform cuturally-themed murals American, Mexican, and the building into a work in Chinatown to reflect Chinese ancestry along of art. Brian “Paco” Alva- the pride shown in the with cultural influencrez, a Las Vegas curator community. My greates. He was raised in Baja,

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California and Sonata, Mexico until the fourth grade when he moved back to the US with his family. As a child, Duran developed a love of comic books, video games, and late-night scifi shows that he shared with his grandfather. Taking inspiration from the Lungshan Temple in Taipei, Taiwan, the 100-foot-by-30foot mural features the mythical animals of the Phoenix (Fenghuang) and the Dragon (Lóng). Together these two powerful celestial beings represent the balance between yin and yang, love, and marital bliss.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAUS SCHMIDT

Chinatown 3226 Spring Mountain Rd. @gearduran

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