My husband & I recently took a trip to Denver, Colorado for every smokers favorite holiday, 4/20. Taking the pandemic into account, I wanted to make sure that I RSVPd for events in advance. As I’m searching online, I ran across an event, Smoke & Stroke. Not only was the name catchy but it seem to incorporate two of my faves— cannabis and creativity, so I proceeded to buy tickets.
The event was held in the exotic lifestyle and smoke accessories boutique, Puffs and Stuff on Sunday, April 18, 2021.
Puffs and Stuff is nestled in a cute shopping center among other privately owned businesses. The stores interior is simple, sleek—BLACK. I really liked the black esthetics because it seemed to make the merchandise stand out better. The space was transformed with the help of tables, chairs and paint supplies. The open seating encouraged a sense of community and friendship among the guests. Guests were handed a table easel, a choice of assorted paints, brushes and a canvas with pre-drawn hip hop art. A DJ played all the stoner jams and cannabis consumption was highly encouraged. I think it helps with creative flow. The whole set up was #PRETTIDOPE.
At the end of the night, I caught up with the stores owner, Dawn Higgins, to find out the deets on her event and to learn more about the store.
•Being in town for 4/20 and new to Denver, I was looking for interesting things to do. I have to admit that the name of your event certainly caught my eye. How’d you come up with the concept, Smoke & Stroke?
My close friends and I paint all the time. We all put our minds together and just thought it would be a great idea to host a “smoke & paint”. We like to smoke, we like to paint. We had the space to do it and we did it!
•How long have you been doing your event, Smoke & Stroke?
That was our first event, but planning to do it more often.
•Event planning can have its challenges. Did you face an while making this event happen and how you rise above it?
We had no challenges. The location I lease is my own store. All we did was plan it and promote.
•That’s great. Usually finding a venue that will accommodate your vision can be a task but it surely helps to have your own space. Kudos to you for opening your store. How long has it been open?
My store hasn’t been open even a month but I’ve been planning and prepping for this since November of last year (2020). My first day open was April 5, 2021. It was an open canvas when I signed my lease. I had to install the floors, build a wall for the back room, and I had to order my display cases. Like, I literally started from scratch.
•What was the greatest lesson learned putting this event together?
Greatest lesson learned through out all of this is— teamwork makes the dream work! I knew that already, but my team helping me was great and we made it happen.
•I’m so happy I got an opportunity to come to your event. I truly enjoyed myself. You and your staff were so inviting and fun from the time we walked in. The vibes were super friendly and chill and best of all you could tell everyone really enjoyed themselves.
Seeing it all come together, what was your proudest moment?
My proudest moment was seeing everybody enjoying themselves. Also having one of my favorite dispensaries supported the event #HighLevelHealth
•Is there any advice you’d like to give someone hosting a cannabis-driven event?
The best advice I can give is to make sure that you’re following all of your city’s regulations and guidelines.
•Your first event was a real success. Are there any other events do you have coming up that we all should look out for?
We are currently planning an event for Mother’s Day. This is for anybody who’d like to bring their mother out to enjoy painting in a cool, unique atmosphere .
•And of course, as mentioned previously, teamwork is important. Is there anyone you want to thank for supporting your efforts?
I would like to give a shout out to my best friend Savara Duncan, She was one of the biggest supporters and also I want to thank a close friend who also was there from the beginning of opening up the store and everything Kenton Milton, And also I want to thank all of the awesome people who came to my first event and enjoyed
If you live in Denver or visiting soon, stop in to say hello to Dawn Higgins at Puffs and Stuff located at 1331 East Colfax Avenue, #Suite 101, Denver, CO 80218.
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