Today we’d like to introduce you to Koko Kwon
Hi Koko, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been anything but linear, and that’s what makes it so special. I started my career as a journalist and quickly realized that my passion for storytelling was deeply rooted in my own truth. When I decided to make my infamous “f**k it, I quit” moment to fight for cannabis legalization, it felt like I was stepping into the most authentic version of myself.
That decision opened doors, but it also came with its challenges. After leaving journalism, I immersed myself in cannabis activism, founding organizations, traveling the world, and connecting with the global cannabis community. Along the way, I had to confront my own health struggles, including dealing with pain and inflammation, which led me to explore cannabis as a personal solution.
I founded Skinny Hippie because I wanted to merge my passion for cannabis with my dedication to helping women find real, natural solutions for wellness—specifically around pain, menstrual health, and overall balance. My own health transformation—losing 65 pounds using the power of THCV and hemp—was a huge part of that inspiration.
Today, Skinny Hippie and our sister company, The Hemp Club, are thriving, and I’m proud of the brands we’ve built. It’s all rooted in wellness, empowerment, and giving people—especially women—the tools to reclaim their health with the help of plant medicine. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been transformative. And now, I’m here, sharing this passion with our community and making a difference one product at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth. It’s been filled with bumps, challenges, and moments where I questioned everything. Starting out as a public figure advocating for cannabis, especially as a Black woman, came with a lot of criticism and pushback. That moment when I publicly quit my journalism career on live TV to fight for cannabis legalization was empowering, but it also put me under a microscope. I faced a lot of stigma, not just from those outside the cannabis industry, but within it as well.
Another struggle was navigating the regulatory environment. Cannabis and hemp laws are still evolving, and running a business in this space means you’re constantly dealing with changes and uncertainties, which can be really tough on a business.
On a personal level, managing my own health and well-being while trying to build Skinny Hippie was a challenge. I dealt with significant weight gain and inflammation, which affected my mental and physical health. It was through experimenting with hemp and cannabinoids like THCV that I was able to transform my health, but the journey was full of trial and error.
Financial hurdles were also a reality. Launching and growing a business in an emerging industry meant limited access to traditional funding or support, especially as a woman of color. I had to get creative, bootstrap when necessary, and build a community around the brand that truly believed in the mission.
But each struggle has only fueled my desire to push through and make Skinny Hippie a brand that truly stands for empowerment and wellness. It’s been tough, but I wouldn’t trade the lessons I’ve learned for anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Skinny Hippie?
Skinny Hippie is a women’s wellness brand rooted in the power of cannabis (hemp-derived and Texas-compliant) and plant medicine. We’re on a mission to make wellness accessible, natural, and revolutionary for all women—whether you’re seeking relief from PMS, managing menopause, or simply looking for more balance in your everyday life.
What we’re known for—and what sets us apart—is our commitment to creating natural, cannabis-infused products that target women’s most overlooked health needs, such as period pain, hormonal imbalance, and weight management. We specialize in offering plant-based alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals, which is what makes us so unique in this industry. From THCV gummies that help curb cravings and promote weight loss, to vaginal suppositories designed to ease menstrual discomfort, our range of products is crafted with the intention to empower women to take control of their health.
What really sets Skinny Hippie apart is the personal story behind the brand. Our founder, Koko Kwon, transformed her own health using plant medicine, shedding 65 pounds and managing inflammation in the process. She built this company to share the same opportunity with women around the world. Our products are formulated not only with high-quality cannabinoids like THCV, CBD, CBN, and CBG, but with women’s wellness at the core.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the community that’s grown around the brand. We’re not just selling products—we’re creating a movement. Whether it’s through our influencer program, which allows women to earn an income while promoting wellness, or through our educational resources about plant medicine, we aim to make Skinny Hippie a place of empowerment, inclusivity, and real change.
Readers should know that when they shop with Skinny Hippie, they’re not just buying a product. They’re investing in a wellness revolution that prioritizes holistic, plant-based solutions and empowers women to live healthier, more balanced lives. And with options to shop online with discreet delivery or visit our physical location, we’re making it easier than ever to access the benefits of cannabis wellness.
That’s why in just 6 months, the women of DFW have made our woman-owned & operated Skinny Hippie store the #1 hemp dispensary in all of North Texas, according to google.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The hemp industry in Texas is at a crucial turning point, and the next 5-10 years will see significant developments, especially as we await updates on the 2023 Farm Bill. This bill could reshape the landscape of the hemp industry in Texas, bringing new regulations, opportunities, and perhaps even challenges. At Skinny Hippie, our commitment to staying 100% compliant with Texas law and federal regulations remains unwavering.
In Texas, where the legal framework for hemp can be complex and subject to change, our business model is built around adaptability and integrity. As a wellness brand rooted in plant-based solutions, we understand that hemp is not just a product but a movement toward natural wellness that must operate within the bounds of the law.
One key focus for us over the next decade will be ensuring that all our offerings, including our hemp-derived products, are fully compliant with Texas state regulations, no matter how the legal landscape shifts. The Texas Department of Agriculture and Health Services oversees hemp product regulation, and we’re proud to follow their guidelines to ensure that every product that leaves our store is safe, effective, and, most importantly, legal.
As we await the specifics of the 2023 Farm Bill, we’re prepared to adapt to whatever new regulations emerge. We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, whether it’s understanding new cannabinoid classifications or evolving consumer safety standards. This means that you, as our customer, can have confidence that we’ll always offer products that meet or exceed compliance standards.
At Skinny Hippie, we don’t operate in defiance of the law. Instead, we work within it to bring Texans the best possible hemp-based wellness products that support physical and mental health. As the legal framework evolves, so will we—always with our eyes on providing quality and empowerment to every customer.
Our mission is clear: No matter how Texas law changes or what the 2023 Farm Bill introduces, Skinny Hippie will continue to prioritize compliance, transparency, and wellness. We’re here for the long haul, and we’re excited to see how the future of hemp unfolds.
Pricing:
- Try Hempzempic for free with code SKINNY15 at our DFW store or online skinnyhippie.co
- Munchie Mondays – 15% off all edibles
- Topical Tuesday – 15% off infused creams, lubes & yoni melts
- Thirsty Thursday – 15% off infused drinks and tinctures
- Fresh Flower Friday – 20% off all flower products
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SkinnyHippie.co
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/skinnyhippietexas
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aUZ8URvZn55SLod77?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
Image Credits
Koko Kwon
Skinny Hippie
830 Mayfield Rd
Ste 520
Grand Prairie TX 75052
