Today we’d like to introduce you to Duol Chut
Hi Duol, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Smokin on the runway was started 3 weeks after the legalization on August 19th 2023. Combining passion for cannabis, photography, and fashion. It was a way to celebrate legalization, promote local brands, businesses, education, local artists, and community. First had the idea working as a photographer for Black Fashion Week MN and opportunity where I learned a lot thanks to Natalie Morrow. My terrific collaborator Shamika Brown who I worked with at BFWMN and with her extensive knowledge produces the amazing shows and owns her production company called Ambers after her sister in support of Domestic Abuse. The first show was held at Natreum a CBD wellness shop. Thanks to our outstanding collaborator Kara Witherspoon who is expertly handles sponsorship and owner of Kuressence Health a holistic wellness store in Duluth who provided us the event venue, The Luminaire, and for our 420 event at Earl Giles Distillery. We all got together July 31st the day before legalization to discuss the idea and get started. Then less than 3 weeks later we made the show happen. We are excitedly having the 1 year anniversary coming mid to late August. You don’t want to miss out! Stay up to date by following on IG @smokinontherunway and signing up for emails on the website www.sotrmn.com
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?
No,it has not been a smooth road. It has been interesting journey combining fashion and cannabis. Putting together an event like this takes a lot of time, effort, and planning. It couldn’t be possible without the whole a great team! From Kara, Shamika, myself, the designers, models, photographers, volunteers, venue, sponsors, supporters, and many more people make this happen.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is Diesel J’s which is what led to smokin on the runway. My business specializes in natural rolling papers, events, apparel, and accessories. The brand was started a year before smokin on the runway. It was the first event and a way to promote our apparel and the different brands met at different vending events. What sets us apart from other brands is our mission, the events we host, and our type of papers. The brand stands for progress over perfection in everything you do. Our goal is progress, not perfection is what we are aiming for. As long as we are moving forward we are doing better than we were before! What I’m most proud of brand wise is the feedback and stories I hear from the events. The excitement for the next event. There has been attendees who became models at the next show and the encouraging support One thing about my brand of papers is the papers are made of unbleached wood pulp brown papers. Which give you a slow consistent burn without any running or canoeing. Our papers are tested at SC labs I’m California and are free of heavy metals, pesticides, and microbials. With the test results available on our IG @cheef.diesel
Any big plans?
The plan is to continue to put together Smokin on the Runway on a seasonal basis. Excited to continue to partner with local business and promote the growing cannabis business, local artisans, musicians, and fashion designers in Minnesota.
Pricing:
- GA ticket $40
- VIP tickets $100
- Vendor tables $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sotrmn.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokinontherunway?igsh=b2l3emZrcWd1azRl&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/cheef.diesel?igsh=OXkyZ29kNHh4dDdr&utm_source=qr
