Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarabear Kelly-Modlin.
Hi Sarabear , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! Bear and Philly here! We are so excited to introduce ourselves and our company to you! Lucky Strains is a woman majority owned, family operated small business. Philly and I are a husband and wife team that has had massive family support since we started in this amazing industry when the Farm Bill passed in 2018. Philly and I have always believed in the power of hemp, cannabis and cannabinoids. Our first business, Lucky’s Treehouse, focused on CBD and products made of hemp and recyclable materials. When hemp derived THC became legal in Minnesota, we rebranded as Lucky Strains. The name change was important to us as educating people on the different strains of cannabis is a passion of ours and we both personally use hemp and cannabis for medical purposes.
I am a breast cancer survivor and throughout this journey our appreciation for these magnificent plants has intensified by a million fold. We rebranded as Lucky Strains August 1st, 2022 and 4 months later I was diagnoised with breast cancer. In the year of 2023 and 2024 I had 4 surgeries. During this time instead of slowing down we went full force in the direction of opening a store front as this was our dream. We were vendors at numerous City events and festivals to get these products out to the people. We saved all our event money and Philly worked full-time during my recovery and were able to sign a lease November 30th (my birthday!), 2023!
I was misdiagnosed at my yearly mammogram in December of 2021. I was told that I had a cyst in my breast and that this is extremely common. When I went back to have my yearly 3D mammogram December 12th of 2022 I was told that my cyst had grown, but that it was still not an area of concern. I was not comfortable with this information and moved forward with a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound and had 3 biopsies completed within 3 days of my mammogram results. Exactly 1 week after my yearly 3D mammogram I was diagnosed with breast cancer, 19 days after my 42nd birthday. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy and first stage breast reconstructive surgery in February of 2023, second stage reconstructive surgery in June of 2023, a full hysterectomy with removal of ovaries due to having hormone positive cancer in September of 2023, fat graphing reconstruction surgery in April of 2024 and I have infusion injection therapy every 6 months. Through all of this I never took an opioid or narcotic. I made this choice to avoid the severe side effects and also out of respect for all the people that have been lost to opioid addiction. Instead I used cannabis and low dose hemp derived products during recovery to help reduce inflamation and pain.
Philly and I get immense joy helping others become more comfortable with learning what benefits hemp, cannabis and cannabinoids can contribute to everyone’s individual endocannabinoid system and to live a lifestyle that promotes individual happiness. It’s time to end the stigma surrounding hemp, cannabis and cannabinoids. It’s time to help provide educational information so that everyone can understand how complex and incredible these plants truly are. I have been using hemp, cannabis and cannabinoids for years to assist with managing irritable bowel syndrome, rapid cycle bipolar, nervous anxiety disorder that causes sleep issues and ADHD. Philly has been using hemp, cannabis and cannabinoids for years to assist with focus, stress, creativity and childhood trauma. Hemp, cannabis and cannabinoids are truly incredible, when you know how and when to use them.
Lucky Strains is more than a company to us. Lucky Strains allows us to offer affordable prices to everyone to ensure that products are obtainable and to be able to make donations to spread awareness about causes that are very important to us. When you order from Lucky Strains we donat to no-kill animal shelter/rescues, breast cancer foundations and child sex abuse awareness and prevention. We also offer a Warrior discount to thrivers and survivors of cancer, stroke, heart conditions, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, mental health conditions, Veterans, first responders , those who work in a school district and health care workers for pets or people and a thank you discount to active and retired City, County and Government Workers. Compassion over profit.
Thank you for supporting a woman majority owned, family operated, local small business! We can’t continue our mission for change without all of you. We wouldn’t be us without you! We are so grateful! Remember to always love LOUD!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We rebranded as Lucky Strains August 1st, 2022 and 4 months later I was diagnoised with breast cancer. In the year of 2023 and 2024 I had 4 surgeries. During this time instead of slowing down we went full force in the direction of opening a store front as this was our dream. We were vendors at numerous City events and festivals to get these products out to the people. We saved all our event money and Philly worked full-time during my recovery and were able to sign a lease November 30th (my birthday!), 2023!
As you know, we’re big fans of Lucky Strains,llc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a true mom and pop “pot shop”! Philly and I have no employees and manage all operations involved in running a business ourselves. We pride ourselves in cannabis education, community outreach, specialty discounts and making charitable donations. All tips that we receive in the shop go directly to a new charity that we pick monthly. It is a small way we can give back and create awareness.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Our friends and family have been MASSIVE supporters. Bear’s mom and dad (granny and pop) and Bear’s auntie Michelle and uncle John have been the biggest cheerleaders and supporters since day 1. We wouldn’t be where we are without their love and support.
Pricing:
- First Timer Discount
- Warrior Discount
- Veteran Discount
- Wise Owl Discount
- Thank You Discount
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luckystrains.gives
- Instagram: @Lucky_Strains
- Facebook: LuckyStrains
- Youtube: @Lucky_Strains
