The EVOLUTION Magazine May 2024 | Page 40

Employee Spotlight

Kay Veasman

Despite health issues , she ’ s risen through the ranks to management and enthusiastically advocates for all the women and men who battle cancer .
by Rocco Scarcello , contributing writer

Many people say that cannabis has changed their life . For some , it could be because flower makes you a happier person or changes your perspective on “ drugs .” For our many Missouri cannabis workers , it even changed their lifestyle and economic habits , as now they can get paid to bring their passion to the plants .

But in the case of Kayla “ Kay ” Veasman of Iberia , MO , it appears that Missouri ’ s cannabis market — along with her own strength , research , and trust in the process — could be credited with offering the young lady a new lease on life .
Veasman humbly started as a receptionist in 2021 at Latitude Dispensary in Osage Beach , but that role didn ’ t last long . “ Within a week , I got moved to budtender ,” said Veasman .
She continued to work up the ranks over the next year and a half , earning the titles of inventory control manager and assistant general manager . In October 2022 , she eventually became the general manager of the store .
Despite her absolute love of the store she called home , the people and patients she grew to know well , duty called , and her talents eventually led her to a manufacturing location .
“ In November of 2023 ,” Veasman explained , “ My owners came to me because they needed my skill set in the MIP location , so I am currently the Distribution / Logistics Manager of our Plume Brand [ under MOAZ Industries ]!”
Kay Veasman celebrating at the KC Chiefs Super Bowl parade .
Iberia , a Miller County town with a population of 719 , is one of those places where everyone tends to know each other . Veasman was pretty visible from her work as a waitress and a CNA , specifically in restorative therapy . But as Colorado brought legal cannabis closer to the Show-Me State , Veasman started pondering what a life in cannabis would be like .
However , it was a spur-of-the-moment decision that brought Veasman into the industry . “ I applied on Indeed . com –– on a whim — and got a phone interview ,” Veasman said , probably following the common pointers most industry workers tell people looking to break into the industry .
Kayla Veasman ( 2nd from left ) with her Plume Brand coworkers . ( Photo contributed .)
Very clearly , Kay Veasman hasn ’ t missed a stride since coming into the industry , and it would be hard to see her ascension through the ranks as requiring anything less than her full attention .
40 May 2024