Meet Arend Richard | Founder, Cirrus Social Club

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arend Richard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arend, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to create something that I wished existed in todays world. A space for friends and family to experience the joy of cannabis together! Our mission is to get “The Whole World Seshing Together” and to do that I knew we would have to create a space that was comfortable and approachable for the largest demographic of people, and thats how Cirrus was born.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Cirrus Social Club, also known as “The First Class Sesh Experience” is a cannabis lounge designed to get the whole world seshing together. We combine first class service with a warm and elegant environment mixing in fine cannabis and an elevated munchie program to satisfy your taste buds.

I am most proud of the fact that I was able to make it happen. It was an entirely uphill battle getting a business like this off the ground. From licensing to funding to construction… no piece of the puzzle was easy. I knew that if I built it, they would come. I’m so grateful to see that dream unfolding before my eyes.

I’ve learned so many lessons along the way… It’s hard to pinpoint just one. If I had to, I would say: “You can’t build the tallest skyscraper in the skyline by ripping down all the other ones. You have to focus on building yours tall and strong”

I would love people to know that I am a gay man who is turning an industry on its head. The cannabis industry has been aimed in one direction it seems for the last decade. I am shaking things up and showing the industry that there are more consumers than the ones who want the strongest THC possible. Regular everyday people enjoy cannabis, and they don’t need it to be the strongest possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Barcelona Wine Bar for drinks and small bites one night is a MUST. I’d take them to the Colorado History center (and I usually do) to look at all the old time objects like Baby Doe Tabor’s dresser (it’s immaculate). Then of course I’d drive them up to lookout mountain for a sunset! There’s no other view like it. On the Friday or Saturday night, I would take them to Cirrus for a sesh and some small shared plates, and then over to Champagne Tiger for dinner and a show!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate my shoutout to Michelle Trail of the Traillionaires organization. Michelle was a light to me throughout my process of starting Cirrus, and I know she helps many others through their journey.

Website: https://www.cirrussocialclub.com

Instagram: @arendrichard

Image Credits
Mio Sison

@_photomaki