We had the good fortune of connecting with Vadim Krasnopolskiy and Rudy Yagudayev and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vadim & Rudy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
LAYZE is a cannabis-related startup that was founded for several reasons. Firstly, the legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use in many states led to a growing demand for related products and accessories, which presented an opportunity to enter an expanding industry. Recognizing this opportunity, the founders of LAYZE set out to create innovative products and services that catered to the needs of consumers. They identified a gap in the market for an easier and better way to roll a perfect and consistent cone or joint, particularly for new smokers and those with medical conditions like arthritis. This led to the development of their patented LAYZE HIGHROLLER, which has received rave reviews from customers who appreciate its convenience, ease of use, and high-quality results. The LAYZE HIGHROLLER is now available for purchase on their website, getLayze.com.

Beyond their products, LAYZE’s founders also aimed to make a positive impact on society by removing the stigma surrounding cannabis. They recognized that negative stereotypes associated with cannabis and its users can be harmful and prevent people from accessing its benefits. To tackle this, they created an informational website, layzelife.com, that aims to dispel these stereotypes and showcase the diverse individuals from all walks of life who use the plant. Through articles, interviews, and other content, they highlight the many positive aspects of cannabis use and the benefits it can bring to individuals and communities. By combining innovative products with a mission to create positive social change, LAYZE is establishing itself as a unique and impactful player in the cannabis industry.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Starting our business is an exciting and rewarding experience, but we are aware that it comes with its fair share of challenges. As a startup, we have encountered and will continue to encounter some obstacles, including limited resources, competition, marketing and branding, legal and regulatory compliance, and scaling.

As a startup, we have limited resources, both in terms of finances and manpower. This has made it challenging for us to develop and market products, hire employees, and keep the business running smoothly. However, we have been working hard to find innovative solutions and make the most of what we have.

In addition to limited resources, we also face competition from others in our industry. It can be difficult to differentiate ourselves from competitors and gain market share, especially if they have established themselves as a dominant force in the industry. However, we are determined to stand out by providing exceptional products and services that meet the needs of our customers.

Being in the cannabis industry, we face a unique set of challenges in addition to the typical obstacles that all startups must overcome. One of the most significant challenges for startups in the cannabis industry is navigating the strict marketing restrictions placed on cannabis products. Due to the ongoing stigma and controversy surrounding cannabis, traditional advertising and marketing methods may not be available to us. For example, social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have policies that restrict cannabis-related content, making it difficult to reach potential customers.

Another significant challenge is overcoming the stigma and negative perceptions surrounding the cannabis industry. Many people still view cannabis as a taboo or controversial topic, which can make it challenging to attract investors. Additionally, there may be limited access to traditional banking and financing options.

Despite these challenges, we are committed to staying dedicated, resourceful, and adaptable in our efforts to succeed in the cannabis industry. We believe that with persistence and hard work, we can overcome these obstacles and create a successful business that serves the needs of our customers and helps to shape a more positive perception of the cannabis industry.

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.
This is how we would spend a week in NY/NJ

Day 1:

• Arrive in the morning and check into your hotel.
• Spend the afternoon exploring New York City. You could visit the Empire State Building, or the Freedom Tower.
• In the evening, have dinner at Del Frisco’s Steak House, an iconic restaurant known for its mouth-watering steaks.
Day 2:

• Take a morning trip to Ellis Island to learn about the history of immigration in America.
• Grab lunch at one of iconic Portuguese restaurants in Newark, NJ.
• In the evening, head to Red Bull Arena to watch the New York Red Bulls play a soccer game.
Day 3:

• Take a day trip to the Palisades, a scenic area on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River.
• Hike the trails and enjoy the views of the George Washington Bridge and the New York City skyline.
• Have a picnic lunch at one of the scenic overlooks.
Day 4:

• Spend the afternoon walking along the High Line, a park built on an old elevated railway.
• In the evening, catch a Broadway show or enjoy dinner in one of the city’s many amazing restaurants.
Day 5:

• On your last day, take a leisurely stroll through Central Park, enjoying the scenery and people watching.
• Finally, take one last look at the city skyline before heading back to the airport to catch your flight home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As the founders of this controversial business, we would like to take a moment to express our deep gratitude towards our immigrant parents. It is their strength, drive, and dedication that have inspired us to start this venture and overcome the obstacles that come with entering an industry that is still stigmatized in many ways. Our parents have instilled in us a strong work ethic and taught us the value of persistence and determination, even in the face of adversity.

Growing up in immigrant households, we have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices our parents have made to provide us with a better life. They came to this country with little more than a dream and a desire to provide a brighter future for their children. It is through their unwavering dedication and hard work that we have been able to pursue our goals and dreams, including the founding of this business. We are forever grateful for their sacrifices and unwavering support, which have given us the strength and courage to take on this challenge and make a positive impact in the world.

Website: layzelife.com and getlayze.com

Instagram: @layzelife @getlayze

Twitter: @getlayze

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@layze1603

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