TheSuperLoop

Leah Lavergne is thehighacheiver

Primarily self-taught, this ceramic artist went from a background in dance to being the queen of geometric cannabis accessories.

maker

September 16, 2021

Who knew cannabis accessories could look so good!? Leah Lavergne didn’t ask for permission when starting her own smokeware ceramic business, HIGH NOON. She has made waves in the cannabis space by creating natural and geometric shapes that take inspiration from architecture and landscape design.

It must’ve been overwhelming as someone who was starting in an emerging market. How did you navigate that? Did you have a (knowledgeable) support system?

I can’t tell you that this is the way to go about it, but when I started out, I just went for it. I had a clear vision of what I wanted to put out there, and it blossomed into what it is now. When the orders for my handmade products started to get a little out of hand, I was able to lean on some entrepreneurial lady friends to help organize the flow of the biz. This is something I have to constantly remind myself to do. People love to help!

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What do community and collaboration mean to you? What role does it play in your practice?

Everything! I love putting two+ heads together to make an idea come to life. For me, it’s much more fulfilling than going about it alone. I love having people to bounce ideas off of and keep inspiration flowing. We’re better together!

Tell me about a failure you’ve experienced—how did you get through it, and how did it help get you to where you are now?

I fail daily, without a doubt.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken? Did it pay off?

Buying my very own kiln! They are costly pieces of equipment, and I knew that if I had a kiln I would eventually have to find a proper studio space to house it and my art practice. Best decision ever made. I feel so much more in control of my pieces that pass through my kiln and head out into the world.

How do you get yourself in “the zone” to work?

I have found that “the zone” is often seemingly only accessible to me once the sun goes down. When that time comes, usually it’s house music that can keep me going until morning.

“I love having people to bounce ideas off of and keep inspiration flowing. We’re better together!”

Tell me about one unexpected place where you draw inspiration?

Landscaping! Urban, residential...whatever. I have such profound respect for beautifully executed landscape design. The shapes, the use of different materials, perennial gardens and all their colours.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to the “you” that’s just starting out?

Don’t wait for permission or approval from others. Not everyone will understand your vision. All you need is a strong head and belief that the world will be better because you chose to create and follow your passion.

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The cannabis industry is fast-growing, and some may say, saturated. How has it been to adapt to this ever-changing space? And what advice would you give people currently in the industry or those wanting to be a part of it?

I am an ever-changing artist and creative alongside an ever-changing space; you probably are too. One thing we may be able to agree on is that weed smokers come in all different shapes and sizes, which is definitely one reason why we have so much available to us now. Never be afraid of change; oftentimes, it can be for the better. Don’t let changes disturb your vision and purpose in life. Chat to someone in or around the industry about what it is you want to do and see. There’s always room at the table, and you just have to find your seat.

“There’s always room at the table, and you just have to find your seat.”