Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kymberly Byrnes.
Kymberly Byrnes is the CMO and co-founder of TribeTokes, NYC’s most trusted women-led cannabis brand and trailblazer in the “clean cannabis” movement. As an avid cannabis and psilocybin advocate, she serves on the Advisory Board of the CWCBE, and contributes to numerous local and national organizations. Kym has held roles such as NY Ambassador for Women Grow, VP at CannaGather, and High Times Judge, and has inspired many in their pursuit of fitness as a 20-year Pilates Instructor and Lululemon Ambassador.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Thank you so much, it's always an honor to address a community interested in wellness. In 2017, I met my business partner Degelis at an NYC Women Grow event, where we realized we shared the same vision for providing access to clean cannabis vaping products free of added ingredients and fillers. Our goal was to “only sell products we would give our own mother.” 7 years later, we are thrilled to have products that we would give our own mothers and they would be proud of.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
Being in the cannabis industry — there are many stories (if the walls could talk) that hold space in my journey as an entrepreneur. I think one of the most definitive moments was back in 2018, when “VapeGate” tore the vaping industry apart. As a small business, we were devastated… But then the most miraculous thing happened! We survived as a trusted brand and even thrived as a business. Moral of the story — do good shit and the ROI is 10x fold.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
My mistake is one that goes beyond the walls of the cannabis industry. I think, as a woman, I felt the need to prove something and took on way too much. The end result was extreme burnout. I think balance is overrated but finding space to live authentically and take time to rejuvenate and replenish is so important. “The first wealth is health,” Ralph Waldo Emmerson.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
As a professional BIOHACKER, I think we can change the course of our future and hack into longevity by changing our perspective on the power of plants. The company I co-founded, TribeTokes, is “Built by Girls and Powered by Plants.” We operate on a wellness-based philosophy that prioritizes happiness over everything else. One of the most interesting parts of my job is being able to help people find wellness through the effects of cannabis and CBD. We honor Mother Nature and the plant by offering clean, trustworthy products that can help our customers (Tribe) feel better, whether they are seeking solutions for sleep, pain, stress support, and a plethora of other issues that we experience in an ever-changing stressful environment called LIFE (LOL).
In a market that often lacks transparency, we stick to our guiding principle: “Never sell anything that you wouldn’t give your own mother.” That kind of idealism really speaks to people AND WE MEAN IT!
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better well-being? Please give an example or story for each.
1 . Optimize and prioritize sleep. Whether you get a sleep tracker or find hacks to fall asleep faster - your body will rejuvenate so you feel amazing during the day ahead - this will change your life! After early menopause my insomnia got so bad and my deep sleep was down to 28 minutes (WTF). My business partner and I decided that we needed sleep gummies in our lives. After trying so many and layering them with CBD/THC - we formulated our own. We both are obsessed with our sleep gummies. CBN + CBD (or THC we have both) + Tryptophan = delicious unadulterated sleep. I personally layer them with Moon Juice Sleep Magnesium for some of the best sleep ever (Oura Ring approved).
2 . Find time to unwind and destimulate. In the age of over-stimuli, the good shit (creativity) happens when you are bored. The constant consumption of information is dangerous. Allow yourself time to unplug. Pop a CBD/THC gummy or take a puff and go for a walk in nature. Better yet do it barefoot. Skip the music and listen to the sounds of nature. The birds singing and the trees swaying have a profound effect on reducing cortisol. After years of life in NYC, I found living at my home in upstate NY has been radically healing for my mind, body, and spirit. My walks and hikes in nature have allowed me to be a better leader for my team. Great things happen when you stop to smell the roses (grass, leaves, etc).
3 . Stop eating artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. You are in fact what (tf) you eat. Sure eating fast food is easy, cheap, and flavorful but the aftermath is a population ridden with dis-ease. Cook at home, respect your temple, and optimize your health. After having some health issues creep up in 2021. I have respectfully CANCELED trash foods and swapped them with healthy alternatives. #cancelkelloggs
4 . Find new libations. Alcohol is absolutely passe! As we learn that there is no safe amount of alcohol consumption we must look for other ways to let loose. I love taking a puff of cannabis and dancing my ass off. It makes me feel so happy and carefree. I also love to microdose psychedelics. A small amount goes a long way and is perfect to see the world through rose-colored glasses. When carefully curated (find a trusted source) it can be the difference between feeling sad and feeling glad without the harmful effects of alcohol - NO HANGOVERS? Yes, please :)
5 . Movement heals. In the age of desk jobs and endless emails, it's pretty easy to sit for 4-8 hours and only get up to walk to the bathroom. I found it hard to get up from sitting so long with an achy back and stiff legs. I thought to myself “No sis, you deserve more.” Getting up each hour for 2-5 minutes to walk around, do jumping jacks, or get low and hold a plank will change your life. Body and mindset. Working from home is a blessing but not getting in my 2.5 miles commuting made me feel sluggish and unfit. After reading an article in 2021 about covid making our step counts go down I made a new promise to myself. Get off your ass and move it (move it). My Peloton and Hokas get more use than anything. On weather permitting days, I take a stroll in my local park. On days when I can leave my hose - my bike gets all the action. Find ways that get you up and at it - dance, walk, run, cycle, or lift. All things you can do easily and cheaply. Grab some office weights or house weights, invest in some walking shoes, and stay fit, healthy, and on point.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
My movement would (and is) be to discourage ultra-processed foods. Companies like Kellogg, Coca-Cola, and McDonalds are poisoning our food, culture and lifestyles. I would encourage people to cook at home, invest in gardening, and discover real quality foods and beverages. Cancer and heart disease are the two top killers in the country making us have to rethink the way we live. I lost my mom to cancer when she was just 39. Her life's work was based on healthy eating and habits as a dietician. I carry on her work as a wellness professional and humanitarian. Follow people such as The Food Babe, Nathalie Nidam, Nara Smith, and Kimberly Snyder who each express different ways to live your best life.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
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Perfection is overrated. Having been obsessive with being perceived as perfect not only made me depressed it also made me live inauthetically. I felt embarrassed to step out of line or make a mistake. Now, I realize mistakes = growth and that's what gives you true superpowers. Embrace your imperfect self and live authentically. It is way more fun and allows you to experience life as it should be - FREE!
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Stress: The Silent Killer
Regular stress increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Add on higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders that can develop with too much stress and there you have it a SILENT KILLA. As an early entrepreneur, I put my own needs behind my career and making money. This was the biggest mistake I’ve ever made. When you are constantly in “Fight or Flight” your body begins to just stay that way. Stress causes dis-ease which then can develop into disease. After having some health issues onset, I found that less stress was imperative to less chronic and acute health issues.
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Find your TRIBE! Not everyone wants you to succeed so keep your circle small — the blunts come back faster LOL. I used to think everyone was a friend but soon enough learned that less is more. You can be kind to everyone and count on a handful. I had a situation with a few
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YOU ARE ENOUGH. It’s easy to get “Imposter Syndrome.” Since I don't have a higher education I often (and sometimes still do) felt inferior to others who were educated. One day my business partner told me that I was her go-to for all things street smarts. Now I wake up every day knowing who TF I am and want everyone in this world to do the same.. You are a unique amazing human made to love and live. That in itself is ENOUGH.
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Being kind is the real flex. Gossip, road rage, and yelling are not good for anything. I can remember the days when I would scream and talk shit about those who did me wrong or annoyed me. After reading Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life - Living the Wisdom of Tao (de Jing ) by Dr Wayne Dyer, my life changed. I found a deep sense of love and empathy for all things. We are all just here living the human experience together and that is a beautiful blessing.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
I cannot choose one. These are all issues we have to deal with daily. If we don't address all issues at the core we are effed as individuals, as a community, and on a worldwide level. The movies on apocalypses hold some truth. The goal is to start as an individual and work outward. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, eat more regenerative farm foods, take the time to self-care af and give a hoot, and don't pollute. The power is in the numbers. Small changes make an impact when millions (billions?) join forces.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
I am very active on my Instagram, @highitskymb. For professional networking find me on LinkedIn, Kymberly Byrnes. I also host a podcast called “Highest In The Room” on YouTube. You can follow TribeTokes on Instagram and TikTok at @tribetokes.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
