Experts

Robert Shade stands at the helm of The Hemp Doctor, a revered establishment in the realm of cannabis. As its founder and CEO, he offers a vast array of cannabis-related products – from Delta 8 THC, Delta 9 THC, HHC, THC-O, to CBD, CBG, CBN, and tailored pet products. The inception of The Hemp Doctor in 2018 was underpinned by Robert’s vision to avail products characterized by both quality and reliability to the discerning consumer. One of Robert's significant contributions to the cannabis sector is his vast repository of knowledge shared through his insightful writings. His blogs and articles, predominantly featured on his websites — thehempdoctor.com and thdwholesale.com — serve as valuable resources, enlightening readers about the nuances of the industry.

An autodidactic graphic artist, poet and fashion model, Lindsey is the creative specialist on the team. Bringing years’ experience with Royal Caribbean, and a diverse portfolio of campaigns from Macy’s to MAC Cosmetics, she’s helped launch successful brands in the alternative cannabis industry such as Mellow Fellow. Lindsey develops business relations, branding and marketing strategies from wholesale to retail.

A North Carolina native, Kathryn Robinson is an accomplished alumna of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She graduated summa cum laude, earning an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, complemented by a minor in Journalism. Kathryn's professional journey spans diverse industries, both large and small, specializing in marketing and public relations. Her expertise lies in orchestrating brand creation, crafting dynamic marketing strategies, steering advertising campaigns, and executing public relations engagements. Kathryn's contributions extend to leading marketing research initiatives for industry giants such as McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Delaware North.In 2017, Kathryn embarked on a new career chapter, stepping away from the corporate world to channel her multifaceted expertise into her own consulting business. For the next five years, she offered invaluable guidance to small businesses across sectors, advising them on operational and marketing strategies, innovative product concepts and functional formulations . Among her clientele were two burgeoning cannabis companies, where she discovered the profound wellness potential of the plant, especially when synergized with other natural, functional ingredients. Kathryn noticed a gaping void in the market for innovative wellness products tailored for the modern woman and transparent brands didn’t exist (until now). Armed with this insight and her profound industry and product formulation knowledge, Kathryn sought to not only fill these gaps but to revolutionize women's wellness landscape altogether. In November 2022, NOVA was born.Beyond her professional commitments, Kathryn is an ardent fitness enthusiast and a dedicated dog mom. She cherishes her daily ritual of tackling the New York Times crossword over a latte each morning and she devoutly attends Elevation e-church on Sundays. Kathryn's free time is often spent in the introspective study of scripture and philosophical works, delving into her latest fascination, and rapping her favorite Jay-Z songs (but not every word…).

From Charleston to Jackson Hole, San Francisco to Santa Barbara, Katherine Knowlton is a classically trained chef, wellness entrepreneur, and founder of Happy Chance—a brand rooted in ingredient integrity and sustainable, better-for-you food. With over 15 years in the culinary world, Katherine has worked as a private chef, recipe developer, and creative force behind intimate events and wellness-forward meals for discerning clientele—including prominent public figures and global tastemakers.Trained at the San Francisco Cooking School, Katherine blends classical technique with a deep passion for functional, nourishing food. As a private chef and sustainable food advocate, she creates elevated dining experiences centered on whole ingredients, seasonal cooking, and thoughtful sourcing. Whether through her clean-label hemp capsules or curated catering menus, Katherine is dedicated to helping people feel their best—through food made with intention and integrity.Explore her culinary work at katherineknowlton.com.