The Creative: Andrea Beaulieu

Andrea Beaulieu is the founder of a mom-founded, woman-owned company that began in her kitchen, where she balanced caring for her son with working in horticulture. It was during late nights spent designing that Andrea truly felt herself. Despite being in a male-dominated industry, she was determined to build a company that aligned with her values. She knew her vision would never fit the mold of traditional agencies. Instead, Andrea saw a gap in the market, recognizing that startups needed an agency that truly listened, respected their ideas, and collaborated with them, not one that just dictated. As she puts it, "That’s how Studio Linear was born."

Today, Studio Linear is an award-winning creative agency that collaborates with well-known brands like HousePlant, Florette, and Sweedies. Andrea’s passion for providing innovative, creative solutions for the cannabis space has driven her success.

Here, Andrea shares her thoughts on the role of women in the cannabis industry.

What inspired you to enter the cannabis industry?
There were many reasons, but first and foremost was my love for cannabis and my personal experience using it to foster creativity. A major motivation, however, was the lack of diversity in branding. The industry was dominated by stereotypical stoner and masculine aesthetics, and I didn’t see many products that spoke to women like me. At Studio Linear, we recognized that there weren’t many cannabis lifestyle brands yet, so we set out to connect with companies that wanted to change that.

Do you feel you had to overcome any challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field?
Absolutely. Beyond being undervalued—literally, with men offering us a fraction of what we were worth—I often found myself in rooms where I was interrupted, spoken over, or dismissed. When pitching ideas, I watched as men bulldozed their way through meetings, assuming their voices carried more weight.

But I also noticed something else: behind these big male CEOs and VPs, there were incredible women running the show—women who were ready for change. Over time, many of them left to start their own businesses and sought out female-led agencies like mine. They didn’t just want a design partner; they wanted someone who respected them. And that’s where we thrived.

Do you feel that the cannabis industry is more open to women and diverse voices than other industries, or do you think there are still significant barriers?
In the beginning, the cannabis industry was very much geared toward the "stoner bro" demographic. The marketing, movies, and music reflected that. But as the industry grew, brands realized they were missing a huge market—women. We started to see a shift as companies scrambled to adjust their messaging and appeal to a broader audience.

Now, I’d say the space has become more balanced, with more opportunities for women. But it's still surprising how many industries underestimate the purchasing power of women. The brands that succeed are the ones that understand inclusivity from the start—not the ones trying to retrofit diversity into their strategy to chase a consumer base they initially ignored.

What are some ways the industry can improve gender equality and increase the representation of women in leadership roles?
One of the biggest steps is simply amplifying women's voices—exactly like WCG is doing. Many large cannabis brands have a male figurehead or celebrity as the face of the company, but if you look at their marketing teams, they're often led by women. That speaks volumes about the creative power women bring to the industry.

We need to shift the narrative and bring those women to the forefront. Let’s highlight their creativity, leadership, and impact rather than keeping them behind the scenes. The more visibility we give to women shaping this space, the more we normalize their presence in leadership roles.

How do you see the future of women in the cannabis industry?
We’re already here! Women have made huge strides in this space, from female-owned dispensaries and consumption lounges to lifestyle brands led by incredible women. The future I once dreamed of when cautiously stepping into this industry is happening now.

I’m also excited to see how women shape emerging industries like psychedelics as they continue to evolve. There’s so much potential for innovation, and I have no doubt women will play a leading role.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a fellow woman entrepreneur, and how did you apply it?
Early in my career, I reached out to a female-owned creative agency I admired. I didn’t expect a response, but not only did she reply—she became a mentor and collaborator over the years.

The lesson? Don’t be afraid to reach out to the women you look up to. That one email turned into a lasting friendship and professional relationship. You never know where a simple connection might lead.

Are there any other women in the cannabis industry you admire?
I deeply admire the working moms in this space. Cannabis still carries stigma, and it takes incredible courage to be a leader in an industry that’s constantly under legal and societal scrutiny.

Being a mother on top of that adds another layer of complexity. These women are breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and proving that you can be a strong, successful entrepreneur in cannabis while also raising a family. I’m so here for that movement!