Producer of cannabis-infused edibles dominates Colorado market, builds on brand platform for national expansion

As the company prepares for growth into new markets, Wana Brands--Colorado’s No. 1 infused gummie manufacturer--has expanded its ranks with the addition of marketing expert, consumer analyst and award-winning fine artist Julia Bright as Brand Manager. Wana Brands co-owner Nancy Whiteman made the announcement. Bright is based out of Wana Brands’ Boulder headquarters and reports directly to Whiteman.

As our Boulder-based company continues to expand its presence nationally, it is essential that we build upon our well established brand platform, reinforcing the consistency, quality and potency of Wana Brands’ products,” Whiteman said. “Julia’s long standing track record for delivering strategic plans coupled with her passion for the arts makes her the perfect candidate for consistently and creatively communicating the Wana brand.”

As Brand Manager, Bright works collaboratively with internal and external resources to inform, develop and execute various marketing and communications strategies that increase sales opportunities, company visibility and brand equity. Bright is responsible for ensuring that the Wana brand is communicated consistently and creatively through all marketing avenues. In her new role, Bright will also focus on extending Colorado marketing initiatives to other states where the company has a presence, including Oregon and Nevada, as well as four new emerging markets where Wana has partnership deals in the works.

“I look forward to bringing my strategic and creative skills to the team, as we work together to enhance the Wana brand and elevate it in every region,” Bright said.  “It is an honor to help build the Wana brand during this time of growth, ensuring the message is clear: Wana is unmatched when it comes to the consistency, quality and potency of its products.”

Bright joins Wana Brands with a background in consumer products, higher education and healthcare. Prior to joining Wana Brands, Bright was Sr. Marketing Manager, at the University of Maryland’s Brain and Behavior Institute, where she was responsible for the development and implementation of communication and marketing strategies. During her tenure, the Institute received over $6 million dollars in start-up funds and over $2 million in seed grants. Bright’s experience in higher education also includes her time a Director of Marketing for the University of Colorado’s Mechanical Engineering Department in the School of Engineering. Bright was recruited by The Boppy Company to start their Healthcare business in 2008. During her time there, she developed and launched a healthcare-specific (NICU/Maternity) infant feeding device, and increased channel topline results by 129 percent. Bright brings a strong background in consumer products to Wana Brands, having served as National Accounts Manager for Amrion/Whole Foods Market and Sr. Brand Manager for Celestial Seasonings.

In addition to her corporate achievements, Bright is an accomplished fine artist, recipient of the corporate award for excellence two years in row at Boulder Art Association, and has been included in Oil Painters of America National Juried Shows. Bright has exhibited her work in Colorado, Wyoming, Louisiana and Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Marketing from CU Boulder and an MBA with an emphasis in Market Research from Miami University in Ohio. In addition to English, she is fluent in both Russian and French.

Wana Brands was ranked 2016’s No. 1 edibles producer in sales revenues in the highly competitive Colorado market by BDS Analytics, producing about 20,000 units a week in its 30,000 sq. ft. Colorado facility. Wana Brands products are available in over 450 of 500 Colorado dispensaries, and more than 160 dispensaries in Oregon. The company launched in Nevada at the end of 2016, and has a partnership in Illinois that will bring their products to that state in 2017. Additionally, Wana has deals in the works in four new emerging markets.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Shawna McGregor at 917-971-7852 or shawna@rosengrouppr.com.

Wana Brands: Enhance Your Life. Wana Brands leads the Cannabis infused products industry in quality, consistency and potency, with a product line that includes Wana Edibles, Wana Extracts and Wana Medicinals. Wana products include a full line of edibles, custom hash, vape oil, and WanaCapsxr, a family of extended release cannabis capsules that provide medicinal benefits for up to 12 hours. Wana Brands is ranked No. 1 in sales revenue in the highly competitive Colorado market, and Wana Brands products are also available in Oregon and Nevada with more markets readying for launch. For more information, visit WanaBrands.com