Jenna Goldring: Founder and CEO of The High Confectionary

Jenna Goldring, co-founder and CEO of The High Confectionary, shares her inspiring journey from a Duke University cultural anthropology student to a trailblazing entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. After a career in digital advertising and sales at companies like Hulu and Vistar Media, Jenna identified a gap in the market for high-quality, low-dose, hemp-derived edibles that were accessible, delicious, and socially appropriate—especially for women and non-stoners. Her personal experience as a cannabis user with a low tolerance led her to create The High Confectionary, a brand centered on wellness, elegance, and inclusivity. With a focus on product integrity, she developed 1mg THC gummies and later expanded into sleep and chill-out gummies, as well as a luxury chocolate collaboration with Broma Bakery and creative director Whitney Port. Jenna emphasizes the importance of resilience, calculated risk-taking, and self-compassion—especially as a first-time mom navigating a startup. She reflects on early mistakes like underinvesting in quality and not giving herself grace during postpartum, while offering empowering advice to those considering a career pivot: start small, be resourceful, and trust the process. Her vision includes strategic partnerships, product expansion, and eventually building something new—possibly in agriculture—while remaining deeply committed to her mission of normalizing cannabis as a wellness tool. The episode is a masterclass in intentional entrepreneurship, blending personal vulnerability with strategic insight. Jenna’s story underscores the power of identifying unmet needs, assembling complementary teams, and building a brand that challenges industry norms. From overcoming skepticism from dispensary buyers to navigating the complexities of hemp regulations and DTC e-commerce, she demonstrates how persistence, product excellence, and authenticity can drive success. Her emphasis on low-dose, non-stigmatized cannabis products speaks to a broader cultural shift toward mindful consumption. The episode closes with a powerful message: it’s okay not to have it all figured out, and the journey itself is where growth happens.