Historic Milestone for NYC’s Cannabis Industry
Manhattan has welcomed its first Black woman-owned cannabis dispensary, “Bliss + Lex.” Situated at the corner of East 86th and Lexington Avenue, this trailblazing establishment marks a significant leap forward in New York’s burgeoning cannabis market.
Visionary Couple’s Dream Come True
Co-owned by Nicole and Christopher Lucien, a native New York couple, “Bliss + Lex” represents the culmination of their long-cherished dream. As Nicole Lucien eloquently stated:
“Since cannabis recreationally was legalized in New York, we’ve had our eyes set on applying for a license.”
For the Lucien family, including their five-year-old twins, Veronica and Ryan, this venture symbolizes far more than a business opportunity – it holds the promise of securing a brighter future and creating generational wealth.
Overcoming Adversity and Breaking Barriers
Nicole Lucien’s achievement as Manhattan’s first Black woman to secure a cannabis dispensary license is a testament to her unwavering perseverance and determination. However, their journey to entrepreneurship has been fraught with challenges.
Christopher Lucien, who shares ownership of “Bliss + Lex,” has faced obstacles due to a prior drug conviction. Reflecting on past experiences, he shared:
“I have tried to start several businesses like my wife was saying home improvement construction, and because of my criminal background I was denied, even after 20 some odd years of a clean record there was never a chance where I had a second chance this was always been held against me.”
A Beacon of Hope and Opportunity
Fortunately, New York’s program prioritizing retail licenses for individuals with criminal histories provided the Luciens with a chance to break free from the barriers they had faced. As Christopher Lucien expressed:
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think a cannabis conviction, that until now has created a barrier to jobs, housing, and acceptance, would be the key to this door of opportunity for myself and my family.”
Welcoming Environment for Cannabis Exploration
With workers diligently putting the finishing touches on the store, “Bliss + Lex” aims to provide a warm and inviting space for customers to explore cannabis products tailored to their preferences. Nicole Lucien emphasized:
“We wanted to create a very warm welcoming environment explore the plant and pick up the product that’s perfect for them.”
Paving the Way for Inclusivity and Equity
The opening of “Bliss + Lex” represents not only a historic milestone in Manhattan’s cannabis landscape but also a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalized communities.
