Kaelana Organista calls Carpinteria home and has since before her career brought her into cannabis cultivation with Headwaters, which operates a farm in Carpinteria and has its headquarters in Summerland. Kaelana works on the sourcing end of Headwaters’ distribution arm, so in addition to being on the Carpinteria farm, her territory extends to North County Santa Barbara all the way to Salinas, where she seeks out brands and premier products in the emerging legal cannabis industry. Headwaters is one of a dozen members of CARP Growers, which overall employ over 900 in Carpinteria Valley.

Q&A with Kaelana

Q: Tell us one neat thing about you.

A: I am 4th generation Carpinterian. 

Q: What’s your favorite Carpinteria spot off of the Headwaters farm?

A: The same as everyone else — the beach 

Q: How did you land in the cannabis industry?

A: A close friend knew the Headwaters crew, I connected with Headwaters, and was working here shortly after. 

Q: What do you do for Headwaters?

A: I work in the sourcing department. I visit farms in north county Santa Barbara to Salinas and look at product to purchase for our sales team. I’m transitioning into working with brands and getting cannabis for their product needs.

Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned about cannabis farming the last month that surprised you?

A: I was surprised at the anticipation of a saturated market affecting market prices without an actual increase in product. 

Q: Outside of cannabis, what is one of your passions?

A: Outside of cannabis, I am passionate about art. In my spare time I enjoy painting, portraits in particular, as well as nature. 

Q: If not for your current career, what would you be doing? 

A: Working in some creative space.