Welcome to The Outlaw Report’s Q&A series, focused on the cannabis landscape of the Mid-Atlantic. Our series aims to shine a spotlight on the trailblazers and experts who are shaping the local cannabis industry. Through their first-hand experience and insights, we explore the successes, challenges and stories of businesses and individuals at the forefront of cannabis policy, business and innovation in the region.
We chatted with Barbara Bernabe, the Co-Founder and CEO of Miel Wellness, Washington, D.C.’s first Latinx-owned licensed medical dispensary. Bernabe transitioned to the legal medical market last fall from the city’s I-71 market. We caught up with her about her personal journey into the cannabis industry.
What made you enter the cannabis industry?
My decision to enter the cannabis industry was inspired by both personal experiences and a desire to make an impact. Cannabis has been a source of relief and connection for my family, and it’s how my husband and I unwind after long, productive days, and it has significantly improved my father’s quality of life as he manages Parkinson’s disease. These experiences showed me the plant’s potential and motivated me to share its benefits with others.
Why did you choose D.C. to start you business?
D.C. is home. I’ve lived in the DMV my entire life, and it felt natural to build my career in a community I know and love. Starting in 2019, with the guidance of Kinner & McGowan, my husband and I launched an I-71 delivery service. Along the way, I became deeply familiar with e-commerce, data trends, and the importance of building customer trust. These experiences shaped Miel Wellness, where we continue to focus on accessibility, education, and fostering a welcoming environment for all. My journey into the cannabis industry is deeply personal and fueled by a passion for breaking barriers, fostering community, and sharing the transformative potential of this plant. With roots as a first-generation Bolivian American, I draw inspiration from my family’s resilience and hard work, which motivates me to create a space where education, inclusivity, and innovation thrive.
What are the particular challenges you’ve had to overcome as a woman in the cannabis
industry?
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been one of the biggest challenges in this male-dominated industry. As a Latina woman, I’ve often felt the need to work twice as hard to prove myself, but I’ve earned my place. At just 27, I built Miel Wellness from the ground up, drawing on the skills I developed while running our i71 delivery company. There, I mastered the art of e-commerce and data-driven decision-making, which became invaluable as we transitioned to the medical market.
My background in Computer Science from George Mason University and my prior experience managing multiple doctors’ offices helped me cultivate a passion for streamlining operations and technology. At Miel, I’ve found joy in optimizing operations while balancing responsibilities like marketing, website management, customer interactions, and social media. However, none of this would be possible without the incredible support of my husband and our amazing team at Miel Wellness, who ensure our day-to-day operations run seamlessly. Together, we’ve created a business that thrives on innovation, teamwork, and a shared commitment to our mission.
What makes Miel unique in the D.C. market?
Miel Wellness is proud to be the first Latinx-owned, licensed medical dispensary in Washington, D.C. My husband and partner of 13 years, both first-generation Americans are dedicated to creating a space that reflects our culture and values while serving our community with care and quality. What truly sets Miel apart is our vision for a Latino-inspired infused product line developed through white labeling with licensed manufacturers. We’re launching Buenos Días, Buenas Tardes, and Buenas Noches vaporizer and edible lines tailored to sativa, hybrid, and indica effects, respectively. And yes, horchata-flavored vaporizers will be part of the lineup! Our Dulces edibles will feature a variety of Latin-inspired flavors designed to bring a unique, cultural touch to the cannabis experience.
This project is incredibly personal to me, and I’m passionate about creating products that
celebrate our heritage while delivering exceptional quality. The support we’ve received from our community has been humbling, and it fuels our drive to keep innovating and building something truly special in the D.C. cannabis market.
What is Miel’s mission?
At Miel, our mission is to create a welcoming space where every customer feels valued and supported. My team and I have invested countless hours in product education to ensure we can answer any question and guide customers to the right choices for their needs. For me, this isn’t just about running a business, it’s deeply personal. Cannabis has helped my father manage Parkinson’s, and I’ve seen its transformative power. We’ve grown from an i71 delivery service to a licensed medical dispensary with a loyal customer base who have supported us through our journey. We genuinely care about our customers and the community we serve.
What is your favorite part of having a business based in D.C.?
What I love most about having a business in D.C. is the vibrant, diverse community. D.C. is a city rich in culture and history, and it’s incredible to see how cannabis has become part of the city’s evolving story. Being able to contribute to this community, educate people, and break stigmas around cannabis use is deeply rewarding. There’s no better place to build something meaningful and impactful than right here in a city I’ve called home my entire life.
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