When you think of a cannabis startup success story, you may imagine slick branding, solid compliance, and a roadmap backed by investors. Twisted Hat Cannabis had all of that—but they didn’t follow a conventional path. Instead, this bold brand turned heads with its rebellious tone, unique customer approach, and a planning process that didn’t shy away from taking risks.
So, what exactly made Twisted Hat Dispensary stand out in a crowded and competitive space? Let’s break down three unconventional moves they made—and why each of them worked.
1 . They Put Brand Personality Before Product
While many startups rush to highlight THC percentages or product ranges, Twisted Hat Cannabis took a step back and focused first on brand voice. From the name to the tone in their business pitch, everything about Twisted Hat screams bold, edgy, and relatable.
Instead of presenting a “clean and clinical” dispensary image, they leaned into the counterculture. Their identity wasn’t just about selling cannabis—it was about creating a movement. This branding decision helped them emotionally connect with customers before products ever hit shelves.
Why it worked:
It allowed Twisted Hat to differentiate quickly, attract loyal early adopters, and make their mark in investor pitches. It also made it easier for the Plan Writers team to translate that vision into a powerful business plan.
2. They Embraced Local Roots Over Industry Buzzwords
Rather than stuffing their pitch deck with buzzwords or mimicking bigger cannabis chains, Twisted Hat Dispensary leaned into their community. They highlighted local sourcing, personalized service, and a mission to reflect the voices of real customers.
This strategy didn’t just help them build trust—it made their plan feel grounded and genuine, which played a critical role in investor buy-in.
Why it worked:
Twisted Hat made their business about people, not just product. This authenticity showed potential investors that their growth wasn’t based on hype, but on real community demand.
3. They Treated Planning as a Creative Process, Not Just a Formality
Too often, business planning becomes a rigid, number-driven chore. But strategic growth at Twisted Hat began with a different mindset. They worked with Plan Writers not just to meet investor requirements but to tell a story—one that could excite, inspire, and scale.
By using visuals, branding elements, and narrative tone in their plan, Twisted Hat created a document that felt alive. It wasn’t a “just the facts” PDF. It was a pitch with heart.
Why it worked:
This approach made their business plan memorable and compelling to readers—from lenders to partners. It also became a blueprint for action, not just a funding tool.
Final Thoughts
Twisted Hat is a standout among cannabis startups not just because they had a strong business plan—but because they weren’t afraid to challenge the usual playbook. By prioritizing voice, community, and creative planning, they’ve become one of our favorite Twisted Hat success stories to date.
If you're an entrepreneur looking to build a bold, authentic, and investor-ready cannabis brand, take a page out of the Twisted Hat playbook—and start with a strategy that truly reflects you.
