MAKE & MARY
H
aving a family business means a lot to Make & Mary Founder Yvonne Perez
Emerson. A desire to provide her daughter with safe, alternative health and body products drove Emerson to become familiar with folk herbalism. Leaning on her family background in alternative wellness, Emerson made her own concoctions for years before making a professional foray into the cannabis space. Emerson’s familial and cultural background
is
reflected
in
the
formulation of her products. When originating her line, she called on her memories of her abuela finding alternative
cures.
When
she
is
formulating, she also calls on her Scottish ancestors, who were healers. Calendula (a herbaceous plant in the daisy family) is often used in Mexican culture and is an ingredient in many Make & Mary products. Marigold flower, which also plays a large role in Mexican culture, also plays a major role in Emerson’s product formulation. “They’re used in ritual. They’re used for bringing in positive energy and for cleansing,” says Emerson of the marigolds. The majority of the hemp oils used for Make & Mary products are
Yvonne Perez Emerson OF MAKE & MA RY BY D I A N A - A S H L E Y K R AC H
24
CA N N AC U R I O U S M AG.C O M
sourced from her husband’s family’s agricultural hemp farm. With a goal to honor her heritage and family history, Emerson worked constantly to create a space for the local community to learn about plant medicine. In the beginning of her journey, Emerson
was
unable
to
obtain
traditional loans or funding. Being a self-funded Mexican woman meant working nonstop to create a sustainable business that serves her community. To best do that, she set quality control
