StaffNext Level
Anthony Jenkins / Next Level.
A passionate baker, co-founder Anthony Jenkins began infusing his gourmet creations, providing a delicious and discreet stigma-free way to medicate. Fellow co-founder Cartier Jenkins, became passionate about cannabis cultivation/distribution and entered the industry as a broker after retiring from the Army. Together, the brothers began offering hand-crafted infused edibles and Next Level was born. Next Level has now expanded into infused coconut oil, and infused brown sugar, so their customers can take their own baking, cooking, and hot beverages to the Next Level.
When did you formally enter the cannabis space?
Our company formally began in February 2017 and we received our state license in March of 2021
What made you decide to work in the cannabis industry?
Both of my parents were entrepreneurs and although those endeavors didn’t work out, they passed on the entrepreneurial spirit to me. And when I realized how much our cannabis edibles helped friends and loved ones that were suffering, and how many multiple times better our infused mini cupcakes tasted compared to all the available infused products, I realized that there was a huge opportunity.
Do you feel there is more opportunity for Black Americans in the cannabis industry versus a more traditional industry? Yes or no and why?
There is a lot more opportunity in the cannabis industry than in traditional industries. This is because the industry is still in its infancy and evolving. 5 years from now cannabis will birth new products and ancillary industries that we can’t imagine today. The many new positions, titles, and companies born from cannabis will be available for those entering the industry now.
What is your personal goal for 2022?
My personal goal for 2022 is to stretch myself in new ways, be present, and meditate regularly. Our business goals are to connect and engage with our target customers growing our brand through (masked) laughs and (sterilized) handshakes.
