Dominique White, Regional Director of Ivy Hall Dispensaries – Interview Series

One of the most interesting aspects of the U.S. cannabis industry is the number of industry-defining businesses that cannabis professionals previously worked for, as well as the skills they now apply from those roles to their current positions in cannabis.

This has clearly benefited the retail side of the industry, where experienced professionals are drawing on successful strategies learned from previous employers to improve the overall dispensary shopping experience. In an industry as young as cannabis, a streamlined, organized, and customer-focused retail environment can make all the difference. From Walmart (WMT ) and Sam’s Club to electronics retailers and luxury brands, the resumes of cannabis retail professionals can be quite impressive.

One such accomplished cannabis professional is Dominique White, Regional Director of Ivy Hall Dispensaries. With experience at nationally recognized companies such as David’s Bridal and Coach, White is now applying proven retail strategies to cannabis operations with considerable success.

How were you first introduced to cannabis? How did previous draconian cannabis policies in Illinois impact the lives of you and your loved ones?

Like many people, my first introduction to cannabis came through college friends. Growing up, though, cannabis wasn’t talked about as medicine or as an industry, it was talked about as something that could get you arrested. I saw firsthand how differently cannabis was treated depending on who you were and where you came from. As a Black woman, I’ve watched communities like mine carry the weight of prohibition for decades. Families were disrupted, careers were lost, and opportunities were taken away over something that’s now a billion-dollar legal industry. That contrast is one of the reasons I chose this career. I want to be part of an industry that doesn’t just create profit, but creates second chances, meaningful careers, and representation for the people who paid the highest price before legalization.

What subjects did you study at Eastern Illinois University? What would you say were the most useful courses you took?

I studied Journalism at Eastern Illinois University. The classes that have helped me the most were public speaking, radio broadcasting, and communications. Those courses taught me how to connect with people, ask thoughtful questions, actively listen, and communicate with confidence. Today, whether I’m leading a meeting with dozens of managers, coaching a struggling employee, interviewing candidates, or speaking on a panel, I rely on those same skills every day.

How did your experiences with major fashion and accessory retailers such as David’s Bridal and Coach provide you with a more in-depth understanding of what goes into successful retail operations? Even though cannabis, fashion, and accessories may seem like different industries on paper, what are some similarities between the two industries?

People are often surprised by how similar these industries really are. Working for brands like David’s Bridal and Coach taught me that retail isn’t about products, it’s about people. Every customer walks in with a different story, different needs, and different expectations. Our job is to listen first and guide them toward the right solution. Those companies also gave me an incredible foundation in merchandising, visual presentation, inventory management, sales coaching, leadership development, and creating consistent customer experiences across multiple locations. Cannabis is no different. Whether someone is buying a luxury handbag or looking for a product to help them sleep, they’re trusting you with an important purchase. The best retailers don’t push products, they build relationships.

After a decade working for such prestigious and established retailers, what caught your professional attention about working in the Illinois cannabis industry? Did you hold any initial concerns about joining a state industry that was still so young?

What excited me most was the opportunity to build something instead of simply maintaining something.

In traditional retail, many of the systems and expectations have existed for decades. Cannabis gave me the opportunity to help shape culture, operational standards, leadership development, and customer experiences in an industry that was still evolving. Of course I had concerns. The regulations were constantly changing, there were misconceptions about the industry, and many businesses were figuring things out in real time. But that’s exactly what attracted me. I enjoy building teams, creating processes, and developing leaders. Being part of an industry that’s still writing its story has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

What are your regular duties as Regional Director for Ivy Hall?

Every day looks a little different, which is one of the things I love most about my role. Operationally, I work with our leadership teams to improve store performance, enhance the guest experience, oversee merchandising and execution, ensure compliance, analyze business metrics, and help stores operate efficiently.

The people side is where my passion truly lies. That includes recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, leadership development, coaching, succession planning, performance management, employee engagement, and creating opportunities for internal growth. Investing in leadership development creates stronger teams, better customer experiences, higher retention, and ultimately healthier businesses.

What have been some unexpected roadblocks and issues that Ivy Hall has faced when expanding into other towns, whether from local officials or regulatory agencies?

Every municipality has a different comfort level with cannabis. One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that opening a dispensary isn’t just about construction and licensing, it’s about building trust within each community. That means educating local leaders, working through unique zoning and permitting requirements, addressing community concerns, and demonstrating that a dispensary can be a responsible and positive neighbor. Regulations can evolve quickly, timelines can change unexpectedly, and each town has its own expectations. Flexibility and strong community relationships have been essential to our success.

What do you envision the next few years holding for the Illinois cannabis industry?

I think we’re entering a new phase of maturity. Consumers are becoming more educated, expectations are rising, and dispensaries will have to compete based on experience, not just price. The companies that invest in people, build authentic relationships with their communities, and create exceptional guest experiences will be the ones that continue to thrive. At the end of the day, cannabis is still retail—but it’s also something much bigger. We have the opportunity to build an industry that’s more inclusive, more compassionate, and more intentional than the industries that came before it. That’s what excites me most about the future.

Thank you for joining us, Dominique! For more information on Ivy Hall Dispensaries, please visit its website.