2 Minutes With ... Claudia Post, Founder and CEO of Scarlet Express

Claudia Post is an entrepreneur, speaker and power connector. Having recognized cannabis as the next frontier 13 years ago, Claudia founded MOST Consulting Group, which a one-stop shop that provides marketing, advertising, design and strategy for the industry. In Philadelphia, 20 years ago, Claudia founded Diamond Transportation Group, a same-day, time-critical delivery service. Ultimately, she opened 12 warehouses on the East Coast offering trucking, pick-pack-ship, logistics and other services.

With her expertise in transportation, Claudia most recently launched Scarlet Express, a state-approved, closed-loop delivery organization that provides discreet, secure and expert cannabis supply-chain management in every state.

We spent two minutes with Claudia to learn more about her background, creative inspirations and some recent work she’s admired.

Claudia, tell us…

Where you grew up, and where you live now. 

I grew up in Philadelphia and I still live in Philadelphia. 

How you first got interested in cannabis? 

Back in the day, I remember buying nickel bags and dime bags in college, and then fast forward—life, marriage, children—my son, Snic Barnes, became interested in glass art and subsequently learned how to create “heady glass pipes.” He has become famous for his craft and it is he, who said “Mom, you gotta get into cannabis, it’s going to blow up.” That was 13 years ago and so here I am. 

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on, and why.

It has always been my philosophy to help other people and pay it forward. Way back, I noted that a lot of the glass artists had no idea of how to conduct business nor keep track of their money. I invited them to a lunch-in with my accountant and 10 or 12 people showed up and walked away understanding more about the accounting side of their business, how to pay taxes, and generally, run a fully functioning business. I am proud of that because I got to help people.

A recent project you’re proud of, and why.

Starting Scarlet Express. In an industry that needs delivery services, it has felt really good to use my 20 years of transportation, logistics, chain of custody, and supply chain expertise to create a compliant and professional delivery service. 

The biggest challenge cannabis marketers face today, and how to approach it. 

There are so many rules and regulations, so many states, all of whom have a different structure for their cannabis businesses. It is difficult to keep track. You really have to pay attention to staying compliant for both yourself and your clients. 

One thing about how the cannabis industry is evolving that you’re excited about. 

I am excited about the prospect of interstate commerce, federal legalization and a generally more accepting community of the plant. 

Someone else’s work, in cannabis or beyond, that you admired lately. 

I admire the social equity folks who want to stake their claim. I have listened to many stories and I am continually impressed.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

I watched a documentary about Agatha Christie about her extremely interesting life and her brilliant approach to murder mystery. I admire strong women who against all odds, succeed.

A visual artist or band/musician you admire. 

I admire the impressionists and some modern artists like Keith Haring, Salvadore Dali and Picasso. 

Your favorite fictional character.

In the movie The Grey Fox—a story about a fearless stagecoach robber in the days of the wild west—the female interest in the story is a photographer. It is a marvelous story because of how he met this very brave and avant-garde female photographer in the west and how they came together.

Someone worth following on social media. 

Bette Midler because she is bawdy, outrageous, outspoken and smart as hell. My kind of girl.

Your main strength as a marketer/creative. 

I am a dot connector. I can visualize things that go together. I have a strong sense of design and an understanding of how copy should be presented. 

Your biggest weakness. 

Once when asked what my greatest strength was, I said I am direct. What was my greatest weakness? Well, once again, I am direct.

Something people would find surprising about you. 

I like to knit. Of course, I can’t sit down now long enough to do it, but I enjoy it when I do. 

One thing that always makes you happy. 

Eating cookies. 

One thing that always makes you sad. 

Injustice. 

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the cannabis industry.

I would be a comedic actress.