Skills
About
With more than fifteen years of seasoned public relations and strategic communications expertise, Cynthia brings a critical level of professionalism to her abilities as a trusted adviser and consultant to today's cannabis industry. Cynthia has managed national and international campaigns that have successfully improved overall valuations and complete image enhancement for industries that range from gaming in Las Vegas, the runways of New York Fashion Week, globally renowned nonprofits and national trade organizations, to government bodies in our nation's capital. She has worked with the United Arab Emirates, Fortune 500 brands such as Harley Davidson and Nascar, Carl Icahn's American Casino and Entertainment Properties as well as direct experience with the Department of Defense. Within cannabis, Cynthia assisted in the launch of Cannafundr which was acquired by MJIC, as well as founded the Salar Media Group which was recently acquired by KCSA Strategic Communications, where she is now partner. She also founded AxisWire and the STAR Source Locator, as well as co-founded the industry's financial news site Green Market Report and the women's network Industry Power Women. Broad knowledge of, and experience in, international communications, media relations, strategic planning, crisis communications, branding, operations research, and analysis have defined her talents in operating successful campaigns for both the private and public sectors in the U.S. and international arena. This skill set has assisted in reversing the stigma in cannabis to help propel and advance the perception for better market conditions. Cynthia has held placements in the areas of international affairs and public policy in Washington, DC. These experiences yielded specific knowledge and proficiency in the implementation of policy objectives and public affairs programs, multinational corporation communication, stakeholder engagement, as well as international and government relations.
Cynthia Salarizadeh
Published content
expert panel
Strong brands know that perception and trust reveal more than any quarterly report. Sales may rise and fall, but a brand’s true health lies in how it’s perceived, remembered and trusted. The strongest brands look beyond surface-level metrics to uncover the real signals of loyalty, credibility and cultural resonance. Measuring that pulse requires both instinct and analysis — understanding not just the numbers, but the stories behind them. Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members share the key metrics and strategies they use to gauge brand vitality. Their insights reveal how to interpret meaningful data, strengthen consumer trust and build a brand that thrives in the eyes of its audience.
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In an industry where advertising is constrained, earned media through cannabis trade outlets has become one of the most effective and strategic tools a brand can deploy.
expert panel
Behind nearly every successful entrepreneur is a web of mentors, peers and trusted advisors who provided guidance when it mattered most. Whether it’s by helping you sharpen your skills, offering honest feedback or giving you the courage to take a leap, the right support network can accelerate both personal and professional growth. But mentorship isn’t one-size-fits-all — it can come from seasoned leaders, peers in other industries or even younger professionals who bring fresh perspectives. What matters most is cultivating relationships built on trust, honesty and shared values. Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members reflect on how mentorship and community influenced their paths and share advice on finding the right support for yours.
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In our capitalist world, few things open doors like access to funds.
expert panel
Sometimes scaling quickly isn't the best path forward. While it's every company's hope to grow, what many companies may not realize is that quick, explosive growth might not actually be the best way to scale. Though some companies may not have a choice if they experience sudden “overnight” success, those actively looking to skyrocket in popularity and sales need to consider a few important points first. Below, 11 business leaders from Rolling Stone Culture Council list some of the points an entrepreneur should be concerned about if they’re looking to grow their company quickly, and offer their best tips for scaling successfully in the long term.
expert panel
These brands are great examples of how to tell your story right. Effective branding occurs when a consumer can think of a company and an image immediately comes to mind. These companies can evoke certain feelings and produce certain thoughts in customers’ minds all while telling a story well enough to convince those customers they need that product or service. All of these elements are what make a brand memorable, and to achieve that status for your company, you’ll need to study other successful brands. To help you, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council shared a few examples of brands that really nailed their respective stories and how they did it.
Company details
House of Saka, Inc.
Company bio
House of Saka was founded in 2018 when cannabis industry insider, Cynthia Salarizadeh and wine industry veteran, Tracey Mason , came together with a mission to create the world’s most advanced line of luxury, cannabis-infused products made by and for women. Discovering a shared passion for wine, beauty products and the boundless properties of the sacred cannabis plant, the pair assembled an unparalleled group of powerful females from the both the cannabis and wine industries to help bring their mission to life and provide the foundation on which it could flourish. Launched in October of 2019, House of Saka’s Infused Beverages combines the magic of the Napa Valley with state-of-the-art infusion technology for a truly elevated cannabis experience. Sophisticated, social and simply delicious, Saka PINK and Saka WHITE deliver on the promise for a luxury infused product made by and for women that exceed expectations and help bring cannabis occasions into the mainstream.