Meet Mahja Sulemanjee-Bortocek | CEO, High Haven Cannabis

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mahja Sulemanjee-Bortocek and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mahja, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What makes me happy is creating happiness for others. Recently a very wise friend asked me how I create happiness in the world. I have thought about this question daily since it was initially brought to my attention. Reminding myself of this daily is a prompt to reflect on the impact my company and I have on the world. From small acts of daily kindness, to leaning towards an empathic approach towards a harsh situation I find it best to remind myself to create happiness for others whenever I have an opportunity to do so.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
No good deed goes unpunished, is what comes to mind here. The work to get a dispensary open in one of the most lucrative and limited states in the country is no easy feet. Over 200 dispensary licenses were issued to social equity applicants in 2021, however only twenty-some have actually been able to open their doors. This statistic is one measure of the difficult climate in the state of Illinois for cannabis retail operators that are not an MSO (Multi-state operator). From funding restrictions in a degrading economy to overbearing compliance requirements High Haven has learned to develop processes and strictly adhere to them. We are the epitome of a small business and our ultimate goal is to create a valuable experience and our customers and employees.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So many great places to visit in Michigan. here are just a few of my favorites: Catching a sunset in Benton Harbor is a must! I love to grab some chocolate covered cherries and watch the magical display in the sky.
Headlands Dark Sky Headlands International Dark Sky Park – Website for Emmet County Headlands International Dark Sky Park (midarkskypark.org)
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland World’s Largest Christmas Store (bronners.com)
Warren Dunes State Park – STATE PARKS USA
Gratzi Midland – Gratzi Midland Restaurant
Meaty’s Roadhouse BBQ & Sausage Shack https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=b51ba227-2f6e-455b-8565-570721e4a994&cp=43.58628~-83.922775&lvl=15&imgid=07e7c92f-fa76-420f-b437-906996e46989&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No family is unaffected by one of its members striving towards a career in entrepreneurship. In fact, to call an entrepreneur a career choice would not be accurate as entrepreneurship is a lifestyle that impacts all those around the entrepreneur. I would not have the success and good fortune in my business today if it were not for the support, encouragement, and patience of my family and friends. I thank them for their love and believing in me. Success is not a path traveled alone. My team has been the backbone of my company. With them by my side we have designed a company with a unique vision and set a new standard in cannabis retail.

Website: https://highhavencannabis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highhavenofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/highhavenllc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HighHavenLLC