Branding for Bethany Niebaur: A Bold, Feminine Identity in the Emerging Cannabis Consulting Industry

When it comes to branding, few industries are as ripe for creative distinction as the rapidly evolving cannabis sector. For Bethany Niebaur, an experienced cannabis compliance professional venturing into the world of freelance cannabis consulting, standing out was paramount. At the time, Colorado’s recreational cannabis market was still young, and most businesses in the field stuck to the same tried-and-true color palette: green. But Bethany was different, and she wanted her brand to reflect that uniqueness.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

Bethany’s vision was clear: she wanted a brand that conveyed power and authority while remaining approachable and personal. As a consultant, she needed a logo and identity that would resonate with cannabis business owners and entrepreneurs, especially in a field with higher-than-average female ownership. At the same time, the brand had to be classy, sophisticated, and distinctly feminine—qualities not often found in cannabis branding at the time.

Design Approach: Organic, Fluid, and Feminine

Font Selection: Organic Meets Modern

Starting with a blank canvas, I focused on making Bethany’s brand feel personal and organic, something that larger corporate cannabis brands lacked. The typeface I selected, Imogen Agnes, was key to creating that organic, hand-crafted feeling. This script-like font, with its fluid strokes and handwritten appearance, perfectly embodied the personal touch that Bethany was looking for. By placing her name in this font and arranging it like a signature, the logotype instantly conveyed a sense of authenticity.

To balance the fluidity of Imogen Agnes, I paired it with the clean, modern sans-serif Bebas Neue for the “Cannabis Consulting” text. The contrast between the two fonts provided both readability and a sense of modernity, ensuring the logotype felt fresh and up-to-date.

Color Palette: Royalty Meets Feminine Strength

One of the most distinctive elements of this project was the conscious decision to avoid the typical green used by most cannabis brands. Instead, I chose a deep, luxurious purple as the base color—a nod to royalty, power, and sophistication. Purple (C65 M100 Y40 K50) is often associated with luxury, while a bright raspberry color (C20, M100, Y60, K05) was used as an accent to bring warmth and a feminine touch to the design.

To round out the palette, I introduced a darker blue (C80, M75, Y35, K20) for a sense of professionalism and a light blue (C50, M0, Y5, K0) to add balance and serenity. Together, these colors conveyed strength, elegance, and approachability—traits that would appeal to both women entrepreneurs and business owners in the cannabis space.

The Logo in Action: Simplicity and Power

I began the logo design in black and white to ensure the form was strong before introducing any color. By stacking Bethany’s name above the words “Cannabis Consulting” in a clean, open layout, I created a design that was both powerful and easy to read. The negative space played an important role in the overall aesthetic, giving the logo room to breathe while maintaining visual weight.

Texture and Pattern: Adding a Touch of Luxury

Once the basic design was solidified, I turned to texture and patterns to enhance the luxurious feel of the brand. The logo was placed over a radial gradient, transitioning from light blue to a deep purple, to give the design depth and elegance. A geometric, low-poly pattern was used to add an abstract, trendy feel, while its white, mono-weight lines resembled the facets of a precious gem—further reinforcing the theme of luxury and refinement.

Business Cards: A Tangible Representation of the Brand

For the business cards, I wanted to create something that felt unique, just like the brand. Opting for a portrait orientation instead of the traditional landscape format, I placed the logo at the top third of one side and Bethany’s contact information in the deep purple color at the bottom. On the reverse, I used the same geometric pattern as a backdrop, with “Cannabis Consulting” placed at the top and the list of services highlighted in raspberry-colored bullet points. The final result was a sleek, professional card that stood out from the competition.

Client Impact: Success in a Competitive Market

Bethany was thrilled with the final product, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Not only did she receive compliments on her new brand, but she also referred me to others in the cannabis industry looking for a similar touch. The bold, feminine identity set her apart from competitors, and the design reflected the quality and expertise she brought to the table as a cannabis consultant.

Conclusion: Creating a Unique Cannabis Brand Identity

This project was a true testament to the power of design to reflect both personal values and industry trends. By carefully craftin6g a logo that blended organic elements, sophisticated typography, and a luxurious color palette, I was able to help Bethany Niebaur establish a brand identity that was both personal and professional, powerful and approachable. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, it’s exciting to see how this branding has helped Bethany carve out her niche and build lasting relationships with cannabis business owners and entrepreneurs.

Branding an Individual