Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has a historical reputation for having one of the highest crime rates in America across various community sizes. Despite these challenges, Dreka Gates has emerged as a notable business owner, hailing from this city and embodying a spirit of success.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 380 out of every 100,000 Black adults become business owners. Gates is among this select group, demonstrating determination and ambition. Rather than succumbing to setbacks or dwindling support, she transformed disappointment into a driving passion, using it to fuel her entrepreneurial journey.
Building Multiple Ventures
Gates has become a multifaceted leader, owning several businesses and establishing herself as a social media influencer, model, YouTuber, and gardener. Instead of giving up in the face of adversity, she started building her own empire.
In under two decades, Gates has amassed an impressive portfolio, co-founding the Bread Winners’ Association music label, which manages a roster of musical talents. She has produced EPs, albums, and mixtapes, effectively elevating performers from modest beginnings to platinum-selling status.
Initially hesitant about social media, Gates quickly gained traction, amassing over three million engaged followers. Her influence continued to grow as she ventured into the cannabis industry.
Innovation in the Cannabis Industry
In 2021, Gates co-founded BE Provisions, a cannabis cultivation and dispensary startup located in Cassopolis, Michigan, along with launching Jungle Love (cannabis) and Jungle Healing (CBD and Delta 8). She also launched DREKA, a wellness company offering bath, skin, and hair products, while her family operates a 40-acre blueberry farm in Mississippi.
A visit to BE Provisions in 2022 allowed for insight into their cultivation and dispensary operations. Gates, alongside the director of cultivation, showcased the business, emphasizing the holistic benefits of cannabis. The company’s commitment to community and wellness resonated deeply.
A Day in Dreka Gates’ Life
When asked about her career before entering the cannabis industry, Gates reflected on her 15 years in the music sector, notably developing and managing multi-platinum artist Kevin Gates. This experience, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, laid a solid foundation for her current ventures.
Gates’ passion for nature and its healing properties drove her to embrace the cannabis industry. She believes in changing the stigma surrounding cannabis use, citing its potential as a safer alternative for managing anxiety and chronic pain.
Her partnership with BE Provisions began after taking several cannabis courses in 2017, which prepared her for this new venture. The alignment of values and goals among the partners solidified the collaboration, focusing on community development and job creation.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, BE Provisions has several initiatives, including the recent opening of a new location in Crystal, Michigan, and plans to expand into additional areas like Battle Creek and Niles. Gates is also preparing to launch a dispensary in Mississippi, highlighting the growing opportunities within the state’s cannabis landscape.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Gates remains committed to her mission of community impact and education, aiming to shift perceptions about cannabis and its benefits.
