Behind the Innovation: An Interview with Sunny, Artrix's Business Development Manager

Welcome to "Behind the Innovation," where we spotlight the brilliant minds at Artrix. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Sunny Yang—a dynamic BD Manager with a flair for music and a unique personal touch. With his passion for the cannabis industry, Sunny plays a pivotal role in client expansion and product innovation. Join us as we delve into Sunny's journey, how he merges work with hobbies, and his inspiring vision for the future of vaping.

Part 1: From Guangzhou to Green Ventures

Hello Sunny! We’re thrilled to have you with us. Can you share a bit about your background?

• Hey! I’m Sunny Yang, and my journey started in Guangzhou, China, before life took me to the US at the age of 13. I’m a sports junkie, a hip-hop enthusiast, and a dedicated cannabis lover. My top sports? Soccer, basketball, and football—can’t get enough of them. When it comes to music, I’m all in with Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, and Lil Yachty on repeat. And in the world of cannabis, Runtz is the strain that hits just right for me.

What kind of experiences did you have before diving into the cannabis industry?

• I wrapped up my studies at UC Davis in 2022 and jumped into my first job at a cannabis packaging company. It was a total curveball because working in this industry wasn’t on my radar at all. But during my interview, the boss showed me this slick glass jar with a hidden LED light inside, perfect for showcasing flowers at dispensaries. It was love at first sight! I knew right then that I had to be a part of this, so I took the job without hesitation.

Part 2: The Apple Bong Awakening

How did you first come across cannabis?

• Ah, my freshman year at UC Davis—what a time. After a party one night, I spotted my neighbors puffing on something mysterious outside our apartment. Naturally, my roommate and I were curious, so we asked what was up. They were super chill and handed us a few buds. We had no clue how to smoke it, so we got creative and made an apple bong. The result? Let’s just say I was out like a light and slept like a baby.

How did you develop a passion for cannabis?

• At first, cannabis was my one-way ticket to nap city, thanks to a low tolerance and maybe overdoing it a bit. But it did wonders for my sleep, and there were no bad side effects. As I built up my tolerance, I found myself loving all sorts of activities while stoned—munching on food, cranking out essays, even attending lectures. When COVID hit and everything went online, rolling joints during class became my new normal. Sounds wild, but that was just the college life for me.

In what ways has cannabis influenced your life and career?

• Cannabis has been my guide to self-expression. Growing up in the Chinese education system, we were taught to keep emotions in check—never too happy, sad, or anything in between. But cannabis flipped that script for me. It gave me the courage to show my true feelings and not care so much about what others think. Over time, I’ve become more emotionally free, whether I’m stoned or sober.

Part 3: The Perfect Blend—Finding My Place in Cannabis

What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in the cannabis industry?

• After graduating, I dipped my toes into a few different industries, but nothing quite clicked until I interviewed with my previous company. That’s when I realized my passion for cannabis was more than just a hobby. My love for hip-hop and sports, both deeply intertwined with cannabis culture, along with my bilingual skills in English and Mandarin, made this industry feel like home. It was like all the pieces of the puzzle finally came together.

Can you tell us about any standout moments or experiences in your career so far?

• Attending MJBIZCON last year was an unforgettable experience. It was my debut as an exhibitor, and I was blown away by the sheer innovation and the energy of cannabis enthusiasts from all over the globe. What really caught me off guard, though, was seeing so many fellow Asians in the industry—especially given how taboo cannabis is in many Asian countries. The cherry on top? Meeting Artrix and discovering DabGo for the first time. I remember thinking, "Wow, this product is a game-changer; this brand is on to something special."

What made you decide to join Artrix?

• During my interview, CEO Chris mentioned how much he admired Netflix’s company culture, and that really struck a chord with me. I’m all about embracing new experiences, learning from mistakes, and being unafraid to start from scratch to achieve something great. Beyond that, Artrix is an incredible platform with a team that’s as knowledgeable about cannabis as they are about vaping. In my previous job, I was often the one doing the teaching, but at Artrix, I’m constantly learning and growing. It’s the perfect environment for me to thrive and make a real impact in the cannabis industry.

What is your role at Artrix? What are your primary responsibilities?

• As the Business Development Manager at Artrix, my main focus is on developing new sales channels—including the black market—and leveraging our existing resources to create maximum value for our clients. It’s all about connecting the dots and driving growth.

Part 4: A Tour of My Artrix Must-Haves

With so many great products at Artrix, which ones are your favorites, and why?

• DabGo: As much as I love flower, I wasn’t really into the whole concentrate scene at first. The extra devices felt like a hassle. But DabGo? It’s a game-changer. Now I can dab on the go, whenever I want, without sacrificing any of those rich, flavorful terpenes or missing out on that sweet entourage effect.
• Bony: Bony isn’t just another 510 battery—it’s like a piece of jewelry that just happens to power your vape. It’s perfect for those times when you need to be discreet, like at a concert with tight security. And the best part? It pairs perfectly with top-shelf oils like live rosin, which is pretty much the gold standard in my book.
• Cubox: I’m all about the Cubox’s tiny but powerful design. It’s smaller than my palm, which means it’s super portable, and the postless design is a stroke of genius—no oil gets wasted, ever. Plus, the oil clarity is so good, it’s practically mesmerizing.

Part 5: Sunny’s Vision—Cannabis and the Road Ahead

How do you see the future of the cannabis industry evolving?

• I’m convinced that federal legalization is just a matter of time, but it’s going to be a bumpy ride to get there. The path will be full of twists and turns, but I’m here for it. My focus is on working with our strategic consulting team and management to keep innovating and delivering top-tier products to both our consumers and B2B clients.

What are some of your personal goals at Artrix or in the cannabis industry in general?

• Beyond the financial gains, I’m passionate about advocating for non-violent cannabis offenders and pushing for cannabis legalization in Asia. It’s about changing mindsets and opening up new possibilities in places where cannabis is still a taboo. I’d love to see more acceptance and understanding of this plant across Asia.

Part 6: Life Beyond the Grind—What Fuels Sunny’s Fire

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

• When I’m not working, I’m all about sports—soccer, basketball, flag football, you name it. I’ve also got a soft spot for music and spent some time creating hip-hop tracks a couple of years back, just for fun. And let’s not forget my YouTube addiction, where I spend way too much time watching weedtubers break down everything cannabis.

How have these hobbies influenced your career?

• My years of playing soccer have shaped me into someone who values discipline, efficient time management, and perseverance—all crucial elements in my career. Plus, the strong ties between sports, hip-hop, and cannabis culture have given me a unique perspective on the industry. It’s this blend of influences that helps me bring a fresh approach to my work in the cannabis world.

Have more questions? Wanna know more about Sunny or Artrix? Watch the YouTube interview here and join the talk!!!