In a world where luxury meets wellness, Sarah Glasser has carved out a niche with her boutique, YENology.
Located in Frontenac, YENology offers an exquisite array of high-end cannabis smoking accessories and other products that promote peace and relaxation that range from high-quality essential oils to handmade jewelry and artwork.
Glasser’s journey from a family law practitioner to the founder of this innovative business is a testament to her dedication to wellness and her desire to change the stigma around cannabis use.
Glasser’s interest in cannabis began while practicing family law, where she observed how cannabis issues influenced custody and divorce cases. This piqued her curiosity, leading her to attend conferences in Colorado and California to learn more about the industry.
During this time, she met Dr. Mimi Vo, an internal medicine specialist, who shared insights about how cannabis affected patients, further fueling Glasser’s interest. As the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Glasser began to wind down her law practice, and both she and Vo considered applying for a license to own and operate their own cannabis facility. “We ended up not getting the license, which turned out to be a blessing,” Glasser says. It opened the door for Glasser to open YENology and focus on advocating for not only the cannabis industry as a whole but specifically women in the industry.
Along with friend and fellow advocate Tammy Puyear, Glasser became a founding member of the nonprofit We Are JAINE to further empower women in the cannabis industry. “When you look at the stats, there are very few women business owners who hold a license in the industry,” Puyear says. “We created this organization where women can come together to support each other with everything that has to do with the cannabis industry, from connecting them with job openings to preparing those who want to go into the industry.”
The YENology Experience
YENology was born from Glasser’s longstanding desire to open a boutique featuring high-end smoking accessories that were otherwise hard to find. She wanted a space where women could feel comfortable exploring and asking questions about CBD and THC products and accessories in a welcoming, health-focused environment.
“This isn’t a head shop where it’s very overwhelming and intimidating with stuff everywhere,” Glasser shared. “Instead, I wanted to create an environment that focuses on overall health and wellness where people feel comfortable coming in and asking questions about using CBD or THC.”
The name YENology combines “YEN” (meaning ‘strong desire’) with “-ology” (‘the study of’), reflecting the boutique’s mission to help individuals find peace and relaxation. Beyond smoking accessories, YENology offers an array of products designed to promote tranquility, including incense, essential oils, candles, and original artwork.
YENology’s ambiance is meticulously crafted to be bright, open, and peaceful. The custom-made vinyl art on the store’s windows adds a welcoming touch. Inside, a water feature enhances the calming atmosphere.
The boutique also hosts community events, such as yoga classes, sound therapy, and guided meditation sessions, emphasizing the connection between cannabis, health, and wellness.
Glasser’s commitment to supporting women- and minority-owned businesses is evident in her carefully curated product selection. “Eighty-five percent of the companies we carry are women-owned or minority-owned,” she says. “That was really important to me.” She has personally connected with nearly every owner of the products that the boutique carries, some of which are nationally renowned names in the luxury cannabis accessory industry.
Constantly on the lookout for new, high-quality products, Glasser says her favorite brands include Cedar and Myrrh, known for its handmade incense. Her dedication to discovering and offering unique products has created a supportive community among her vendors.
Changing the Stigma
A significant part of YENology’s mission is addressing the stigma around cannabis use.
“The goal is to change the stigma of the use of plant medicine,” Glasser says. “It doesn’t matter who you are; you shouldn’t be ashamed if you are using cannabis. Just having a store that is comfortable, non-intimidating, with beautiful items, helps.”
Puyear suggests that YENology’s location also helps break down stereotypes and barriers in the industry. “Frontenac is a very affluent area, where you may not necessarily think something cannabis-friendly would exist,” she says. “The boutique’s placement there and the way that it looks and feels already does so much to destigmatize cannabis.”
With YENology, Glasser has created more than a boutique; she has established a sanctuary for those seeking peace and luxury. Her vision continues to empower and educate, fostering a community that embraces the beauty and benefits of cannabis.
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of YENology. Visit YENology at 903 S. Lindbergh, Suite 110, in Frontenac, or learn more online and view products at yen-ology.com.
