Jersey City is the ‘Cream’ of the crop thanks to these two cannabis-loving husbands
In the heart of Jersey City, a unique and swanky cannabis dispensary named Cream is redefining the local cannabis scene. Owned and operated by husbands AJ Prasaguet and Heinrich Badenhorst, along with Nicole and John Caracciola, Cream is more than a dispensary—it's a vision of inclusivity, quality, and community engagement. Here's a glimpse into the journey of AJ and Heinrich, the inspiration behind Cream, and their aspirations for the future.A Love Story and a PartnershipAJ and Heinrich's love story began in San Francisco, where AJ managed hotels and Heinrich immersed himself in the creative world of design work. Their paths crossed serendipitously, and they fell in love nearly instantly. The synergy between AJ’s operational prowess and Heinrich’s design sensibilities has been the bedrock of their personal and professional lives, and it encouraged them to embark on an exciting business venture together.Journey into the Cannabis IndustryHeinrich had a long-standing passion for cannabis. He was intrigued by the plant's potential and was driven to break the stigma surrounding it. His and AJ’s search for the perfect location to launch their dispensary took them across New Jersey, but it was Jersey City that captured their hearts. The city's vibrant and welcoming vibe resonated with them and matched the spirit of their brand. "We knew immediately that Jersey City was where we wanted to call home and build our dream," Heinrich says.Business and Community EngagementAs a gay married couple, AJ and Heinrich's relationship has reinforced the value of partnership and collaboration, which they bring into their business. This dynamic is evident in their community engagement efforts where they actively seek out partnerships with local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. They believe that by working together and leveraging their strengths, they can achieve great things.Overcoming ChallengesAs in any business venture, opening Cream was fraught with challenges, from navigating stringent legal and regulatory requirements to shifting public perceptions about cannabis. Financially, sustaining their vision without immediate revenue was daunting, and the logistical issues of finding the right location and managing construction were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these obstacles tested their patience and determination but ultimately strengthened their resolve to succeed.The Name “Cream”The name “Cream” was inspired during a visit to Atlantic City. While enjoying Cookies and Cream ice cream, Wu-Tang Clan’s song “Cash Rules Everything Around Me” started playing, and everything clicked. "Cream" symbolizes their aim to be a premium, sophisticated brand while maintaining a fun, approachable vibe. It’s about excellence, community, and breaking new ground in the cannabis industry.Balancing Personal and Professional LifeBalancing their marriage with their professional partnership requires clear boundaries and open communication. The men make a conscious effort to separate work from home life, ensuring dedicated time for date nights, personal relaxation, and travel.Enjoying the Journey TogetherFor AJ and Heinrich, the most enjoyable part of their journey is working together with a shared sense of purpose to build something meaningful. "Every milestone we achieve feels more rewarding because we’re doing it side by side, supporting each other every step of the way," Heinrich said.Future AspirationsLooking ahead, AJ and Heinrich are focused on developing Cream as a lifestyle brand that extends beyond the dispensary. They would like to launch consumption lounges across the USA where people can enjoy cannabis in a safe, social environment. They envision these spaces as community hubs where education, culture, and connection come together, enhancing the overall cannabis experience and fostering a sense of community.
In the heart of Jersey City, a unique and swanky cannabis dispensary named Cream is redefining the local cannabis scene. Owned and operated by husbands AJ Prasaguet and Heinrich Badenhorst, along with Nicole and John Caracciola, Cream is more than a dispensary—it's a vision of inclusivity, quality, and community engagement. Here's a glimpse into the journey of AJ and Heinrich, the inspiration behind Cream, and their aspirations for the future.
A Love Story and a Partnership
AJ and Heinrich's love story began in San Francisco, where AJ managed hotels and Heinrich immersed himself in the creative world of design work. Their paths crossed serendipitously, and they fell in love nearly instantly. The synergy between AJ’s operational prowess and Heinrich’s design sensibilities has been the bedrock of their personal and professional lives, and it encouraged them to embark on an exciting business venture together.
Journey into the Cannabis Industry
Heinrich had a long-standing passion for cannabis. He was intrigued by the plant's potential and was driven to break the stigma surrounding it. His and AJ’s search for the perfect location to launch their dispensary took them across New Jersey, but it was Jersey City that captured their hearts. The city's vibrant and welcoming vibe resonated with them and matched the spirit of their brand. "We knew immediately that Jersey City was where we wanted to call home and build our dream," Heinrich says.
Business and Community Engagement
As a gay married couple, AJ and Heinrich's relationship has reinforced the value of partnership and collaboration, which they bring into their business. This dynamic is evident in their community engagement efforts where they actively seek out partnerships with local organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. They believe that by working together and leveraging their strengths, they can achieve great things.
Overcoming Challenges
As in any business venture, opening Cream was fraught with challenges, from navigating stringent legal and regulatory requirements to shifting public perceptions about cannabis. Financially, sustaining their vision without immediate revenue was daunting, and the logistical issues of finding the right location and managing construction were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these obstacles tested their patience and determination but ultimately strengthened their resolve to succeed.
The Name “Cream”
The name “Cream” was inspired during a visit to Atlantic City. While enjoying Cookies and Cream ice cream, Wu-Tang Clan’s song “Cash Rules Everything Around Me” started playing, and everything clicked. "Cream" symbolizes their aim to be a premium, sophisticated brand while maintaining a fun, approachable vibe. It’s about excellence, community, and breaking new ground in the cannabis industry.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Balancing their marriage with their professional partnership requires clear boundaries and open communication. The men make a conscious effort to separate work from home life, ensuring dedicated time for date nights, personal relaxation, and travel.
Enjoying the Journey Together
For AJ and Heinrich, the most enjoyable part of their journey is working together with a shared sense of purpose to build something meaningful. "Every milestone we achieve feels more rewarding because we’re doing it side by side, supporting each other every step of the way," Heinrich said.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, AJ and Heinrich are focused on developing Cream as a lifestyle brand that extends beyond the dispensary. They would like to launch consumption lounges across the USA where people can enjoy cannabis in a safe, social environment. They envision these spaces as community hubs where education, culture, and connection come together, enhancing the overall cannabis experience and fostering a sense of community.
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