Breaking the Stigma: The Story of Gina Miller, Taylor Smith, and East Leaf Dispensary
By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo
In this enlightening episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis visits East Leaf Dispensary in Cheektowaga, NY, to sit down with co-owner Gina Miller and team member Taylor Smith to talk about entrepreneurship, education, and breaking long-held stigmas surrounding cannabis. From navigating one of New York State’s newest industries to fostering community trust, their story reflects both the challenges and promise of a changing landscape.
From Corporate to Cannabis
Before opening East Leaf, Gina built a decade-long career at GEICO, moving from customer service to management—an experience that sharpened her leadership and organizational skills. Alongside her husband and business partner, Glenn, she also owned and operated Southgate Liquors in West Seneca for over 12 years.
When New York State legalized cannabis and introduced priority licensing for justice-involved applicants, Gina and Glenn saw an opportunity to merge their experience in a highly regulated industry with a meaningful mission. “We always wanted to own a business together,” Gina shared. “When the cannabis opportunity came up, it felt like the right next step.”
Building from the Ground Up
Launching a dispensary from scratch wasn’t easy. From shifting state regulations to the lack of a clear blueprint for operations, East Leaf faced many of the challenges that come with being a first mover. “The hardest part of opening this was finding your network, finding your people,” Gina reflected. “There’s no playbook—it’s all new, and you have to build your team as you go.”
She credits her resilience and her partnerships—including with StaffBuffalo, which helped her source and build her team—with helping turn that uncertainty into success. “It’s not an overnight process,” she said. “You have to be adaptable and committed to the long game.”
Educating Through Experience
At just 22 years old, Taylor Smith has become one of East Leaf’s most trusted educators. Starting as a day-one team member while still in college at UB, she quickly developed expertise through vendor trainings, product research, and customer engagement. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” she explained. “My job is to help people feel comfortable and confident—to learn, not to judge.”
Taylor emphasizes a personalized approach: “I ask how they want to consume, what they’re hoping to feel, and then guide them from there. Every product and person is different.” Her commitment to education helps customers make informed choices, especially those new to cannabis who may still carry decades of stigma or fear.
A Mission of Representation and Community
As one of Western New York’s few locally owned and woman-led dispensaries, East Leaf stands apart by staying true to its community roots. The shop’s inviting, boutique-style design and knowledgeable staff make the experience approachable for everyone—from seasoned consumers to first-time visitors.
“We’re not absentee owners. We have no outside investors,” Gina said. “We’re here every day, building relationships and representing what small business really looks like.”
From Stigma to Trust
For both Gina and Taylor, one of the biggest goals is normalization—showing that cannabis can be a responsible, safe, and empowering industry. “For years, people had to hide their use,” Taylor said. “Now, they can come into a welcoming space, ask questions, and leave with knowledge.”
Gina agrees: “We’re helping to rewrite the narrative—from fear and misinformation to education and openness.”
Expanding Horizons
With the success of their Cheektowaga flagship, East Leaf is already expanding—opening a second location in East Aurora by late summer. Both stores will maintain the same commitment to education, community, and high-quality, New York–grown products.
At StaffBuffalo, we’re proud to spotlight entrepreneurs like Gina and Taylor who are reshaping industries through authenticity, education, and perseverance. Just as East Leaf brings transparency and trust to cannabis, we help businesses build stronger teams and lasting impact across Western New York.
To learn more or visit East Leaf, stop by 2442 Clinton Street, Cheektowaga, explore their live menu at eastleafdispensary.com, or download the East Leaf App to browse products, place online orders, and schedule delivery.