Meet Phillip Galvani of HellaWicked Smoke Shop in Framingham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Galvani.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Phillip. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
HellaWicked Inc. was born of a mind rooted in art and altered by physical challenges. I am the son of an artist and was raised in an environment that encouraged and appreciated creativity and alternative thinking. I am also a handicapped individual making my way through the world. Suffering from Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome, I am afflicted by regular bone dislocations, muscular problems, and chronic pain. I have undergone and continue to undergo multiple surgeries to provide temporary relief from dislocations.

During a break between surgeries, I formed HellaWicked Inc. in 2010 after I went on a solo cross-country road trip to discover America. The trip began in Massachusetts, took a detour in Florida, and lead me to California and ended back in New England at its starting point. It was a trip that I will never forget and never recommend to anyone to attempt. It was a trip that exposed me to Americana, its people, its landscape, and its glass art. It was a trip that awoke my spirit and inspired my desire to share local glass art with the entire country and unite people who share a passion for art and American craftsmanship.

Upon my return home, I started HellaWicked Inc. with the help of my family and friends. HellaWicked’s team now includes Schn00ginz, a master of laws, Aaron and a couple of computer whizes named Joe and Pat. Bringing together the sarcasm, wit and style of Boston with the relaxed lifestyle of California, the HellaWicked team is focused on bringing the best quality American glass to appreciative individuals from the East Coast, the West Coast, and everywhere in between, and we think that’s pretty HellaWicked! Some 7 years later, thanks to the changes in marijuana laws and social shifts throughout the country, and eventually here in Massachusetts, I was able to open a storefront location for HellaWicked.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This hasn’t been a smooth ride at any point in time. Between the legality and stigma associated with my industry, not to mention my own health issues, it sure hasn’t been easy. Luckily, Massachusetts has been leading the East Coast marijuana movement. The state’s attitude and policies have shifted as quickly as many West Coast states which are legalizing and decriminalizing use. Through these legal victories and a slow shaking off the stigma pegged on our products, we’ve been able to open our storefront and operate with much less fear. Patience has been key to building this company, as it took 9 years for us to open the storefront, due to these challenges.

I can’t even begin to count the number of “No’s” and “You’ll never make its” I heard throughout much of the start of my journey. These roadblocks continued through the process of opening a storefront. Property owners were extremely cautious because they were not entirely confident in the legality and were still holding onto an older, “reefer madness” mindset. With that said, being a business owner is about rising to the challenges and figuring out the best solution with what you have. I have been blessed with ability to negotiate and clearly focus on tasks to get clarity on situations and remedy issues. Finally, my success would not be possible without the great support system I have built around me.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the HellaWicked Smoke Shop story. Tell us more about the business.
HellaWicked Inc. started as an e-commerce site, www.HellaWicked.com, 8 years ago, shipping to all 50 states. With some help and tons of hard work, we were able to get highly sought-after brands like Medicali and Custom Creations, and built a strong search engine optimization around that. After growing the company, and thanks to the changes in marijuana laws and social shifts in Massachusetts, I was able to open a storefront location for HellaWicked. Located in the heart of Framingham, in the Dennison Complex at 2 Bishop Street, across from Jack’s Abby Brewery, HellaWicked holds the largest glass selection in the Metrowest County. In our spacious, sunny store, we showcase quality products for our customers, and help them find a piece of art or a pipe that best suits their needs. The work is rewarding and has even allowed us to expand our accessories collection, exponentially. Having been in the industry for nearly a decade, I have built a network of relationships with many talented artists, and am proud to sell each and every piece in my store. These relationships have been crucial in providing my customers the best bang for their buck, while still purchasing quality products.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve had my fair share of amazing luck, and unbelievable horrible luck too, but I think it’s all made me a stronger business owner. I don’t rely on luck for my accomplishments, rather information and instinct. In general, I am lucky to have friends and family to rely on; my mom and girlfriend help me out a lot at the store, and my father and sister provide great assistance as well.

Contact Info:

• Address: HellaWicked Inc.
  2 Bishop Street
  Framingham, MA 01702
• Website: www.HellaWicked.com
• Phone: 508-202-0771
• Email: info@hellawicked.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hellawickedinc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/HellaWickedInc
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/hellawickedinc
• Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/hellawicked-smoke-shop-framingham

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