Written by Brannan Bell
Meet Alexandria Irons, Queen of the Sungrown. She has rich knowledge through diverse experiences and has a vast love for the outdoors and sungrown cannabis. She helps others step into their own unique paths with their skills and resources . She loves her community and sharing what she knows. The outdoors are very close to her heart and are absolutely vital to cultivating a life she loves. Finding balance and beautiful perspectives, Alexandria opens up about what life was like when she was younger, her love for a plant that has impacted her life greatly and always taking time to make sure she’s nourishing herself, the land, and others around her. Read below, for an honest conversation with lots in between.
Where and how did you grow up? What was life like?
My childhood was a bit unstable, my parents divorced when I was 5 and my mom moved us from North Idaho to Southern California. Despite the chaos at home, we had a lot of fun. I am the oldest of 5 with 4 little brothers and we spent a lot of time riding dirt bikes, swimming in the ocean, and camping.
My early years were marked by a significant amount of change and movement. This relocation marked the beginning of a pattern, as we continually relocated between the two regions throughout my childhood years. Even though there were moments of uncertainty stemming from the ongoing changes, we managed to create a vibrant and joyful childhood space. As the eldest sibling in a bustling household with four younger brothers, adventure was never far away. Our time was filled with exhilarating dirt bike rides, immersive days spent embracing the salty waves of the ocean, and bonding moments around campfires during our camping escapades. This dynamic upbringing, brimming with outdoor adventures and close-knit bonds, has imbued my childhood with a tapestry of rich experiences, woven from threads of joy, adventure, and resilience amidst the flux.
What introduced you to using cannabis as medicine and how has it benefited your life?
As a teenager, I struggled with mental health issues and was prescribed Prozac for depression, anxiety, OCD. After a few months I quit and started smoking cannabis instead. This decision marked a turning point in my personal journey to well- being. Instead of feeling numb, I was able to let go and simply
enjoy life. It allowed me to forget about the things that were eating me up and just be silly, carefree, and work towards happiness. I have been using cannabis medicinally and recreationally since I was 16 and it has helped me create a wonderful life and not get too caught up in overthinking. It has supported me mentally, physically, and financially and I owe my life to this amazing plant.
Switching to cannabis allowed me to break free from a state of numbness, opening a pathway to a more joyful and vibrant existence where I could embrace spontaneity and light-heartedness. It facilitated a space for me where I could set aside burdensome thoughts and immerse myself fully in the present, seeking happiness with a more carefree spirit. Cannabis has truly been a guiding force in my life, providing a multi-faceted support system that I am deeply grateful for. It has been a companion in my journey, helping to carve out a life filled with joy and relative ease amidst life’s complexities. Moreover, it has played a significant role in my financial stability, weaving itself into
various aspects of my life and aiding in crafting a fulfilling and enriched life experience.
You’re a cultivator, educator, student, mother AND advocate. How do you balance doing everything you love?
I am fortunate to have the unwavering support of my husband, who primarily takes care of our son, empowering me to channel my energy towards nurturing my business and fulfilling various roles with
dedication and fervor. His support is a cornerstone that facilitates a harmonious balance in our family dynamics. My personality is characterized by a strong determination and a non-surrendering spirit,
especially when I am passionately pursuing something. This drive fuels me to forge ahead, even in
the face of challenges, without losing sight of my goals. Besides, I hold a firm belief in the importance of self-care. I consciously carve out moments to step back, recharge, and reassess my priorities. This reflective space not only allows me to rejuvenate but also ensures that I am aligning with my true objectives, maintaining a balance that is not just about doing, but being, fully present in each role I
embody.
You are for the people and the plant. How do you help others find exactly what they need, from your own experiences and knowledge?
Everyone does things differently and therefore I take a holistic approach to education, consulting, and living in general. Drawing from a rich well of personal experiences, I engage with people by encouraging them to delve deep and ask themselves the pertinent questions that will guide them in
their journeys. It’s about understanding their individual resources, ambitions, and competencies to carve out a path that is uniquely suited to them. My approach to assistance extends to guiding individuals in cultivating their cannabis, crafting their concentrates and edibles, and even bolstering their business pursuits. The guiding philosophy behind my efforts is to foster a comprehensive
understanding of the interconnectedness of the world, empowering people to make informed decisions tailored to their distinctive circumstances. Recognizing the diversity in ways individuals approach tasks, I adopt a holistic methodology in my educational and consulting endeavors. It is a perspective
that promotes a well-rounded approach to life itself, where the focus is on nurturing a deep-seated understanding that can aid individuals in navigating their paths with wisdom and autonomy.
You’re the queen of the Sungrown. Where did your passion for growing cannabis
outside come from?
The genesis of my passion stems from a profound love for the outdoors, coupled with a spirit of self-sufficiency that drives me to be adept at numerous skills, from gardening and canning to cultivating my personal cannabis plants and mastering the art of extractions. This intrinsic drive to be harmoniously connected with nature has always been a part of me. My academic background in natural science has been significantly reinforced with a myriad of sustainable agriculture courses,
certifications, and conferences, laying a solid foundation for my endeavors. The focus of my
education has always gravitated towards understanding the intricacies of nature, leading to an embrace of outdoor cultivation as a harmonious collaboration with the natural world. Growing outside is growing with nature. Engaging in outdoor cultivation offers a front- row seat to the breathtaking ballet of ecosystems — a dynamic interplay of predatory insects, shifting seasons, the passage of water through diverse soil textures, the migration patterns of animals, and the pulsating life of fungal networks. This vibrant milieu not only fosters a deeper connection with nature but also brings forth cannabis with an enriched spectrum of flavors, a result of the complex chemical interactions occurring
amidst a diverse range of organisms. I love watching predatory insects and seasons change, water move through different soil types, animal migrations, and fungal growth. Being an outdoor grower keeps you in touch with nature and produces more diverse flavor profiles due to the chemical reactions taking place between the diversity of organisms. The interplay between the natural world and your terpene profile is profoundly beautiful and not achievable in an indoor garden. The most potent and sustainable medicine is grown outside and I enjoy every second I spend working outside under the sun. For me, outdoor cultivation is not just a method but a philosophy — a testament to the fact that the most potent and sustainable medicine is nurtured under the open sky, cradled by nature’s rhythms. Every moment spent under the sun, immersed in this labor of love, is a cherished experience, a homage to the profound beauty and complexity of the natural world, offering not only a product but an experience steeped in authenticity and harmony.
How do you truly embody your own Feminine Divine and what does that look like? In what ways do you uniquely embrace it?
Embodying the Feminine Divine in my journey with Queen of the Sun Grown is about nurturing,
creating, and cultivating not just plants, but relationships, communities, and myself as well. It
is a continual process of growth and learning, akin to the gardens that I tend. In my teaching sessions on sustainable cultivation methods, I emphasize a harmonious relationship with the earth. This is where the Feminine Divine comes alive, engaging in a nurturing dialogue with the soil, the plants, and encouraging others to foster a deep, respectful, and intimate connection with Mother Earth. It’s about understanding the natural rhythms, the ebb and flow of nature, and working harmoniously with them, rather than against them.
Ultimately, embracing the Feminine Divine is about balance. Balancing strength with grace,
knowledge with curiosity, and leadership with nurturing. It is a holistic approach, viewing myself,
my business, and my community as a vibrant, growing garden, where each entity, be it a plant, a
person, or an idea, is nurtured to its fullest potential. It is a delicate dance of nurturing and growing, of
being both the caregiver and the cared for, a dance I engage in daily, both in my garden and in my
community. It is a dance that I am continually learning, and it is this dance that embodies my unique embrace of the Feminine Divine.
What’s the most fulfilling part about working with plants every single day & not some 9-5 cut out job?
Embracing the role of my own boss has opened up a world of freedom for me, where I can tailor my schedule to suit my needs and preferences. I absolutely love being my own boss and setting my own schedule. While some days may extend beyond the conventional working hours, the flexibility allows me to prioritize time with my son, seizing spontaneous moments to bond and create memories. An integral part of my job involves being constantly on the move, an aspect that aligns perfectly with my proactive nature. The physicality of the role is not just beneficial for my well-being, but is essentially therapeutic, nurturing both my body and mind, steering clear from the restraint of a sedentary work environment.Having ventured into a 9-5 role in the past, I realized it somewhat limited the scope for an overachiever like me, placing a ceiling on my potential growth and earnings. In contrast, steering my own ship has unleashed boundless opportunities, where the horizons of what I can accomplish, experience, and earn are ever-expanding. It’s a path that has empowered me to transcend traditional boundaries, encouraging an unrestrained pursuit of success defined on my own terms.
Are you a book reader? How do you personally learn?
Absolutely, reading is not just a pastime for me, but a vital method of consuming content with a rhythm that sees me completing around two books weekly. My learning style gravitates more towards visual and hands-on experiences; auditory learning, where I have to assimilate information through listening, often poses a challenge for me. I find that I comprehend concepts more efficiently when I engage with them through reading and practical application.
If you could go back and say anything to your younger self, what would you say to her?
ounger self, what would you say to her? I’d urge her to foster a balance — to remain open and trusting but coupled with a wise discernment that helps in protecting her resources and energy. This way, she could build a path that is not only rich in connections but also safeguarded against those looking to exploit her kindness and generosity.
How are you creating a life you love, on your own terms?
I am consciously crafting a life rhythm where work and play harmonize seamlessly. It’s a rhythm guided by my instincts and preferences, allowing me the freedom to immerse myself in work at moments of inspiration and engage in play when my spirit seeks joy and relaxation. Central to this lifestyle is the abundant time I allocate for the people and activities that nourish my soul. It’s a life brimming with warm hugs, hearty laughter, and the invigorating energy of the great outdoors. I firmly believe in the doctrine of self-determination, understanding that the onus is on me to shape my life in a way that resonates with my true self. It’s a journey of continuous balance, seizing the reins and being the architect of my own happiness, understanding that it’s a personal responsibility to cultivate a life that is both fulfilling and joyous, characterized by autonomy, connection, and a deep-seated joy derived from living on my own terms.
