What if sales were not about convincing someone to buy, but about actually helping them feel better?
That question stayed with Lindsay French long after she walked away from her fast-paced corporate sales job. She had been successful on paper, hitting numbers and climbing the ladder. But something always felt off. The pressure to sell did not leave room for honesty, connection, or care. So when she left that world, she brought the best parts of it with her and left the rest behind.
Today, Lindsay runs Hippie & French, a cannabis boutique in Pittsburgh that’s nothing like a typical retail experience. Instead of pushing products, she listens. She educates. She meets people where they are and helps them figure out what might truly work for them. It’s not about the sale, it’s about the person.
From Sales Floor to Support System
Lindsay’s years in sales taught her how to talk to people, but more importantly, how not to talk to them. She saw what happens when selling becomes the goal instead of a tool. She didn’t want to pitch people. She wanted to support them.
At Hippie & French, she leads with curiosity. When someone new walks in, she doesn’t dive into product talk. Instead, she asks what brought them in, what they are dealing with, and what they are hoping to feel.
Instead of pushing products, she listens, then recommends something that actually fits. Whether it’s pain, sleep issues, or stress, her advice is based on real conversations, not marketing tactics.
This kind of approach builds trust fast. People don’t feel pressured; they feel heard. And that’s exactly the kind of experience Lindsay wished she had when she was navigating her own healing journey.
The Power of Just Being Honest
Lindsay knows firsthand how confusing and intimidating the wellness space can be. After struggling with pain and a long recovery from prescription drug use, she found herself overwhelmed by options and unsure where to begin.
That experience shaped the foundation of her business. She didn’t want anyone to feel alone in that process again. So she built a shop that feels different from the moment you walk in, more like a cozy neighborhood space than a flashy dispensary.
She is open about what products work for her and what she has seen work for others. There is no upselling, no flash. Just clear, honest guidance.
It’s not just about finding the right CBD oil or THC edible, it’s about helping someone feel seen and supported while they figure out what wellness looks like for them.
Choosing Quality Over Hype
Lindsay’s business model is not about being the biggest. It’s about being real. She works with small, independent brands, many run by women or local makers. Every product on her shelves is lab-tested, and she knows where it comes from.
She does not chase trends or stock whatever’s selling fast. If something doesn’t meet her standards, she doesn’t carry it. That kind of discipline might mean slower growth, but it also means people trust what she recommends. And that trust is what keeps them coming back.
A New Way to Do Business
What Lindsay built with Hippie & French is more than a boutique. It’s a new way of thinking about service, one where people come first, and sales come second.
Her background in sales didn’t go to waste. It became the reason she was able to build a better experience. One that’s grounded, honest, and rooted in empathy.
It’s a reminder that real success doesn’t always come from selling more, but from showing up with honesty and heart.
