From Underdog
to Main Player

How Shake Extractions is Shaking up the Cannabis Industry.

By Jessica Maxwell
Photography by Beth Hall Photography

From left to right Business Bud Antigone “Tig” Davoulas, Creative Bud Brittany Phillips,
Beaker Bud Syrona Scott and Operations Bud Julie Brents

Just off a quiet roadway leading out of Fayetteville, a building emerges from the tree line. The sign out front lists two tenants: a lawyer and a personal trainer. But inside, in that unassuming yet fittingly green structure in Johnson, Shake Extractions — a women-owned and operated cannabis company — has made its home. Shake Extractions is just one branch of Shake Collaborations, the overall branding and product development company. Shake Extractions’ journey is one of humble beginnings, but don’t be fooled — their business is thriving. Unlike many other cannabis companies backed by corporate money and large investors, Shake is entirely self-made. Its story is a classic American tale of grit and determination, proving that passion and perseverance can carve out success in a competitive industry.

Proudly defining themselves as “small, scrappy and independent,” the four women behind Shake have gone all in to make their vision a reality. The founding mothers cleverly and affectionately referred to as “Buds” on their website — Operations Bud Julie Brents, Creative Bud Brittany Phillips, Business Bud Antigone “Tig” Davoulas and Beaker Bud Syrona Scott — come from vastly different professional backgrounds but share a unified vision of what cannabis products should be: premium and accessible to all.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing for the team, however. They have faced a number of challenges since their early days. Beyond the lack of big-time investors operating in the Arkansas cannabis industry in general comes with unique challenges, particularly due to legal restrictions. For one, cannabis processors like Shake Extractions cannot market their products directly to consumers and must rely on dispensaries and budtenders to do so. Additionally, the team faced significant disappointment following recent election outcomes that upheld restrictive policies. Issue 3 making it onto the ballot was a meant to be a hopeful harbinger of good things to come for the cannabis industry, but when it didn’t come to fruition, the disappointment was palpable.

Another barrier that Shake has broken through is the gender barrier. The cannabis industry remains largely male-dominated, and many dispensary products are marketed toward men. However, in Arkansas, the highest percentage of medical marijuana cardholders are women between the ages of 25-44. Recognizing this gap in the market, the women of Shake saw an opportunity to create products specifically designed for female consumers — though they are quick to emphasize that their products are for everyone. Their primary goal is to develop high-quality, innovative cannabis products that merge wellness with accessibility. Indeed, Shake Collaborations’ journey began first with a focus on CBD products, launching their first line, CBD and Me, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, their vision evolved, leading them to refine their approach and expand into THC-based products.

Rather than focusing on traditional edibles like gummies — which may not be ideal for health-conscious consumers or those with allergies — Shake has prioritized smokeless products such as tinctures and topicals. For the uninitiated, tinctures can feel intimidating, but the reality is not so scary. Dosing is clear and easy to understand. Tinctures are sublingual products, meaning that they are taken as liquid drops under the tongue, and offer numerous advantages: They act faster than edibles, last longer and lack the strong scent associated with cannabis flower, making them a discreet option. Additionally, tinctures have a longer shelf life than many edible alternatives. Each tincture blends together organic ingredients, vitamins and strains of cannabis to target something particular and maximize health benefits. Creative Director Brittany Phillips explains that these products are “perfect for the microdosing-curious professional,” Shake truly has something for everyone. For example, in their line of tinctures they have curated blends for immune system support, mood boost and gut health each with its own unique flavor composition. All with a catchy, wellness-forward name: “Vita Drops.” These few products target physical health concerns, but what about mental health? Shake also has products to promote your mental wellbeing.

“The Mood Drops — Cold Brew” tastes like, you guessed it, a delicious freshly brewed glass of cold brew coffee.

If you are still not convinced that the tincture life is right for you, Shake’s line of topical products might be just the thing you’re looking for. Their 4:1 Rosemary Body Balm with Rosemary for Muscle and Joint Support offers you pain relief and comfort without having to ingest cannabis. Shake is also interested in promoting sexual health and wellness for both individuals and couples. Their “1:1 Infused Lube for Couples — Coconut” opens the door for new ways to experience and learn about cannabis.

Despite all the challenges that Shake has faced during comeuppance, one thing that you can be sure of is that they are going to create premium and unique products that start a conversation. Shake Extractions is more than just a cannabis company; it is a testament to creativity, resilience and innovation. Their branding is bold, their approach is fresh and their commitment to pushing boundaries in the industry is undeniable. As they continue to grow, one thing remains certain: Shake Extractions is just getting started.