Today we’d like to introduce you to Raisa Raymee.
Raisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey hasn’t been linear, but it’s been very intentional. I originally started out studying medicine, drawn to science, problem-solving, and helping people. Along the way, life redirected me—and instead of seeing that as a setback, I leaned into it. I left medical school and completed a degree in bioengineering, all while my husband and I were running our gas station and convenience store together.
Balancing school with the day-to-day realities of operating a business taught me more than any textbook ever could. I learned inventory, compliance, customer behavior, margins, and the discipline it takes to show up every single day. We worked hard to truly understand convenience store and gas station management from the ground up—no shortcuts, just consistency and grit.
That foundation eventually led to the launch of Lantana Selects, our hemp brand. It was a natural next step—combining my science background with hands-on business experience and a deep respect for compliance, quality, and education. Every product reflects the same mindset we’ve always had: do things the right way, stay curious, and never stop learning.
Looking back, every chapter prepared me for the next. What started in medicine evolved into engineering, entrepreneurship, and brand-building—and I’m grateful for every pivot that brought me here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the hardest parts was walking away from medical school and the path I had worked so hard toward. Letting go of that version of the future—and not following the expectations of those around me—was emotionally challenging. There’s a lot of identity tied to stability, and choosing a different direction meant learning to trust myself even when others didn’t fully understand my choices.
Building a business in an industry that’s still evolving brought its own challenges. Working in a field where rules and regulations constantly change requires adaptability, patience, and a deep commitment to doing things the right way. There was also a major shift from the predictability of a traditional career to the uncertainty and risk of entrepreneurship, which pushed me far outside my comfort zone.
That said, every challenge strengthened my confidence and resilience. Each obstacle forced me to learn faster, think more strategically, and stay grounded in my values. The road hasn’t been easy—but it’s been incredibly meaningful, and I wouldn’t change it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Lantana Selects is a hemp brand built on intention, education, and doing things the right way. At our core, we specialize in hemp-derived products that are compliant, thoughtfully formulated, and designed to meet customers where they actually are. Coming from a convenience store and gas station background, we understand real consumer behavior—not just trends—and that perspective shapes everything we create.
What sets us apart is our foundation. This brand wasn’t built in a vacuum or from theory alone; it was built from hands-on experience, regulatory awareness, and a deep respect for quality and transparency. With a science background and years of operational experience, compliance isn’t an afterthought for us—it’s part of the brand DNA. We take education seriously, both for our customers and our retail partners, especially in an industry where misinformation is common and regulations are constantly evolving.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our consistency and integrity. From packaging to sourcing to labeling, we’ve stayed committed to clarity, trust, and accountability. Lantana Selects represents a balance between innovation and responsibility—proving that you can build something exciting without cutting corners.
What I want readers to know is that Lantana Selects is more than a product line—it’s a reflection of years of learning, adapting, and growing. We’re a brand that values substance over hype, and progress over shortcuts. Everything we offer is rooted in care, compliance, and a genuine desire to elevate standards in the space.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Lantana is the sense of community. It’s a small town in the best way—where you know your customers by name, you see familiar faces every day, and relationships actually matter. Being so close to the beach adds a calm, grounding energy, but it’s the people that truly make Lantana special. There’s a genuine warmth here, and treating customers like family isn’t a strategy—it’s just how things are done.
What I like least, if anything, is that small towns can sometimes be overlooked or underestimated. Lantana may be quieter than surrounding cities, but that doesn’t mean it lacks vision, talent, or opportunity. I see that as more of a challenge than a flaw—because it gives us room to build thoughtfully, grow intentionally, and contribute to shaping what’s next for the community.
Pricing:
- Twin Gummy Pack $5.99
- 1 Gram Top Shelf Hemp Flower $11.99
- 3.5 Gram Top Shelf Hemp Flower $34.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lantanatexaco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lantanaselects/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LantanaSelects
