By: Ruth Jean-Marie
Q. Nicole Vanderhorst builds a business that seeks to support wellness businesses.
Cannabis is huge–slated to reach $58 billion market by 2028, according to top cannabis market researcher BDSA. Q. Nicole McNair-Vanderhorst, CEO of WH Farms Co, is at the forefront of America’s growing cannabis industry and is helping others get there. WH Farms Co. is a USDA-licensed, vertically integrated botanical manufacturing company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Creating Connections: Implementing Wellness Focused Solutions
WH Farms Co. specializes in helping businesses—ranging from home health nurses and chiropractors to massage therapists and other wellness brands—launch their very own CBD product lines. By providing high-quality products and expert guidance, the company supports its clients in making a meaningful impact in the wellness industry. IFEL has a thing about helping businesses and capacity building, so you can imagine our affinity to Nicole’s endeavor.
Her accomplishments include being named an NC IDEA Seed Award winner, a Black Ambition Prize finalist, and an active member of Launch CLT and Winston Starts.
Nicole credits the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership for playing a role in WH Farms Co.’s success. She shared,
“Overall, we are truly indebted to IFEL and its sponsors for the impact they've made on our business. We are excited to build further upon the momentum in 2025.”
Leveraging Resources to Reshape Business as Usual
Her relationship with IFEL has been transformative. Through IFEL’s recommendation, Nicole participated in the Babson College Black Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program, where she gained invaluable mentorship and resources. Additionally, she was selected for investment by Pipeline Angels. A major milestone came when Nicole secured an angel investment following her presentation at one of IFEL’s Founder and Crowdfunding Showcases, which collectively drew over 100 investors.
Pipeline Angels’ impact continues to resonate across the entrepreneurial ecosystem. To date, 16 of their investors have funded 10 companies with a total of $235K. This powerful network of support is driving innovation and fueling growth for businesses like Q. Nicole’s.
By spreading the “magic of cannabis” Q. Nicole has reshaped the banality of business to include and mentor other business owners. She has an entrepreneurial ecosystem of her own!
Inspiring Action: Contributing to an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
As WH Farms Co. builds momentum into 2025, it stands as a shining example of what’s possible when visionary entrepreneurs and dedicated organizations come together. At IFEL, we are honored to play a role in connecting leaders like Q. Nicole McNair-Vanderhorst to the resources that have made her business even more impactful. Her lasting impact is proof that working together is a great idea!
