Exploring Life & Business with Micaela Machado of Old Pueblo Hemp Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Micaela Machado.

Hi Micaela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started as a Sculptor doing natural habitats for zoos and aquariums, leading to my love of Landscape Design. I returned to school and got my Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and focused on Sustainable Desert Design. During that time, Industrial Hemp became legal, and I knew I wanted to get involved. Sustainable Design + Cannabis appealed to me! But it was when I took a hands-on Hempcrete workshop, my future became clear: I should be building Healthy Hemp Homes! The Hemp Building Industry is still so new that I couldn’t find a contractor to build with it yet. So, I decided to become a General Contractor to build the Hemp Homes myself. It was a long process, but today I am a licensed, bonded, and insured General Contractor ready to make with Hemp.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
My biggest struggle is breaking stigmas on Cannabis and the Hemp Building Industry. Because it has been illegal for so long in the USA, people are not aware of its building benefits. They don’t know it is: Sustainable, Energy Efficient, Non-Toxic, Fireproof, Mold Resistant, and Carbon Sequestering. And people have this idea that “affordable” housing means that the project should be cheap. However, people must understand that building with cheap materials is actually more expensive and that “affordable housing” really means housing that a family can sustain over time, not just at the start up. Building cheap is not sustainable. Building energy efficient homes with domestic materials is what makes a home sustainable and affordable.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Old Pueblo Hemp Co.?
Old Pueblo Hemp Co is a sustainable design building company based out of Tucson. We are a General Contracting Service that focuses on Non-Toxic Industrial Hemp Homes for the benefit and health of our planet and our people. There are thousands of toxic chemicals that seep through the walls of our homes and that undoubtedly affect our health. But we can build better. Hemp Lime construction is Non-Toxic, Energy Efficient, Fire Proof, Mold Resistant, and Carbon Sequestering. It is the most sustainable building option as it is grown, processed, and manufactured in the USA.                                         .We also host several workshops throughout the year so that people can get their hands on Hemp and see this excellent, cutting-edge building material for themselves.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking is the best tool on the planet. People are the best resources and referrals. Joining like-minded folk will open so many doors and opportunities. I recommend joining groups-in person and online, attending networking events, and putting yourself out there to meet new people. It’s one of those things you dread doing or going to but then leave feeling super inspired,           and proud of what you’re doing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oldpueblohemp.com
• Instagram: @oldpueblohempco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micaela.machado.31 

Image Credits
Abran Ramos