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Reintroducing Drop of Sunshine: A Journey with Eric Welch

Alright, so here we go! This time, we're kicking off with something a little different. In the past, I (Eric Welch) tried following the traditional brand playbook—the one with the stiff blogs, canned voices, and soulless ‘industry talk.’ Those blogs didn’t connect with anyone, least of all with me. Many brands out there are so busy trying to sound like they know “all things cannabis” that they forget they’re actually talking to people. (Cue the eye roll!)

But here, things are changing. I’m setting aside an hour each week to tell you real stories—no BS—about who I am, who Drop of Sunshine (AKA DROP) is, and why we’re here. No, not the existential, “why are we here on earth” (though maybe a bit of that too), but more about what Drop of Sunshine is here to do.

I’ll definitely sprinkle in some cannabis facts and figures as we go. But first, let's get to know each other. Here’s the story of Eric Welch, bio in 3…2…1.

Meet Eric Welch

Hey! I’m Eric, founder of Drop of Sunshine, Greener Things Dispensary, and visual artist. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, I grew up with parents who were just kids themselves, learning to navigate adulthood while doing the best they could with what they had.

Hard work and grit were the foundation of my upbringing. After my parents separated when I was around eight, I witnessed each of them working their way through life, striving to make something out of very little. Now that I’m a new parent, I understand even more how incredible it is to raise kids in challenging circumstances.

Growing up, I moved constantly between two places: the rural landscape of Bullitt County, Kentucky, and the buzz of Jacksonville, Florida, where my mom relocated after the separation. Moving back and forth taught me early on about adapting and finding comfort in new environments. To anchor myself amidst all the change, I took up drawing, filling sketchbooks with everything that inspired me—even Perry Mason, a favorite of my grandpa’s. It’s funny how specific memories like that surface when we look back.

The contrast between Kentucky’s small-town vibe and Jacksonville’s urban pulse exposed me to different cultures and ideas. It gave me a love for diversity and a need for community, something I still seek out today.

Exploring Life’s Spectrum

With that need to belong, I started exploring. As soon as I could afford it, I began traveling and immersing myself in different worlds. I mingled with Yale art students, connected with cannabis farmers in the hills' of Kentucky, and even found myself in East LA with Chicano gangsters representing Primera Flats. All of it was part of my journey, giving me experiences I wouldn't trade for anything.

These encounters taught me the art of adaptation, a skill that came in handy when I found myself sentenced to five years in prison for a non-violent cannabis crime. Those years tested me, but they also cemented my respect for people from all walks of life and sharpened my resilience. I knew that once I got out, I’d keep pushing forward, using my experiences as fuel for my art, my business, and my mission.

The Road Ahead

So, that’s part one of our journey. If you’re still reading, thank you! You’re a real one for sticking with me, and I appreciate it. I promise next time, I’ll aim closer to 500 words.

Stay positive, stay beautiful, and remember we are all artists in this world. We each create something unique by being who we are.