Ronit Pinto_ Redefining Media with Vision, Voice, and Unapologetic Truth.pdf

Ronit Pinto stands unmistakably among these rare forces. As the founder of Honeysuckle Media, she has redefined what independent media can be—bold, sensual, and radically expressive.

1. Some leaders don’t just build businesses—they build movements. These are the
visionaries who follow instinct over convention, shape industries by telling the
stories no one else will, and create space for voices often overlooked. Their work
isn’t driven by trends, but by conviction—to disrupt, to elevate, and to transform
culture from the inside out.
Ronit Pinto stands unmistakably among these rare forces. As the founder of
Honeysuckle Media, she has redefined what independent media can be—bold,
sensual, and radically expressive. From pioneering cannabis billboards in Times
Square to launching immersive storytelling campaigns across continents, Pinto
has built a media ecosystem grounded in freedom, feeling, and unflinching truth.
Beginnings Rooted in Curiosity
Honeysuckle began in Detroit in 2013, founded by Pinto as a space where
journalism and film could merge with soul and intention. What started as a

2. digital experiment evolved into a platform exploring identity, culture, and
sensuality through provocative, emotionally rich storytelling.
Ronit Pinto brought her background in visual, written, and experiential content
into building Honeysuckle as a purpose-led media company. Without traditional
funding, she relied on resourcefulness, community, and conviction. A 2015 move
to New York marked Honeysuckle’s expansion into print, laying the foundation
for the brand’s signature blend of long form journalism, immersive media, and
experiential impact.

Redefining Media Boundaries
Honeysuckle’s strength lies in its refusal to separate storytelling from lived
experience. Pinto’s editorial approach invites audiences into the heart of
movements—not simply reporting, but participating. The brand blends print,

3. digital, and live experiences to offer culture-first narratives that blur the line
between journalism and art.
“In a world that often meets truth with resistance—and expression with
hate—Ronit has turned adversity into art. Honeysuckle was built to stand where
silence was expected, and to keep telling stories even when it’s unpopular or
uncomfortable.”
Recognition and Reach
Honeysuckle’s unique voice has earned recognition across media and cultural
sectors. Under Ronit Pinto’s leadership, the brand has won three Clio Awards
(2022–2023), was named Best Cannabis Magazine at the 2024 New York
Cannabis Music Awards, and has been featured in Rolling Stone, Playboy, and
multiple global platforms. The company has also been formally honored by the
New York State Assembly and Senate.
Pinto herself has spoken at SXSW, MJBizCon, Microsoft’s Disruptive Startups
Summit, and other industry stages, and was recognized with the Women in
Media Leadership award by Green Market Report. During the COVID-19 crisis,
she received the Red Backpack Fund grant from the Spanx by Sara Blakely
Foundation for women-led innovation.

4. Breaking the Billboard Barrier
Honeysuckle made history as the first media brand to spotlight cannabis and
hemp in Times Square—a cultural moment that redefined what was possible for
plant-focused storytelling. These campaigns, executed independently, elevated
themes of freedom, women’s empowerment, and plant culture without agency
backing.
From the viral “Future is Female” NYE message to partnerships with artists like
Lil Wayne, Honeysuckle’s billboards have honored Indigenous Peoples Day,
celebrated plant medicine, and created Epic 420 NYC—a multi-day experience
featuring the first immersive cannabis museum in Times Square.
Vision That Feels

5. Ronit Pinto’s work is guided by emotion, not metrics. Honeysuckle’s editorial
philosophy is rooted in values—curiosity over certainty, connection over clicks.
Whether visual essay or global activation, every story begins with one question:
How does this make you think and feel?
This response-led approach is what sets Honeysuckle apart—and fuels its
continued rise.
Power in Partnership
Strategic collaborations have expanded Honeysuckle’s impact across cannabis,
music, and global storytelling. Pinto has led brand partnerships with Mike Tyson,
B-Real (Cypress Hill), Compound Genetics, True Terpenes, VIBES, Green
Success, and Barney’s Farm, among others. These alliances allow Honeysuckle to

6. build narratives at the intersection of culture and commerce—amplifying both
underground voices and international brands.

Growth by the Numbers

7. Metric Value
Monthly Readers 180,000+ (organic)
Instagram Followers 100,000+

8. Newsletter Subscribers 35,000+
Times Square Campaign Reach Millions (in-person + digital)
Print Retail Distribution 300+ global locations
Values-Led Culture
Pinto’s leadership is anchored in trust, autonomy, and creative integrity.
Honeysuckle’s lean, independent structure empowers writers and creators to tell
the truth—without corporate red tape. The brand remains agile, authentic, and
responsive to the real-time pulse of culture.
Communication as Culture
For Ronit Pinto, communication is both a leadership principle and a cultural
investment. As a naturally introverted founder, she learned to shape vision
through clarity and empathy – principles that extend to how Honeysuckle
engages its audience. Reader feedback informs editorial direction, ensuring the
platform stays connected and aligned with Honeysuckle’s core values most, which
are authenticity, beauty, freedom, clarity, and good vibes.
Expanding the Vision

9. Through her creative agency Honey Films and cross-industry partnerships, Pinto
is expanding Honeysuckle into new territory—film, tech, immersive media, and
wellness innovation. The brand is growing its global presence with expanded
print distribution, experiential events, and verticals focused on digital identity,
plant medicine, AI ethics, and radical self-expression.
“Create what you wish existed.”
It’s not just a mantra—it’s her blueprint.
Message to Creators
“Start with what you have. Protect your fire. Don’t wait to be chosen—choose
yourself.”
Ronit Pinto encourages emerging creators to lead with intuition, work with
what’s available, and build with consistency and love. Her journey is living proof
that you don’t need permission to make impact—you just need to start.

10. 5 Powerful Business Lessons from Ronit Pinto
1.​Lead with Vision, Not Trends: Build a brand around purpose, not
popularity—lasting impact comes from conviction, not clicks.
2.​Trust Your Instincts: Even without traditional backing, intuition and
persistence can grow powerful movements.
3.​Tell Uncomfortable Truths: Cultural relevance comes from amplifying
underrepresented voices and pushing boundaries.
4.​Turn Emotion into Strategy: Feelings fuel connection. Make your
audience feel something—they’ll remember your brand.
5.​Start Where You Are: Use what you have. Don’t wait for
perfection—momentum starts with one bold move.