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What started in a quiet kitchen alongside her father, Mateo's Pot, has blossomed into a Chicago staple. As the founder of Mateo’s Pot, Simona Barceló’s journey began with a daughter’s love and a need for healing. To help her father manage Rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel, Simona developed a signature medicated agave—a recipe that would eventually lay the foundation for her community-driven empire.

Since 2017, Simona has been on a mission to bridge the gap between recreation and education. From her early educational "Dinner parties" to her viral "Puff & Paint" sessions, she creates curated spaces for those 21+ to explore the medicinal benefits of the plant. Over nearly a decade, she has curated everything from vendor markets to industry panels, collaborating with top-tier growers, chefs, and artists to uplift the local culture. Featured in the Chicago Tribune, Leafly, and Illinois Pot, Simona remains dedicated to nurturing a community that learns, networks, and grows together.