Some leaders do more than just build companies; they ignite movements. These trailblazers follow intuition over norms, revolutionize industries by telling the untold stories, and carve out space for voices frequently ignored. Their mission is never about fleeting trends but about conviction – challenging the status quo, uplifting communities, and reshaping culture from its
core.
Ronit Pinto clearly belongs to this distinguished group. As the visionary founder of Honeysuckle Media, she has revolutionized what independent media represents – fearlessly provocative, deeply sensual, and unapologetically expressive. From pioneering groundbreaking cannabis billboards in New York’s Times Square to rolling out immersive storytelling projects spanning continents, Ronit has created a media landscape grounded in liberty, emotion, and unfiltered truth.
A Beginning Rooted in Curiosity and Purpose
Honeysuckle Media was born in Detroit in 2013, when Ronit set out to create a space where journalism and cinematic storytelling could fuse with passion and intention. What initially started as a digital experiment soon blossomed into a platform dedicated to exploring identity, culture, and sensuality through emotionally rich and thought-provoking narratives.
Bringing her diverse expertise in visual, written, and experiential content, Ronit built Honeysuckle into a mission-driven media company. Without the support of traditional funding, she depended on creativity, community bonds, and steadfast belief in her vision. In 2015, her move to New York catalyzed the expansion into print media, laying the foundation for Honeysuckle’s distinct blend of in-depth journalism, immersive multimedia, and experiential engagement.
Shattering Media Boundaries with a Culture-First Approach
Honeysuckle’s power lies in its seamless integration of storytelling and lived experience. Ronit’s editorial philosophy doesn’t just report on movements; it invites audiences to live and breathe them. Combining print, digital platforms, and live activations, the brand crafts narratives where journalism intersects with art, blurring lines and creating impactful cultural moments.
“In a world that often meets truth with resistance – and expression with hostility – Ronit transforms challenges into artistry. Honeysuckle was born to occupy spaces where silence was expected, and to persistently tell stories that many shy away from because they’re uncomfortable or controversial.”
Accolades and Expanding Influence
Under Ronit’s leadership, Honeysuckle’s distinctive voice has gained widespread acclaim across media and cultural arenas. The brand proudly boasts three Clio Awards (2022–2023), was honored as Best Cannabis Magazine at the 2024 New York Cannabis Music Awards, and has been featured prominently in prestigious outlets such as Rolling Stone, Playboy, and numerous international platforms. Additionally, Honeysuckle has received formal recognition from the New York State Assembly and Senate for its contributions.
Ronit herself has been a sought-after speaker at landmark events including SXSW, MJBizCon, and Microsoft’s Disruptive Startups Summit. She earned the Women in Media Leadership award from Green Market Report and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was awarded the Red Backpack Fund grant from the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, supporting women-driven innovation.
Making History on Times Square Billboards
Honeysuckle etched its name in history as the first media brand to spotlight cannabis and hemp in Times Square, a cultural milestone that reimagined the possibilities of plant-based storytelling. Operating independently, these campaigns elevated themes of freedom, female empowerment, and plant culture, all without reliance on traditional advertising agencies.
From the viral “Future is Female” New Year’s Eve message to collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, Honeysuckle’s billboards have commemorated Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated plant medicine, and launched Epic 420 NYC – a multi-day event featuring the first-ever immersive cannabis museum in Times Square.
Media that Moves You: Vision Guided by Emotion
Ronit’s work is propelled by feeling rather than mere metrics. Honeysuckle’s editorial creed prioritizes curiosity over certainty, human connection over clicks. Every story, whether a visual essay or a global campaign, starts with a single question:
How will this make you think and feel?
This emotion-first methodology sets Honeysuckle apart and drives its steady ascent in cultural relevance and influence.
Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth
Strategic partnerships have amplified Honeysuckle’s impact across the cannabis, music, and storytelling landscapes worldwide. Ronit has spearheaded brand alliances with figures and companies including Mike Tyson, B-Real (of Cypress Hill), Compound Genetics, True Terpenes, VIBES, Green Success, and Barney’s Farm. These collaborations enable Honeysuckle to weave compelling narratives that fuse underground culture with global commerce, lifting both grassroots voices and international brands.
Growth Through Numbers
Monthly Readers: 180,000+ (organic)
Instagram Followers: 100,000+
Newsletter Subscribers: 35,000+
Times Square Campaign Reach: Millions (in-person + digital)
Print Retail Distribution: 300+ global locations
A Leadership Style Rooted in Integrity and Trust
Ronit leads Honeysuckle with an emphasis on trust, creative freedom, and authenticity. The company’s lean and independent structure empowers writers and creators to speak honestly, free from corporate constraints. This agility ensures the brand remains responsive, genuine, and closely attuned to cultural shifts as they happen.
Communication as a Cultural Commitment
For Ronit, communication is both a leadership cornerstone and an investment in culture. Naturally introverted, she developed her leadership through clarity and empathy – principles that resonate in Honeysuckle’s engagement with its audience. Reader feedback shapes editorial direction, ensuring the platform stays deeply connected to its core values: authenticity, beauty, freedom, clarity, and positive energy.
Expanding Horizons
Through her creative agency Honey Films and diverse industry partnerships, Ronit is propelling Honeysuckle into new realms: film production, technology, immersive media, and wellness innovation. The brand continues to broaden its global footprint via expanded print distribution, experiential events, and new verticals centered on digital identity, plant medicine, AI ethics, and radical self-expression.
“Create what you wish existed.”
This is not merely a motto; it’s the blueprint Ronit Pinto lives by.
A Message to Emerging Creators
“Start with what you have. Protect your fire. Don’t wait for permission – choose yourself.”
Ronit inspires upcoming creators to trust their intuition, work with available resources, and build consistently with passion. Her journey proves that impact requires no external validation, just the courage to begin.
