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 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, 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.
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
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 build narratives at the intersection of culture and commerce—amplifying both underground voices and international brands.
Growth by the Numbers
| Metric | Value |
| 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 |
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
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.
5 Powerful Business Lessons from Ronit Pinto
- Lead with Vision, Not Trends: Build a brand around purpose, not popularity—lasting impact comes from conviction, not clicks.
- Trust Your Instincts: Even without traditional backing, intuition and persistence can grow powerful movements.
- Tell Uncomfortable Truths: Cultural relevance comes from amplifying underrepresented voices and pushing boundaries.
- Turn Emotion into Strategy: Feelings fuel connection. Make your audience feel something—they’ll remember your brand.
- Start Where You Are: Use what you have. Don’t wait for perfection—momentum starts with one bold move.
