Not all interviews need to be serious or have specific lessons on social media. Some interviews can be carefree like the people we’re interviewing. Check out the full interview with Kim aka @shmokini on Instagram, a cigar lover and someone who lives their life at her own pace.
Kim, tell us a little about yourself and how you found yourself immersed in the world of cigars? Do you remember your first cigar?
KP: I grew up on the Broward/Dade county line and my family owned a restaurant in Miami. With that, I grew up immersed in the Cuban culture. The men at family parties would always be smoking cigars. I fell in love with just the smell of cigars when I was younger. Eventually, I smoked one, although I can’t remember what it was. All I can remember is coughing. Fast forward to adulthood, I fell in love with cigars on my own with a Partagas. The rest is history.
Tell us about your Instagram @shmokini. For someone who does not know you, what should they expect when visiting your gram?
KP: It’s all in the name, smokes, and bikinis! Anyone visiting Shmokini can expect a fun atmosphere. Yes, I’m in a bikini most times, but I try to show my personality through Shmokini. I want to get across how I live my life. It’s a fun, no rules allowed, judgment-free zone where you can smoke $100 cigars or $2 cigars. It doesn’t matter as long as you’re living your best life with a positive attitude!
For those women who don’t smoke cigars, what do you feel is the biggest reason they don’t, and how can get they over this and kick off their stogie journey?
KP: I think the idea of smoking cigars is intimidating to females that are not comfortable with them yet. The width and size can often be intimidating and the male-dominated lounges are especially intimidating for a female walking in. The first time walking into a lounge humidor can be extremely confusing on your own.
Self-confidence and knowing exactly what I wanted, helped me overcome the fear of joining in on this lifestyle. If it is something a woman wants, then she should just go for it!
Do you feel women are well represented in the tobacco industry?
KP: There are some amazing women in the cigar world, especially on IG. I think those ladies are doing a great job at opening the doors for women to come in and experience the cigar universe.
When it comes to cigars what flavor profile gives you the most satisfaction? Also are there any cigar origins that you are drawn to more? Whether it be Cuban, or Dominican, Nicaraguan, other?
KP: I prefer a medium-bodied cigar and I am a big fan of Nicaraguan blends. My cigar taste is currently what I would classify as ” in transition”. Previously, I was stuck in a rut of just smoking what I was used to. Now, since having this IG and discovering so many cigars I couldn’t find locally, I’m tasting and exploring so many new flavors I now enjoy.
What’s the best environment to enjoy a nice premium cigar? Is it more about the environment or the people you’re surrounded with? or both?
KP: I am a huge at-home smoker. I love being in my own backyard and in my pool to smoke. I live in South Florida and it is insanely hot right now. Smoking in the middle of the day outside is nearly impossible if you aren’t in a body of water! For me, it is all about the people I am surrounded by. I really enjoy going to my local lounge in the middle of the day on the weekends when a group of old school cigar smokers hang out. They let me sit with them and I always pick up a ton of information about cigars from them.
What made you want to begin documenting your cigar passion/journey on Instagram? What do you hope your followers take away from following you?
KP: I started Shmokini purely for fun. I’ve been into cigars for a while, but I never had a big group of people in my demographic that shared this hobby. It wasn’t until I came into IG that I found a huge community of men and women in my age group who also loved cigars.
I hope people following Shmokini get my sense of humor, my carefree attitude, and don’t take life so seriously. I want to show that young people smoke, that women smoke, and that it doesn’t always have to be in an extravagant setting or a special occasion. For me, I grab a cigar when I have some time to relax or socialize. It doesn’t always have to be with an expensive pair of shoes and a luxury car. Come as you are and enjoy whatever you are smoking!
Are you currently involved or will be involved in the near future in any ventures within the cigar industry?
KP: I am not involved in any ventures in the cigar industry, but who knows what will happen in the future!
What is the one thing Cigar brands should know about marketing cigar tobacco to women?
KP: I love cigars of all shapes and sizes, but I’m not a fan of when I get pushed towards the vanilla flavored petit coronas just because I am a woman. Different women will like various strengths and vitolas of cigars. There’s nothing different between a man or a woman making cigar choices! Although, I will admit I am a sucker for a pretty label.
Besides cigars, what else do you enjoy doing in your free time?
KP: In my free time I love running, skateboarding, and anything that involves the water. I am also a huge nerd. I love comics, WWE, superheroes, and any kind of TV series involving space and supernatural powers!
Tell us a little about your ink…
KP: For the most part, I got all of my tattoos to represent different people or times or interests in my life. I started getting tattoos the instant I was legally allowed. My parents hated them, and I got them as a way to rebel.
One of the pieces I get the most comments on is the anchor in the middle of my stomach. I have that, along with a mermaid and a sailor girl, to represent growing up fishing, surfing, and living near the ocean. I love everything regarding the ocean, I even went to school for Marine Biology.
I’ve got a candle burning from both ends, a big skull on my butt cheek, and a full back (in the process) of the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party. All of these represent the way I choose to live my life. Fun, wild, and carefree.
Anything else you want to share with our readers?
KP: Come say hi! Whether it be on Shmokini or at the local lounge! Let’s have a smoke and a drink together!
