We interviewed Coco Jackson, as she goes by on Instagram @thecigarmadame this week and she had some extremely interesting things to say about her experiences in the Cigar World and the role women play in it.
How long have you been smoking cigars? Do you remember your first cigar and what were the best and or worst things about that moment?
CJ: I have been smoking cigars for a little over 6 years now. I had my first cigar in Las Vegas. I was working as a bartender at Twin Peaks on the Strip and I made friends with someone who was visiting from out of state. As part of my tip he let me pick a cigar from his travel case. At the time I didn’t know ANYTHING about cigars, I was not familiar with any brands at all. I ended up choosing a Montecristo only because of the movie The Count of Montecristo” lol.
Of course, I had no idea how to smoke but I was so intrigued because I’ve always fancied doing the things the boys do so I was determined to learn. I wish I could say it was love at first puff, but it was quite the contrary. I inhaled too much and choked and coughed so hard. I was sooooo disgusted and turned off LOL. I was thinking “How the hell does anyone smoke these things” But of course I was smiling and trying to play cool in front of my friend but I was literally dying, to top it off it was after my shift and I hadn’t eaten and I was feeling sick after smoking, needless to say I punked out and did not finish it. After that experience I did not think I’d ever have another one, but I kept giving them a try an eventually I fell in love <3
What is your favorite thing about the cigar industry that draws you in?
CJ: My Favorite thing about the cigar industry is the values that the culture has developed. Honor, respect, trust, loyalty, family, faith, commitment to excellence, etc. the list goes on. The values have been the cornerstone of the success of the industry. Cigar communities are some of the most accepting and friendly communities that exist. You meet people from all walks of life and over a smoke you feel like you’ve met a new family member. It’s all Love and passion and I love it!
Women make up 50% demographic of our society, yet it still seems that both tobacco (particularly cigars) and spirits are still targeted more towards men by the brand ambassadors. What can the cigar manufacturers and brand ambassadors do to grow their female base? Some people say they should cut out the gender part and target both demographics. Do you agree?
CJ: Well look at what happened with the Tobacco industry in the 1920’s with the women’s movement. They started to market to women by making smoking cigarettes look glamorous and demonstrating independence and BOOM the number of female cigarettes smokers grew significantly. It would be a very smart move for cigar companies to do the same. But not all companies have big marketing dollars to launch campaigns let alone for two different demographics, so while it would be a good idea, I understand the challenges in executing the change. I do believe with the rise of the “Sisters of the Leaf” on social media we will start to see the changes sooner.
What is your favorite cigar and why?
CJ: My favorite cigar right now it the Desert Rose by Southern Draw Cigars. First of all, how romantic is it to name a cigar after you wife? Second of all to give it a beautiful pink band!!!?? OMG it was love at first sight for me. Then I read the story behind its creation and fell even more in love. I had high expectations going into the smoke and I was not disappointed. It is INCREDIBLE. And it’s incredibly romantic, which is what I am and so this touches my heart deeply in so many ways. I love honor and I love LOVE and everything about this cigar embodies the values I cherish, and it is damn delicious!!!
Top 5 cigars you’ve smoked and absolutely fell in love with:
CJ: Okay Obviously the Desert Rose LOL
Padron 1926 series Maduro
La Promesa by My Father Cigars
Oliva Serie V
The Chief by KJD cigars
When it comes to brand awareness, what are the cigar brands and retailers doing wrong when it comes to marketing?
CJ: I think they’ve finally caught on to the power of social media and a lot are now actively involved on multiple platforms. I don’t see enough on YouTube though. When I would search for reviews the pickens are slim. Unfortunately, there are so many restrictions how and what they can market with paid advertisement so just being active and engaging with their customers on social media is huge! I really LOVE watching and learning and so many of us cigarians do as well.
When it comes to travel, what’s your itinerary? Any countries on the bucket list, if so, why those?
CJ: Well, I’ve got my first event I am hosting coming up this month in New York!! After that I will be heading home to California for the Holidays and then hopefully Paris around springtime 2020. As far as the bucket list, I’ve got Germany first because my grandmother is from Munich Germany and there are so many family members there I have never met. Next would be Ireland OMG I am in LOVE with Celtic History and everything about Irish people and their WHISKEY and castles!! (I hope someday to get married in a Castle in Ireland), Greece because it’s BEAUTIFUL Um yea I have a lot. Basically, my dream I’m working to build right now is to work from my laptop anywhere in the world and smoke cigars so I pretty much plan to do them all or at least most of them
What do you think cigar brands need to know about women who smoke cigars?
CJ: We are here and we are growing RAPIDLY
When it comes to cigars do you lean more towards the classic Cubans or do you like the bolder fuller flavors that come from Dominican and Nicaraguan leaf?
CJ: I’m going to have to go with B & C. Especially C, I looooove Nicaraguan leaf
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
CJ: Yes, I have launched my blog Chocolate and Cigars at www.chocolateandcigars.com . I am Chocolate of course and it will be a site dedicated to sharing my love of cigars. I will have written and video content sharing what my favorite cigar of the week was. I plan to have merchandise as well! Overall, I’m working really hard to build a brand that adds value to the community so far I have received tremendous support and I am so thankful!!
