Kai, please tell us who you are and how you first got into cigars? Do you remember your first?
K: My name is Kai also known as Cigar God Kai on Instagram. I am a serial entrepreneur and goddess of course 🙂 I got into cigars seriously three years ago after smoking them here and there over the years. My first was an Acid I believe. I usually like to go to different cigar lounges in my town or wherever I am traveling and smoke a cigar and people watch. Right now, I usually go for Montecristo White Series and one of the brands I support like Eighty5 Cigars, Spades Cigars, and Drunk Chicken Cigars.
The tobacco industry has been for the longest time heavily dominated by men, but in the last 20 years we have seen a big movement by women who enjoy cigars. What do you think is responsible for this movement?
K: I do not know if there is one person who started the big movement on women who enjoy cigars, but there are several women that that I feel had a huge part in the movement. Shout out to @heraficionado, @cigarmadame, @mjeighty5 and @cigartaylor are just some of the women that I followed when getting serious about my cigar journey. I have met a lot of women in the industry, and they all are so supportive!
What would you say attracts you to cigars and the cigar world?
K: I find smoking cigars alluring because it relaxes me. A nice cigar after a long day with wine or my favorite choice (Crown Apple) is my favorite way to relax besides bubble baths and shopping. The cigar world has been the most welcoming to me. Whether it is a compliment, encouragement, or just connecting and having conversations with interesting people…the cigar world has welcomed me with open arms. It feels like family no matter where I go or who I’m around. I feel taken care of and I love that. Cigar industry has been home for me.
What is your favorite vitola? Is there also a particular origin of tobacco you prefer more than the other and why?
K: My favorite vitola is usually a maduro with either a robusto or torpedo shape. They seem to pull better and give you better smoke. I like to do smoking videos for my Instagram, and I love the exhale with all that smoke. I do not have a particular place of origin for my tobacco yet. I am still exploring.
What are the big tobacco brands doing wrong when trying to market cigars to women? What should they really be doing?
K: I think sometimes that cigar companies get it wrong by trying too hard. Women like mystery and exclusivity. I hope to produce some visuals for a great cigar company to help change that. I feel like companies should work better at creating a vibe and showcasing women that can be sexy and a boss. It is all about presence!
Let us squash the biggest pet peeve. What do you hope to see forever banished from the cigar industry that affects women cigar smokers?
K: I hope to see assumptions disappear. Women cigar smokers are knowledgeable and know what they like and want in cigars. We do not need men trying to walk up and quiz us on cigars. I leave them dumbfounded sometimes because I know what I am talking about and what I like. I do not need your help, your opinion, nor your assumptions. We can hold our own. Do not worry! I am petite and very feminine, so I get this a lot where men think I’m at cigar lounges just to be cute.
The Instagram cigar community is knowledgeable and very inclusive with popular tags such as #botl (brother of the leaf) and #sotl (sister of the leaf). What is it about the culture and the group aspect of cigars that everyone finds so appealing?
K: I think the cigar industry has been the most inclusive of me…everyone is welcoming, willing to help, and encouraging. It really does feel like family. When I met some of my Instagram friends at Philly Cigar Week, it legit felt like I was seeing old friends and family. I love that about this community. Everyone is so chill and relaxed.
If you could smoke one cigar for the rest of your life which one, would you choose?
K: Hmmm, picking one cigar is a hard choice, but I never went wrong with a Drunk Chicken Cigar. Shoutout to Desiree!
Are you currently involved in any ventures in the cigar industry we should know about?
K: I currently have some projects under way for myself and various ppl I’ve connected with. All I can say is STAY TUNED! If you are smart, you’d turn them post notifications on!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
K: I would like to say a huge thank you to all my supporters. The encouragement has kept me going and kept me motivated. I cannot wait to show you guys what I’ve been working on. Follow me on IG @cigargodkai!
