Cigars have long been linked with men, and they’ve played a significant role in securing commercial agreements and reaffirming friendships, among other things. But what about the female icons of the cigar? We spoke to Maria who has shown that cigar smoking is not about he or she, but more about the community, or we. Checkout her full interview below and feel free to follow her on the gram @cigar_tease.
Please tell us who you are and how you first got into cigars? Do you remember your first?
M: I am a Cuban American born and raised in northern Virginia. I have experience working in cigar lounges part-time in Northern Virginia for the past 4 years, which has had a large impact in my growing love for the cigar community. I grew up with the understanding that cigars are part of my heritage. Cigars have always been associated with amazing memories of family gatherings and good times. My first cigar was with my father, as he was the one who introduced me to the cigar culture and passed down his knowledge of cigars since as long as I can remember.
When and where do you like to smoke the most? Also, what is your favorite cigar at the moment?
M: I prefer smoking anywhere with family and friends, at any time. If the weather is nice, then I find myself usually smoking outdoors. I cannot say I have a favorite cigar now since I have such an appreciation for each brand. I enjoy learning about all cigar brands to understand their origin stories and contributions to the cigar world.
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?
M: It is beautiful to see the movement happening of more women joining the cigar community. From my experience I have noticed more women are enjoying cigars since there have been women that have paved the way into the cigar industry over the past 20 years making a great impact and name for themselves within the cigar world. These women have drawn other women to also be part of the community and continue to do so today.
What would you say attracts you to cigars and the cigar world?
M: What attracts me to the cigar world is COMMUNITY! It amazes me how cigars bring people together from all walks of life. I have seen complete strangers become as close as family from having a cigar together. It is truly an incredible sight to see and brings me so much joy!
What is your favorite vitola? Is there also a particular origin of tobacco you prefer more than the other and why?
M: I have learned to appreciate all vitola’s and origins of tobacco, because for me there is an occasion or mood to enjoy every kind of cigar. I usually choose vitola and the origin of tobacco based on variables such as the time of day/weather, how much time I must smoke, how much I have eaten, and even what drink I am accompanying the cigar with.
What are the big tobacco brands doing wrong when trying to market cigars to women? What should they really be doing?
M: For big tobacco brands to market cigars to women they should have women representing the brand reach out and speak directly to other women. Women might be more inclined to try something they can talk about with other women.
Let’s squash the biggest pet peeve. What do you hope to see forever banished from the cigar industry that affects women cigar smokers?
M: I hope to see the assumption that women smokers are not as knowledgeable about cigars banish so the cigar world can embrace women in the community as equals.
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?
M: The cigar culture is appealing because most people that are smoking are trying to take time to relax and enjoy their environment. That energy of the cigar community being joyful, fun, and laid-back draws people in more. Also, cigar groups provide a safe space for anyone to join and come together to focus on the good things in life.
If you could smoke one cigar for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?
M: I would be happy with any cigar as long as I am surrounded by good people!
Are you currently involved in any ventures in the cigar industry we should know about?
M: The main venture I am involved in is being a part of the expanding cigar community/family and learning as much as I can about cigars and the people in the community.
