Ginelle lets kick things off with you telling us how you found yourself in the world of cigars?
G: In 2019, I was contacted by Cigars International. They were looking for a new team to run the models for Cigarfest. I have managed several large events previously, but never of this size. They were looking for 50 models for 2 days. When I met with the coordinators, they started discussing all the different brands that were requesting models and how each brand like to represent themselves. I was oblivious. I have never heard of most of these cigar businesses. In order to truly understand what my client wanted, I had to live it. I started dabbling with cigars. From there I made more connections, which meant I was smoking more. Here I am, 4 years later, still novice, but not ignorant.
Everyone remembers their first cigar. Some people actually try to forget. Tell us about your first experience. What was it about the setting or the smell, maybe even the decor that made the experience either memorable or something you wish to forget.
G: This is a funny question because I truly do not know. Not because I want to forget, but because there was no label. I’m sure I tried cigars over the years, periodically, but I can’t remember a specific time. What I do remember is my first Cigarfest, the coordinator showed me a box of random cigars and I could hand pick whatever cigar I wanted. It was basically the staff stash. I remember cutting and lighting, but not having much information about what I was actually smoking. That’s how the whole weekend went for me. Smoking random cigars, but not knowing what they were or who they were made by.
What is it about the cigar/tobacco culture that keeps you so drawn in?
G: The fucking people. I’m a people person naturally. 100% an extrovert. The fact that cigars are paired with all of my favorite things makes it an easy sell for me. Cigars, food, alcohol, and coffee. I pretty much survive on these four items. So attending events and talking to people, whether novice or pro, is fun for me. Being invited to in-person or virtual herfs excites the fuck out of me. The random care packages I receive from followers or brand owners who like how I represent myself makes all the work I do feel appreciated. I also love the variety of people that cigars bring together. I like sitting at a table next to your everyday Joe, but also, someone who has been very successful throughout their life. Cigars don’t discriminate.
You’re a prominent and well respected woman in the cigar industry. As was said before, the tobacco industry is still very much male dominated, but women are beginning to make a push. What do you think is responsible for this movement?
G: You’re giving me a lot of credit that may or may not be deserved, but thank you. It’s like with anything women have always had the interest, but didn’t always have a seat at the table. Like most things, we are forcing our way in and for some of us, we are using our sex appeal to get in. Sex sells. It’s not a secret. Some men find it extremely attractive to see a woman smoking a cigar. I have a client who literally just likes to sit and video chat with me while I smoke a cigar. It’s sexy. But aside from the look, we truly enjoy it. As humans, we enjoy things. Gender doesn’t have much to do with it. It’s no different than enjoying a glass of wine or a gourmet meal.
As a woman in this industry, what do you want to see change?
G: That’s a tough one because the things I would like to see change aren’t specific to being a woman in industry. The changes that I would like to see occur are with the industry itself. I could go down to rabbit hole with this but the government pretending they care is laughable. As a woman in the industry, I love seeing other SOTL. I would love to continue to empower that movement.
Ginelle, you’re also a sexy dancer and you even have your own “dance” company. Are there similarities between a good cigar and a beautiful woman on a pole?
G: A few things to unpack here. No quotes are needed around the word dance. I am a professional dancer. I spent a good part of my career running dance teams for professional sports. I spent most of my career in a dance studio teaching kids. I started my business, GO Gurlz Entertainment, because there is a market for non-nude nightclub dancers. 13 years later, we work in all type of industries doing all type of entertainment. The only thing I don’t touch is the adult world. Several years ago, I decided that I feel most confident when I’m embracing my sexuality. So I started to train as a pole dancer. I’ve never been an exotic dancer. I really just love aerial arts. Now, I teach primarily adult women all sort of styles that will build the confidence, enhance their strength and balance, and most importantly, get them in touch with their sexuality.
Now that that is out of the way, haha. Yes, there is a similarity. What one will like, another may not… And that’s okay. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea… And that’s okay. I have enough support around me to be confident with who I am, flaws and all…just like a cigar.
Why did you choose pole dancing as your passion? What is it about this art form that is so inviting or alluring?
G: There’s so much gratification. Some things come really easy to me, because I’ve always been naturally strong. Other things, I have to work really hard for. It completely transformed my body. I’ve always been fairly fit, but now I’m strong… Really strong. The way you can move on a pole is liberating. It’s sexy and I kinda like that it is taboo. I like to go against the grain and do things that most people wouldn’t. Being ordinary is boring.
Let’s talk about cigars. What is your go-to everyday cigar?
G: I’m lucky enough that I am sent care packages by some boutique cigars, so I smoke Kiki Momo a lot! Absolutely love his cigars. He is based in Florida and I highly recommend his Soloman Designer 6.
I hardly smoke infused cigars anymore but when I do my go-to is Banana Foster by Jas Sum Kral.
When it comes to easy to find cigars, Macanudo Inspirado are a nice easy smoke for me. I recently got a bit hooked on Project 40.
It’s hard to pick just one anymore. I do love connecticuts, though.
Are there any cigar brands you’ve worked with in the past or are looking forward to working with in the future? If so, what are they, and what about them entices you?
G: I would love to work with Drew Estate! I was introduced to them at Cigarfest and there’s an edginess to them that I think fits my vibe very much. Furthermore, most people can find a cigar they like from them. They seem to be one of the most versatile.
Ginelle, do you think your sexuality helps attract more females to the lure of tobacco?
G: Absolutely! I frequent a cigar bar every Monday. Recently, when I was smoking. I overheard a woman say ‘Oh my God she’s smoking a cigar. That’s hot.’ I generally use as an opportunity to talk to women about if they’ve ever tried one before. In fact, I always keep an easy smoking cigar with me to hand out to people for them to try. Not all women are looking to compete. Some are looking to learn off of others. I tend to attract (or at least keep in good company) those kind of women. Almost all my female friends have tried cigars at some point that I have given to them. Some even socially smoke with me. You ever see a group of women in high heels walk into a cigar lounger bar together? It’s fucking hot.
Tell us about your business @gogurlzent.
G: www.gogurlzentertainment.com GO Gurlz Entertainment is a talent company that provides models and entertainers for night clubs, lounges, and special events throughout the nation. GO Gurlz exists solely to provide our clients’ with professional women that will enhance the experience of your patrons and guests, and ensure that your brand or event stands out from the market!
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
G: I want to be as involved with the industry as I can. Daily, I learn something new. I try every cigar that is given to me, so I can learn what I like and don’t like. So I consider myself to be very open and ready to be swept away by the business. In the very near future, I’ll be combining my love of modeling, people, and cigars. Get ready for me.
