Simply Stogies

Episode 57: A Conversation with Anya Ramirez

I am joined, via telephone, with Instagram influencer, entrepreneur, and representative of Karen Berger Cigars, Anya Ramirez. We talk about her journey into the world of cigars and how it's a lifestyle for her and not just a hobby. We discuss how she came to be a rep for Karen Berger Cigars and some of the things she's seen in the industry. I ask her about women in the hobby and how smaller B&Ms can better cater to this growing demographic. Anya opens up about her experience starting a new cigar brand, how some in the industry treat women, and how she uses her platform on Instagram to influence others. You do not want to miss this episode!

Follow Anya on Instagram here.

Episode 56: On the Patio with Giannis of the Vintage CLT

I sit down with Giannis Koutsoupias, the Director of Business Development for the Vintage Whiskey and Cigar Bar in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the patio at the Vintage. We talk about Giannis' cigar journey, the lessons learned from his time in the restaurant and hospitality sector, the friends he made in the cigar industry, and his shared vision for the Vintage with Dan the owner. Giannis and I discuss how they curated their humidor, the blending process for the house stick (made by Nick Syris of LH Premium Cigars), and the relationships that he has made.

When you're in the Charlotte area, the Vintage Whiskey and Cigar Bar is the place to visit, at 215 E Worthington Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203. They have a wide range of whiskeys, scotch, wine, port, and a great cup of coffee. The staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable, and they have a great space in a wonderful neighborhood. Tell 'em Simply Stogies sent you!

Episode 55: Talking with Lucas from Oxford Cigar Company

James travels to sunny Orlando, Florida to have a conversation with Lucas Da Silva of Oxford Cigar Company. The pair sit outside next to large fans and a train station to discuss how Oxford Cigar Company does business, how they treat their customers, and their vision for the cigar industry. We also cover the PCA, the state of the cigar industry, some of the craziest things Lucas has seen, and the future of cigars. This is a great conversation that you're sure to enjoy.

 

Visit Oxford Cigar Company and give them a shot. You won't be disappointed.

Episode 54: Talking Shop with Deep South Cigars

I travel to sunny Orlando, Florida to chat live and in person with Jeremy and Donovan from Deep South Cigars. The three of us have a candid conversation about everything from politics, southern culture, diversity, family, cigars, self-promotion, the future, dating, starting your own business, and demystifying the cigar industry. This was a great conversation with a couple of real, down to earth, and generous BotLs that took time out of their schedule to sit down and have as open a chat as you'll find in the industry. You do not want to miss this.

 

Visit Deep South Cigars

Purchase the 770 BBC from Deep South Cigars and more here!

Episode 53: A Conversation with GSTN Cigars

I visit Capital Cigar Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska to sit down and talk with Jeff Gaston. Jeff is the owner and founder of GSTN Cigar, who makes quality wood ashtrays for every budget and every need. Jeff and I discuss how he started his cigar journey and what led him to start GSTN Cigar. We talk about his process of making ashtrays, what inspires him, his inventory, and how long it takes him to ship out an order. We also dive into Jeff's background as a content creator, the podcasting process, and so much more. It was a great time getting to meet Jeff and spend some time with him.

Jeff is also GIVING AWAY a custom engraved Wade \/s Evans ashtray to one lucky listener! Just go to Episode 53: A Conversation with GSTN Cigar and leave a comment on the episode's page between May 1 and June 15, 2021 and you'll be automatically entered to win. Winner will be announced on the July 1 episode of Simply Stogies Podcast.

Go to GSTN Cigar and use code SImplystogies for a 15% discount off of everything in his store!!

Episode 52: Talking Shop with Evan from The Blend Newsletter

This episode I chat with Evan, the founder of The Blend Newsletter, via Zoom and we discuss his cigar journey, how he fell in love with cigars, how the global pandemic helped him find his passion for the leaf, and how he curates the newsletter each week. We end up talking about what it's like being a content creator in the cigar industry, the time it takes to create content, how it affects our personal lives, and the relationships we've made along the way. It was a great conversation that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

To sign up for The Blend please click here.

If you'd like to find out more about Smoked, the cigar-centric event hosted by The Blend, or to buy your tickets, please click here.

Episode 51: Chatting at the Drawing Room QC

I visit the Drawing Room QC and chats with two of the owners, Eric Norton and Shale Sage. The trio discuss the cigar community and rich cigar history in Davenport, Iowa, the cigar industry, how cigar manufacturers sell cigars to B&Ms, and how Eric and Shale started their cigar journeys. They also discuss opening a cigar lounge during a pandemic, how they train their staff, and so much more. 

 

Visit the Drawing Room on their Facebook Page.

Episode 50: Sitting Down with Sean David of David's Fine Tobaccos

I sit down with the third generation owner of David's Fine Tobaccos in Clive, Iowa, Sean David. Sean and I discuss a wide range of topics that both his customers and cigar aficionados and enthusiasts will find interesting. We talk about the 40+ year history of David's Fine Tobaccos, what's changed over that time, and the growing diversity of cigar smokers. We find out what goes into an event, how Sean views the PCA and CRA, state level politics, and where he sees the business in the next few years.

Episode 49: Chatting with Robin Blue of Blue Smoke ATL

I welcome Robin Blue, founder and creator of Blue Smoke ATL, to the show. Robin and I discuss how she approaches creating her line of cigar pokers, flasks, and key chains. We talk about how she began her cigar journey, what prompted her to start her business, and how women are different cigar smokers than men. We find out how she chooses which lounges to do business with and how women have found their place in the cigar community. It was a great conversation that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

 

Please visit and support Robin. She makes quality cigar accessories that are unique and can be customized to fit your tastes.

Blue Smoke ATL

Blue Smoke ATL Etsy

Follow Robin on 

Facebook

Twitter

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Episode 48: Cigar Community Round 2 with Keepers of the Flame

I sit down and chat via Zoom with the founder and admin of Keepers of the Flame cigar club, Anthony. We discuss how Anthony got into the cigar hobby as well as his thoughts on boutique cigars, diversity, growth during COVID, his approach to moderating, and the Cigarmageddon contest with the Simply Stogies cigar club. This was a great conversation that I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

 

Keepers of the Flame Instagram