Cigar Lounge
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Interview with Marielle Brooks, Owner of The Havana Room Cigar Lounge in Miami, Florida.
Q: How did you come up with the idea to open a cigar lounge, and what inspired you to pursue it?
Marielle: I have always enjoyed the rich aroma and taste of a good cigar, and I noticed that there was a gap in the market for a premium cigar-focused store in Miami. I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship and knew that I could create something special that would cater to cigar aficionados like myself.
Q: What were some of the challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
Marielle: One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding the right location that would attract cigar enthusiasts and provide enough space for events. I was also new to the industry and had to learn everything from scratch, including building relationships with suppliers and learning how to run a business.
To overcome these challenges, I spent countless hours researching and networking to find the perfect location. I also surrounded myself with experienced professionals who were able to provide me with valuable advice and guidance.
Q: You’ve mentioned that your business has had unexpected success. Can you share some of your proudest moments and achievements?
Marielle: Yes, we were fortunate enough to find success early on, and it has been an incredible journey ever since. One of my proudest moments was when we were able to host our first-ever cigar lounge event. It was incredible to see so many people enjoying themselves, sharing their passion for cigars, and coming together as a community.
Another proud moment was when we launched our online store. We partnered with Shopify and were blown away by the response from our customers. Our online store has enabled us to reach customers from all over the country, and we have been able to expand our business beyond our local community.
Q: Can you tell us more about your decision to partner with Shopify and how it has helped your business in the long term?
Marielle: We partnered with Shopify because we wanted the most reliable and user-friendly platform to build our online store. Shopify has helped us to easily manage our online inventory, process payments, and reach new customers through their marketing features.
Having an online store has not only dramatically increased our sales but has also given us the ability to showcase our vast selection of premium cigars and smoking accessories to a broad audience. We were able to switch to an omnichannel approach, which has been beneficial in reaching customers both online and in-store.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a successful cigar lounge business?
Marielle: My biggest advice is to be passionate about what you do and take the time to learn everything about the industry. It takes hard work, dedication, and persistence to build a successful cigar lounge business. Building relationships with suppliers, creating a unique and inviting space, and providing exceptional customer service are key to your success. Finally, never give up and always keep pushing through the difficult times.
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