We were lucky to catch up with Lauren Witherspoon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lauren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The story behind Constantine Cigars starts when I was in college. In December 2017, I had this bright idea that I would start my own cigar company. My father, Larry Witherspoon, is actually an avid cigar smoker and encouraged me to pursue cigars. After doing my market research, I found out that the cigar industry is very lucrative but also male-dominated. However, I also found that there is a huge market of female cigar smokers! But not many cigar companies consider them as their target market. Lastly, I found out that there were zero female & black-owned cigar companies in Arizona. With that being said, I made the decision to start my cigar company and be the first female & black-owned cigar company in Arizona. During my start up phase, I focused primarily on establishing distribution; I worked on my creating my logo; and focus on networking to establish different relationships and opportunities. As a vendor, I consistently offered my products at private parties, events, etc. throughout Arizona. By doing so, I was able to gain my brand recognition for Constantine Cigars! My main barrier has been getting male cigar smokers onboard with my brand. There are a lot of men who do not want the cigar “industry standards” to change. I plan to continue to have a direct influence on the Arizona cigar market, and encourage other women to join as well! There is an ample amount of opportunities that the cigar industry offers. More women should have access to these opportunities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I consider myself as a multi-dimensional woman. Not only am I an entrepreneur, but also a model, pageant queen, training actress, professional, athlete, sports coach, believer, singer, and more! The list goes on and on. I love doing more than one thing. It allows me to stay busy and pursue life with a universal purpose. It’s what helps me to stand out from others and serve as a role model for others to follow. I am blessed to have been influenced by 2 entrepreneurial parents who always encouraged me to seek more out of life at a very young age. I challenge everyone to pursue different talents, hobbies, skills, etc. and do it wholeheartedly! Because that is what’s going to all you to stand out and be your unique self!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

During the startup phase of my business, my initial capital was self-funded by myself. While working on 2 degrees in college, I also worked on 2 jobs, and played 2 sports as well. I was hustling nonstop! Also the revenue that I received from cigar sales was reinvested into my business.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I sell my products primarily as a vendor. My motto is, “Enjoy an aromatic smoking experience without carrying inventory”. I don’t have a storefront yet, but plan to have one soon, I also order delivery services. Customers can submit their orders through Constantine’s Instagram, @constantinecigars, or through our Facebook page, Constantine Cigars.

The only con that I have had so far is that a lot of my clientele are not on social media. But the pro part is that they buy their cigars in bulk whenever they find me selling cigars at a private party, event, et.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.constantinecigars.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constantinecigars
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/constantinecigars
• Other: Business Number: 480-269-7450 Business email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Photographer: Colin Murray Photography @colinmurrayphotography Stylist: Kathleen Murray @kathleen_murray_phx MUA: Tonya Gabriel @beautymarklounge