Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Wills.
Ben, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When one of my best friends Ken Hamlin retired from playing ball, he started smoking cigars. NBA Allstar 2010 in Dallas, he comes out to the balcony and hands me a Tabak Especial and says, “smoke this, don’t inhale!”
I’m sorry, what?? LOL! He repeats it, cuts and lights it. I was never a smoker of anything. Guess who chokes? Moi!
I’m thinking, EVERYTHING that can be smoked is usually inhaled and I felt silly trying NOT to; my curious personality got the best of me and I was determined to conquer it.
Four countries, a half dozen LA trips, and a curated Cards n’gars event w/dope photos w/another female smoker and from there I became really good at blowing copious amounts of smoke. That smoke birthed the moniker Sisters In Smoke.
So, I snagged the Instagram and started a blog.
Now, my friend has a cigar collaboration with La Auroa releasing in February and we’re both in this business. It’s cool how friends can build business together! Who knew?
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smoking cigars is a boys club. Integrating into a space curated, designed and fraternized by men is the struggle.
It took me 15 lounge visits to buy and actually sit inside. As a woman, it was intimidating walking pass ten guys sitting out front, stare at cigars I knew nothing about and fumble my v-cut infront of 15 additional strangers in the sitting area. So I’d buy and go home but it made it difficult to get acquainted w/the community if I never smoke IN the community.
Each time I stayed, it got easier but the first few initial encounters were debilitating because from the time you walk up to the time you leave, it’s all eyes on you.
Sisters In Smoke – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started SistersInSmoke to craft deliberate encounters uniquely curated and marketed around women. Our intent is to give women the knowledge and confidence to independently expand their flavor profile via cigar reviews, social media engagement and most importantly, participation in cigar lifestyle events.
Some may say I’m known for blowing copious amounts of smoke and taking marketable photos.
I’m super proud to be able to create relationships with other sisters of the leaf (#sotl), whether their commander-in-chief of cigar brands or social smokers.
By visiting my Instagram and website, I offer a lifestyle experience: identifying sticks, connecting with other women smokers, engaging in the tobacco process, and what it’s like to participate in industry events.
Yet, I’m still a student in this game.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I identify success by results.
Can I :
– Engage women in deliberate conversation about their smoking experiences via cigar selection, tobacco awareness, and tasting discovery.
– Introduce/bring sisters of the leaf together in any one space.
– Inspire smoking choices.
– Build relationships with industry leaders looking to execute marketable initiatives to women demographic.
– Increase brand awareness.
If so, I feel like I’ve done what I set out to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: SistersInSmoke.net
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Credit: Benecia Williams (me)
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