The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WHILE it can be tough for women breaking into male-dominated industries, Tanika Williams believes when it comes to business there is “no boys only club”.

Not only has she mastered the art of cigar rolling, she also runs a successful cigar and hookah shop on East Bay Street.

The Sea Gars Cigar & Hookah Smoke Shop, which she opened in November 2012, was not necessarily the business idea she envisioned of starting many years ago. Tanika said she always knew that one day she would become an entrepreneur, but rolling cigars was not on the list potential ventures.

However, a little inspiration from her father, who loved to smoke cigars and roll his own, was enough to pique Tanika’s interest to the point where she wanted to learn as much as she could about the craft.

“The idea all started with my dad’s love for cigars, and his curiosity of needing to know how things work,” she told Tribune Woman.

“He loved cigars so much that he figured he could roll one up just the way he liked it, and he sure did. He would always roll for friends and family. Then they would tell their friends, and they would buy cigars from him. The cigars were not perfect, but it sure gave me an idea. I always watched and figured I could do it to. It appeared to be that easy, and of course it was not. So I asked him about it and he gave me some insight. I did my research, hired a professional to assist with the start-up.”

After completing studies in pharmaceutical research at the University of Tampa, Tanika worked as a marine mammal lab technician (specialising in dolphins and sea lions). During her downtime, Tanika worked on her cigar rolling business.

“That was what I did outside of my ‘9 to 5’, seven days a week. Most of the business was at local hotels, clubs and parties. After working with the cigars, the hookahs were introduced at these venues. A friend that lived in Dubai gave me the idea. True to my nature, I ran with the idea. I always knew that I would eventually own a business, but I did not think it would be this,” she said.

Open for more than two years now, her store, which offers special blends and hand-rolled cigars, has proven to be profitable, even in the early stages, Tanika said.

But it is challenging as well.

It takes time to become skilled at cigar rolling, and there are no shortcuts, she said.

“There is definitely a skill,art to rolling a cigar. It looks easy, but it is easier said than done. You have to understand leaf blending, the different types of rolling styles, how to cut your leaf correctly, and the list goes on. All of these things then translates to beautiful, aromatic smooth cigars that taste great and burn evenly,” she said.

“Every cigar smoker values different aspects of smoking a cigar. There are many factors that determine whether a cigar is good or not so good – the taste, construction, burn, draw, appearance and aroma. Every smoker’s palate and tolerance level is different. Sea Gars stock mild to full bodied cigars. All of our cigars feature both complexity and balance, which will provide a great smoke for any level of smoker.”

The businesswoman said local consumers have been receptive to the store overall. One of the main cigar brands she sells, Guevara, is widely supported and commended by local and international customers.

But Tanika did not stop at cigars, and has now expanded into hookah business.

“Traditional and electronic hookahs are what’s happening in the smoke world at this current time,” she said.

“It is the new way of socialising for friends, as some would say. Electronic hookahs, cigarettes and vape pens are widely used by social smokers as well was individuals quitting regular cigarettes.”

For women who aspire to be entrepreneurs but are hesitant about breaking into what may be considered a male-dominated sector, Tanika had this to say: “In business there’s no more ‘boys only club’. With the right combination anything is possible.

“Do your research, and lots of it. When you get tired, do some more research. Get advice from the professionals and use your resources. Also set standards, be confident, and never compromise. There will always be critics; never let others place a value on your hard work. Mistakes will happen; learn from them. Be eloquent and know your audience. People need convincing. Let your knowledge and confidence sell your idea. Make a positive professional impression.”