Meet Lorena Wise: Owner of STIX Cigar Accessories for Women

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lorena Wise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lorena, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been artistic and creative and decorating is one my hobbies. About five years ago I began smoking cigars with my girlfriends and I love it. The cigar experience is very relaxing and enticing. I never could have imagined that it was so much to learn about the flavors, aroma, quality and types of cigars. Not to mention the pairing of alcohol and wine to compliment your palate. During my cigar journey I discovered that there is a large number of women who smoke cigars and the accessories are mostly masculine and the unisex items are simple and boring. In May of 2020 I noticed my God-brother’s fraternity cigar poker and after examining it I knew that I could make it. I researched a few items I decided to handmake cigar sticks/pokers to appeal to the women and a few for the men. Recently I’ve handmade wine glass stemware charms to match the sticks and I plan to add a feminine touch to several other cigar accessories. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My products are handmade and most cannot be duplicated. I have received special order request for either a specific color, style or theme and so far I have been able to create the items. I plan to keep this same creativity when I introduce my new line of cigar accessories in the near future. Throughout life I have heard people criticize others for becoming small business owners and I have had people close to me to criticize or downplay my dreams and goals. Although it frustrated me, I allowed the negativity to inspire me. The phrase that “your passion becomes your purpose” is true. If you enjoy what you do it doesn’t feel like work. I enjoy arts and crafts and cigars and it is a beautiful combination for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love seafood, Cajun cuisine, caribbean dishes and vegan restaurants. Therefore I’d definitely take them to Gumbeaux’s Cajun Cafe in Douglasville, Georgia. Followed up during the week with dining at the Atlanta Fish Market, Mango Caribbean Restaurant on Auburn Avenue and Green Love Kitchen in downtown Lithonia, Georgia for the vegan delicacies. There are great outlets and malls in the metro Atlanta that will satisfy all of my friends needs. For multiple bars and entertaining spots we would visit The Battery at Truist Park and Ponce City Market in midtown Atlanta. We may even do a wine tasting tour in North Georgia. There are several cigar bars we can experience to bring the visit to an end. Such as Burn Cigar Bar, Cigar City Club, Kings Cigar Lounge, Fellaship Cigar Bar or The Red Booth Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends are my greatest support system. Not only have they purchased my products but they have also promoted my small business via social media and word of mouth. Their advice has been appreciated and one of my close friends purchased my crafting table and chair. I honestly thought that starting my business during a pandemic was a bad idea but I prayed about it and felt reassured regarding my decision. With the love and support of family, friends and my “girl tribe” (girlfriends who smoke cigars) I’m sure this will be an amazing experience to share with them all.

Website: etsy.com/shop/STIX Cigar Accessories
Instagram: instagram.com/stixcigaraccessories/
Facebook: facebook.com/STIX Cigar Accessories/

Image Credits
Image Credit of Lorena Wise by Cydney Rhines of Into Creations Studio STIX Logo credit by Quincy Wise of The Quinessentials