For Carmen Z. Rivera, cigars represent a connection to culture, craftsmanship, tradition, and personal memories. Originally from Puerto Rico, Carmen discovered her passion for tobacco at an early age through her grandfather, whose pipe and cigar aromas left a lasting impression. Years later, that passion evolved into a career in the cigar industry alongside her husband.
What began in 2020 as His & Hers Cigar Lounge, a mobile cigar lounge serving private and corporate events, eventually became a brick-and-mortar lounge in Florida. The concept was born from Carmen’s desire to create a welcoming environment for everyone, particularly women who may have felt out of place in traditionally male-dominated cigar spaces. Education is at the heart of the lounge, helping newcomers discover cigars according to their palate while gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind them.
Carmen’s work as a certified cigar roller has further deepened that appreciation, giving her firsthand knowledge of the skill and precision required to transform tobacco leaves into a finished cigar. Her passion for the craft has even extended to growing tobacco at home with her husband, with the goal of eventually taking the process from seed to cigar. Along the way, she has continued expanding her knowledge and involvement in the industry through organizations such as TPA and Sisters of the Leaf.
In this conversation, Carmen also discusses her role as a SOTL ambassador, the importance of creating a more inclusive cigar community, her experience working alongside her husband, and her ambitions for the future –including becoming a master tobacconist and bringing the cigars they roll to a wider audience. Above all, she shares a message about pursuing dreams through hard work, education, and perseverance. A personal look at the woman behind His & Hers and the passion that continues to drive her journey through the world of cigars.
