Founder and creator of various projects focused on the tobacco world, including Cigar Queens of the Midwest and Cigar Kings of the Midwest, Melissa Lashay Whitfield—better known as Mel or Mel Lashay—is also the owner and operator of M. Lashay’s Alluring Smoke.
Originally from and always residing on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, she is the youngest of four sisters and currently plays the roles of wife, mother of three, and grandmother of one. Her professional background is primarily in healthcare, with over 20 years of experience.
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A Personal Brand
M.Lashay’s Alluring Smoke was born thanks to her husband. In 2017, she assisted him in launching his own cigar brand, and during the process, she fell in love with the leaf. She learned so much about cigars and the culture surrounding them that, once his business was up and running, he encouraged her to create her own venture.
Mel recalls moments during private events when sales were slow, but everything changed when she lit a cigar and began to enjoy it. On one occasion, an older woman with no experience approached her and said, “I want you to show me how to smoke a cigar because the way you do it is captivating.”
That moment left a mark on her heart, and since she already had the M.Lashay brand—which started as a line of nail polishes and skincare products—she decided to complement the name with the phrase “Alluring Smoke,” alluding to a mysterious or seductive smoking experience. Since then, she has been producing her premium cigars, called 8748, in a small factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.
Recognition for Women
Believing that women-owned businesses do not receive the recognition they deserve in the cigar industry, she launched Cigar Queens of the Midwest in 2023. This weekend event aims to showcase what she and many others are doing within the tobacco community. “But people don’t know, and that’s why it’s important for us to be visible…”
Additionally, this event pays tribute to the Midwest, where she is from, and serves as a platform for women in the area. During the planning stages, the event received full support from the SOTL Global Movement. In its inaugural edition, it brought together representatives from all women-owned lounges, brand owners, founders of cigar groups, podcast hosts, and influencers under one roof.
This year, it took place from October 11 to 13, and the original concept included the participation of men under the title Cigar Kings of the Midwest.
– How do you see the future of the cigar industry for women?
– What we have achieved in this community is worthy of recognition! Women, as a whole, bring a different vibe to everything we do. We turn houses into homes and nurture or protect in different ways… so I see us changing the game in tobacco culture because smoking is not just for men.
– What changes would you like the SOTL Global Movement to bring to the industry?
– Honestly, I believe theSOTL GM has accomplished a lot in the cigar world in general. It has made it easier for enthusiasts to sit together and have conversations, building lasting relationships and opportunities to expand their knowledge, to name just a few experiences I have witnessed firsthand. I would encourage them to continue this work because it truly works.
– Tell us about three characteristics of yours that add value to the cigar world.
– First, I am very loyal to those I love… and my love for cigars has inspired so many ideas that I feel I have contributed to expanding the tobacco community as a whole. Being loyal to the world of premium tobacco has allowed me to organize events that highlight the businesses of both women and men.
I would also mention dedication; once I set out to do something, I focus on that task until it’s accomplished. Finally, I would say I am vibrant. Those who know me or have spent time with me know that my personality is very bright, loud, and full of energy… I am the life of any party, I set my own tone, and I carry that with me wherever I go.
