Meet Christian Pryor-Hurst, one of the visionaries behind Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge, the newest destination for cigar and wine connoisseurs in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the city’s only Black-owned cigar and wine lounge, she has channeled her diverse experience into this space, meticulously designed to be a haven for relaxation and connection.
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After leading the digital marketing team for Davidoff of Geneva USA, Christian expanded her expertise into the world of wine, spirits, and later, cannabis. This broad range of experience allowed her to masterfully create a unique concept that fuses all her passions.
She has also prioritized the comfort of all women who visit her establishment, proving it’s possible to enjoy premium cigars, exquisite wines, and great company without sacrificing elegance or feeling out of place.
In this cozy and inclusive atmosphere, Christian seeks to empower women to explore their interests, free from intimidation or exclusivity. At Black Leaf, every guest is treated like royalty, surrounded by luxurious amenities and exceptional service.
But her vision goes further: she aspires to foster community among like-minded people. The lounge hosts exclusive events, live music nights, and cigar pairings, creating a space for socializing and connecting. With her dedication to providing memorable experiences, Christian Pryor-Hurst invites you to discover the art of indulgence at Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge.
She holds a master’s-level professional degree in digital marketing and advertising, along with 13 business certifications in marketing, organizational behavior, and management. Additionally, she is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. sorority.
Her inspiration for creating Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge came from a desire for a space that felt like home –a place where culture, conversation, and people could unite around quality cigars and curated wines.
“I always admired the art behind a fine cigar and the depth of a great wine, but I also saw the need for a place where people like me could relax, get to know each other, and feel welcome in a sophisticated yet authentic environment.”
As a marketing expert, Christian learned how to tell stories and build experience-based brands, while her time in the wine and cannabis industries showed her that community is everything. “Authenticity and trust are key to making people feel comfortable. All of that defines Black Leaf, where culture meets class.”
For Christian, this venue has grown from just a business into a home, where clients and the owner alike can enjoy everything from live music to the recent opening of the Smoke and Fade, a barbershop installed in the members’ lounge.
When asked what changes she would like to see in the presence of women in cigar culture, she said: “That they continue to stand out, especially women of color, who are breaking barriers. We’re not asking for a seat at the table… we’re bringing the table!”
