On her 23rd birthday, Mechelle Merkerson asked her father for a unique gift: the knowledge of how to smoke a cigar. That experience ignited a passion not only for cigars but for the rich culture surrounding them. This moment sparked a journey that would transform her love for tobacco into a thriving profession.
Born in Florida, Mechelle is an accomplished professional in marketing, communications, business, and hospitality. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree that integrates all these disciplines, enabling her to share her expertise through the platform Cigars with M.
Read in the magazine (rotate your device for a better reading experience):
As her appreciation for cigars deepened, so did her understanding of their history and cultural significance. Mechelle explains, “I felt a clear calling from the Lord to share what I’ve learned with others who might be on the same path.” This led to the launch of Cigars with M on July 5, 2022. Since then, she has committed herself to extensive research and continuous learning, ensuring that her content remains both engaging and informative.
To date, Cigars with M has produced over 117 episodes, reaching nearly 30,000 impressions monthly across six social media platforms. Mechelle’s influence extends beyond her show—she is featured in multiple magazines and serves as Co-Chair of Membership for Women of PCA. She has also partnered with key industry organizations like the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), Cigar Rights of America (CRA), Boveda, and numerous cigar lounges and accessory brands to broaden her impact.
Her success is supported by a skilled team, including John Sands, Media Director at Cigars with “M” and Creative Director For Shutter Sexy Photography; Reginald “Regg” Smith, Cinematographer at Areginalmedia, whose expertise has been integral to the platform’s growth.
In addition to her media ventures, Mechelle created a digital content calendar designed specifically for retailers and cigar professionals. This planner not only highlights important industry dates and organizations but also provides practical strategies to enhance social media presence. Featuring motivational quotes and organizational tools, the calendar is available for purchase at www.momentswithmechelle.com.
Mechelle’s passion for mentorship has evolved into offering brand consulting services to retailers, cigar companies, and accessory brands. As she continues to expand her influence, she remains committed to reshaping how cigars are perceived worldwide, partnering with various industries to create unique cigar pairing experiences.
Her vision for the future includes developing resources to help retailers strengthen their social media strategies and better connect with consumers. A key part of this vision is fostering a mentorship program that pairs emerging cigar business owners with seasoned industry veterans, promoting diversity and inclusion in an industry that thrives on community.
