Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlena Harris.
Hi Carlena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’m a Creole Houstonian lady who was interested in learning how to smoke cigars. My nieces would invite me to various cigar lounges and I would always decline, because I didn’t know how to smoke a cigar. While on my way to attend a baby shower in Georgetown, TX; I saw a cigar lounge. I called the cigar lounge from my car to learn if they would provide a lesson. At my surprise, the owner shared he would be happy to teach me. After the baby shower, a friend and I met the owner at Zodix Cigar Lounge and was successful on my first attempt. I bought a few cigars and started reading about the process. Then I met my future fiance (didn’t know it at the time) and he shared he wanted to own a cigar lounge. I asked “have you considered a mobile cigar lounge?” I shared if he considered a mobile option he could bring the experience to the event. He is a member of a motorcycle club and had to attend 6 field events a year. He loved the idea, because he could meet his requirement and make money at the same time. So Red’s Smoke Shop – a mobile smoke shop – was born. We went to one event in Killeen, TX and then people started inviting us to other events. Before we knew it, we were invited to attend way more than 6 events in cities such as Fort Worth, TX, Rosharon, TX, Houston, TX. We have been very fortunate to meet other business owners at these events. We plan to host a business expo to celebrate our 1 year anniversary on July 16, 2022. We added CDB full spectrum products to our line for individuals who do not smoke cigars. We are listening to our customers and have plans to expand even further. It’s been incredibly educational and fun. I never in a million years imagined being known by our customers as The Cigar Lady!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles:
1) Gaging what type of cigars our customers prefer.
2) Initially developing an e-commerce site (we learned that people wanted to continue purchasing from us after the event.
Successes:
1) People always compliment us on our personalities, knowledge of cigars and CDB products.
2) The launch of our cigar box sets – people love them! Especially new cigar smokers.
3) We tend to wow attendees when we start dancing at the events. We enjoy swinging out and love music.
4) Providing samples of CDB gummies for sale
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Red’s Smoke Shop is a mobile smoke shop! Providing an experience that transports you to a simpler time via a good cigar or CBD product! We also create box sets and custom box sets; provide a cigar/CBD bar for events, and custom cigar bands for any occassion or fundraiser. What sets us apart from others is our passion for what we do and customer service. We are most proud of being able to bring a great experience to an event, suggest cigars/CBD products for those interested, and our custom box set creations. We would like the readers to know we take our customer requests seriously, we don’t just sell a product we provide an experience by sharing knowledge, providing samples, and personal stories. In addition, if they need someone to get people dancing at a party, we can do that too! We are a dancing couple and we ensure their guests will leave talking about the wonderful time they had at the event.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Best: Houston is home! I grew up here (elementary thru college (Geaux Coogs). My family is in Houston. We love the diversity.
Least: Traffic & Hurricane Season.
Pricing:
The Cigars/CBD bars start at:
- $375 for 2 hours (Silver)
- $675 for 4 hours (Gold)
- $1475 for 6 hours (Platinum)
Contact Info:
- Email: redssmokeshop01@gmail
- Instagram: redssmokeshop
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheRedSmokeTeam
Image Credits
Carol Harris
Carlena Harris
