Meet Felix Jean Jenkins of Bars and Cigars

Today we’d like to introduce you to Felix Jean Jenkins.

Felix Jean, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story of Bars & Cigars started off as just the typical conversation that would often happen when friends get together for cigars and spirits. “Whatcha smoking?”, “what do you have in the glass?”, and “Smoke anything new lately” were heard weekly as we decompressed from a full week of work. Those conversation starters grew into more in-depth “research” into flavor profile, the growing, fermenting, rolling or blending process for cigars, and the pairing with spirits. I would find myself talking people ears off yet still holding their attention because of just how intricate and interesting the world of cigars and spirits are. What started as conversation, went to archived photos and digital notes, to what is now Bars & Cigars.

The purpose behind Bars & Cigars is to take those conversations and experiences within the smoking “herf” and bring it to a broader audience that either already takes part in the Cigar and Spirit lifestyle or are interested in getting in it. I aim to educate people on all aspects are intersections of the world of cigars; from developing your palate, to properly lighting and smoking your cigar, making new and tasty cocktails, trying various different spirits and new brands, and even where to smoke. All of this in hopes of making this community larger and knowledgeable in what they are actually taking part in.

To me smoking cigars and having some exquisite pours go beyond just have a good time with friends. It’s a bridge that can connect to strangers from two different lifestyles and tax brackets. It’s a stopwatch that allows time to stand still when you’re alone pondering through the different circumstances that you may be facing. It’s a cloud that can make you lighter than air and feel like you are above it all. It’s those moments when you’re having a cigar and a nice pour that allows you to understand how simple, yet valuable life truly is.

So to sum it up, I started Bars & Cigars as a way to display that to the world. We are an info-tainment digital media brand that focuses on all things Cigars or adjacent to it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Bars & Cigars as a brand and company has seen it’s ups and downs. The downs are nothing usual or new to any brand that is getting off the ground. How to build your notoriety, what differentiate you from others in the same lane, how can you profit or monetize doing what you love? I think any and all businesses are faced with those questions. My focus before all of that was to build knowledge and trust in the space I’m operating first. Tackling this really took care of those first two questions. Doing the research, learning from others, digging deeper in order to broaden your knowledge is what then attracted those that are well-known in the industry to being see and engage with you and that built trust with those who didn’t know who I was or why they should believe what I said or thought.
The ups have definitely been many. The social media, the YouTube, and getting out there in lounge and lighting up with others have created a community around me. Guys that are just would see on Friday nights at Cigar City or elsewhere became some of my biggest supporters, business partners, confidants, and best friends. From giving me advice as to what media to focus on and the type of content that would do well, to traveling to cigar conferences and interviewing huge brands and manufactures, Bars & Cigars is where is because of them.
The struggles that remain are simply just those that come with trying to continue to grow the brand, produce what people what to see, and sale some products along the way…..OH, and consistency.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bars and Cigars?
Well I think I may have spilled all the beans in the previous questions, but Bars & Cigars is a media brand that explores cigars, cigar accessories, cigar lounges, spirits and cocktails, and all things related to the cigar lifestyle. We also engage cigar brand owners for sit down interviews and live in-depth discussions about the direction of the industry, upcoming releases or blends, and exploring the history of their brand. Our goal simply is to bring what we love, our past time, our meditation, and our conversations to all that are interested in cigars.

What sets Bars&Cigars apart from other Cigar content and media brands is that we explore the entire ecosystem. We just dont review cigars or spirits, we visit local and far away lounges to inform smokers where to visit, we again talk to industry insiders for information that can’t be found anywhere else, and we explore “sister” or adjacent products/industries such as coffee, accessories, wine, and music.

I’m most proud of the community that we have built. That’s the beautiful thing about this cigar thing…it brings people from all over together. Complete strangers have become close friends, met and smoked at local lounges, exchanged favorite smokes, and just taken down their walls to engage in great conversations.

I want your readers to know that they are all welcome. If they are curious, if they partake in smoking cigars, drinking spirits, coffee, or interesting in visit lounges, they shouldn’t hesitate to engage with us and follow along.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Quite honestly, people. I really do love being around friendly, happy, engaging people. Now don’t get me wrong…. people are draining but those that I just described are the people that recharges you, that makes you appreciate life and remember moments.

Sharing moments with others or just simply chatting about your day with someone who sees you, sincerely listens, and is present, really solidifies the relationships that we have. It lets you know that you matter.

Pricing:

• B&C Crewneck sweats – $50+
• B&C Hoodies – $50+
• B&C Tees – $28+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barsandcigars.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barsandcigarsatl/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@barsandcigarsAtl

Image Credits
Photo credit – Ed Carter of Visual Renaissance Photography