Today we’d like to introduce you to Seãn Johnson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started hosting cigar events at some of the most popular hotels and lounges between Buckhead and Midtown in Atlanta, I realized the elite connections (and friends) I’ve made, had a need for more knowledge of cigars. The comradery, the diversity, just the eclectic background of stories was worth sharing with the world and that’s how CIGAR CONVERSATIONS was born.
With everyone moving to digital media, the magazine outlets were taking a hit so like the major players I went “digital” covering what cigars are hot in the industry, where the best golf courses are, clothes, cars, you know? The luxury lifestyle that surrounds an aficionado’s life. So, Cigar Conversations is considered a “mashup” like the Rob Report, talking about cars, food, travel and how an aficionado (and even the manufacturers) got to where they are of food, drinks and a cigar became a reality.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not. We are constantly competing with major players with larger budgets and have been on the scene before us. What we are doing is seeing where they are lacking, what the smokers are saying they need more of, and deliver on that. Remember no matter what business you’re in, the landscape constantly changes, and you MUST keep your finger on the pulse of your audience and adjust accordingly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Cigar Conversations is my baby, I love talking with other Aficionadas/Aficionados. Someone told me they see me as the “Anthony Bourdain of the industry”, and I smiled because that’s a guy that I respect with his interview style.
One of the proudest moments was when a fan saw me in a lounge came over and introduced himself and said, “my wife and I were in Paris at a lounge and they were playing your interview with Eric Espinosa”, To be tapped on the shoulder by one of the most Iconic hotel franchise, The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to curate their cigars, now THAT is what you call a proud moment that keeps you pushing through.
I think what sets me apart is the fact that my curating style mimics individuals you see on the Travel Channel or the food network.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Starting with my mother who I’ve always seen her work my whole life. I also surrounded myself with a small circle of like-minded friends and associates, this keeps me grounded and allows me to pool resources/insights you would normally pay for when building a business.
Let’s not forget several of the industry icons who opened their doors and made time for me to sit down and share their hard road to success and continued guidance such as Sean Williams of Cohiba Cigars, Nick Perdomo Jr. of Perdomo Cigars, Cigar Mike of Atlanta Cigar Experience, Allen Rubin of Alec Bradley, Last but not least Erik Espinosa.
I mention these individuals because we stay in touch past the interviews and in my eyes have been great examples of always staying in touch with the consumers/audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cigarconversations.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cigarconvo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CigarConvo
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cigarconvo
- Youtube: https://vimeo.com/cigarconvo
- Yelp: https://www.youtube.com/CigarConvo
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cigarconvo
Image Credits
Kelton Gresham
John Sanders
