Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Khalaf.
Hi Patricia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Originally born in Beirut, Lebanon, I came to America about 21 years ago. I am proud to be the mother of beautiful twin girls. Previously I worked as a law firm manager, as well as held several sales positions, but I entered the cigar industry in 2011, and have never looked back! The very first cigar I smoked was the acid blondie belicoso and I didn’t care much for the infused cigars, but I started to try others. Having never thought I would smoke cigars nor own a cigar business; I was surprised at my growing attachment to the industry. I was learning to appreciate my time I could spend smoking a cigar and the beautiful experience that comes with it. I used to smoke hookah, but after smoking cigars it changed my whole perspective about smoking and why we smoke. Slowly I started to get more and more involved in the cigar industry (at that time I was managing a law firm and working for Burberry), but in 2016 I was offered a job at House of Cigar to help around so I took it and started to get more involved and travel to the big cigar shows, meet a lot of people who owned cigar companies or worked at the cigar factories, and a lot of just genuine people who love to smoke cigars. Later on in 2018, I got promoted to manage one of the stores for House of Cigar in Columbus. I started that store from scratch, renovating to decorating and furnishing, to putting the shelves on and placing the cigars on the shelves and organizing them. in 2021 I decided to use my knowledge and experience in the cigar industry for myself and open up a brick & mortar location after having already started my online website, queenofashllc.com. At that time, I started to look for a good name that represents the Aficionados and the place they like to smoke and feels like home where they can have a luxurious cigar experience. So, I came up with CASA AFICIONADO and found the perfect spot that happened to be close to my home. And so, my journey had begun, building up my dream where I also created an ambiance for all the Aficionadas to come and have a good smoke and feel welcomed without a stereotype. Casa Aficionado is a place that feels like home, welcomes everyone from every religion every race every ethnicity, Casa Aficionado is the home of all Aficionados and Aficionadas. We break the stereotypes; we love the cigar world and we welcome everyone who likes to enjoy a good cigar and good company.
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?
Success always comes with struggles and obstacles… some of them simply because I am woman, at first no one takes you seriously until you prove them wrong, especially in the cigar industry there’s a lot of stereotypes that I and my sister of the leaf working on breaking the stereotypes. Determination is always the key for success!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I own a store and lounge called Casa Aficianado and I specialize in Premium cigars and Cigar accessories. Also, I provide a 24h access lounge for membership holders only. My place feels like home for all Aficianados where they can enjoy and relax and have a great luxurious cigar experience. I Carry a lot of high-end brands and rare cigars along with economical prices that everyone can afford and still smoke a good cigar. I do events at least once a month and a lot of specials and deals.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We have a special event packages fir private events (birthdays, bachelor party, company gatherings, and much more…) Membership ate available with locker and free cigar a month and 29% off their purchases… Or to stop by and check out our humidor selection of premium cigars.
Contact Info:
- Website: QueenOfAshLLC.com, CasaAficionado.net
- Instagram: @casaaficionado @queen_of_ash_sotl_usa
- Facebook: Casa Aficianado, Patricia SOTL-usa
- Yelp: Casa aficionado
