The Next Generation Of Cigar Media

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in cigar but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Tabacco, President & Founder of Smokin Tabacco, located in Boston, MA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is a media/blog/news website that I started back in 2019 called Smokin Tabacco, a name inspired by my actual last name. Our primary focus is to cover all aspects of the Premium Cigar industry in terms of news, for example, new products, brands, staffing, company acquisitions, cigar, and other product reviews. We also cover two major industry trade shows and conventions, as well as other major events throughout the year. In addition, we host and record two live podcast shows weekly.

Tell us about yourself

I am married to my beautiful wife Nicole, who I met in 2020. We have our first baby on the way. I am motivated by my amazing wife and our family, my friends, my peers and colleagues, and the consumers to share their knowledge and share my passion with them. I also have done a lot of charity work, and I love being able to use my platform to change other people's lives.

Doing what we do isn't always easy or enjoyable, but it is the things that motivate you that keep you going even in the darker or more stressful times. Whenever you feel like quitting, stop and look at where you have come from and everything you have accomplished, and how much more you need to get to the next milestone and keep going. If you love it enough, you will feel that abandoning everything you have worked for is not an option.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We hold an annual fundraiser that benefits a foundation run by two of the major brands in the industry called the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation. In our first two years, we have raised almost $60,000. We are getting ready to run the third edition and hope it takes over $100,000. It is a huge sense of pride to be able to take what you built and use it to give back.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

There are many things that are hard, but for me, it is time. There is never enough time. Everything we do is fast-paced, trying to get news articles out and stay relevant. There is also a lot of time that goes into it.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

First, do something you are passionate about, or don't do it at all. You need to be following a path you'll not want to let go of and still love on your worst days. If you do something you don't love, it makes it easier to quit, and you will also never be happy.
Second, stay 100% focused. Don't let anyone bring you down or discourage you. There are plenty of people who will try and discourage you, interject their own feelings or be jealous. Once you start showing some success, there is always someone who will hate you out of nothing more than jealousy. Just block it out and focus on your personal and professional growth.
The last one is simple but so important. Just be patient. You aren't going to be king of Rome in an afternoon, a week, or a year. Everything takes time; just take it one step, one day, and one win at a time. Football players don't just win games; they win downs.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.smokintabacco.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrtabacco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokintabacco
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmokinTabacco
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-tabacco-87a69532/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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