6 TOBACCO BUSINESS | NOVMEBER / DECEMBER | 22 F E AT UR E S N O V EMB E R / D E C EMB E R 2 0 2 2 ON THE COVER: ERIK ESPINOSA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SLAV GORDEYEV 28 THE UNDERDOG’S ON TOP As Espinosa Premium Cigars celebrates its 11th anniversary, its founder, Erik Espinosa, discusses his personal journey in the cigar industry and how his brand has gone from boutique status to being sought out by the likes of celebrity chef Guy Fieri. 44 SECOND LIFE When Dr. Gaby Kafie received a life-changing diagnosis, he chose to leave behind one promising career to pursue a profession based on his passion for premium cigars. 62 SISTER ACT Yvette and Yvonne Rodriguez are often credited with being the first women to start a cigar brand in the U.S. Now they’re sharing their entrepreneurial story of how cigars helped them create multiple streams of revenue. 70 THE RULEBREAKERS How did Peter James Co. evolve from its origins as an accessory brand? Founder John Laurendi shares the mindset shift that allowed him to transform his company into a lifestyle brand. 54 TOTAL EXPOSURE Enrique Seijas’s family continues to make a name for itself in the cigar industry with its refreshing take on Matilde Cigars, a brand that’s all about the fine details. 28
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