Meet Melissa Arnold

We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Arnold recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My own journey wasn’t nurtured by the safety net of unconditional love. Growing up, my mother did her best, but parenting wasn’t her calling. When I was just 13, I was sent to live with my best friend’s family for a year. I attended three different high schools, and by my senior year, I found myself living with my 20-year-old college boyfriend. The stability that most people expect during their formative years wasn’t there for me, but that’s where resilience played a pivotal role. It came from within, fueled by a belief in the possibility of something better.

Life has taught me that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but about embracing healing, practicing self-love, and believing that despite the challenges, there’s always something beautiful ahead.

As a recovering alcoholic, I can honestly say that my life is more beautiful than I ever imagined. This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without resilience. I’m finally building the life I deserve, and it’s filled with exciting opportunities.
I’ve embarked on a new venture, Cigars With Melissa, an entertainment vendor business.
Last year I climbed Mount Saint Helens, discovered a deep passion for yoga and hiking, and even mustered up the courage to meet my dad’s family for the first time, which has been a profoundly enriching experience. My aspirations continue to grow- more love, more friends, new cigars, more mountains to climb, valleys to explore, new cities to discover, and countless adventures to embrace. My list is endless.

I hope you find inspiration in the power of resilience. It’s a practice and mindset that can truly transform your life.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Cigars With Melissa is a celebration of my passion for cigars, people, and exceptional service. We curate unforgettable cigar experiences for parties, weddings, and special events, immersing guests in a world steeped in tradition and luxury.

What I want readers to understand is that cigars belong to a rich subculture of luxury goods, marked by deep-rooted heritage. The craftsmanship behind each hand-rolled cigar is nothing short of extraordinary. The dedication and skill required to create a quality product are immense, and it’s something I wish more people appreciated.

If you enjoy wine, coffee, whiskey, or chocolate, I encourage you to explore the world of cigars. Cigars are a delicacy that should be explored with care. Over time, your palate will evolve, allowing you to savor the intricacies and flavors of tobacco from different regions, master blenders, and cigar makers.

Our lounge at Rich’s Cigar Store (my place of work) is a vibrant space where people from all walks of life come together to share stories, connect, and enjoy the luxury of cigar smoking. Join us for an experience that celebrates the joy of camaraderie and the art of fine cigars.

“Beauty and the cigar. One can never have enough of either.” – George Sand.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three important qualities that have been particularly impactful: adaptability, curiosity, and optimism.

Adaptability: Being flexible allows you to learn new skills in dynamic environments. The ability to adjust to change is crucial for navigating life’s challenges. I think embracing change as an opportunity for growth is crucial to any successful endeavor big or small.

Curiosity: Curiosity drives critical thinking and encourages exploration of different perspectives. Be curious about everything—it keeps you youthful, knowledgeable, and makes you a great conversationalist. Engaging in meaningful conversations fosters connections, which can lead to valuable opportunities for learning. Cigar lounges, for instance, are fantastic spaces for these connections!

Optimism: Optimism is the cornerstone of my resilience. I feel incredibly blessed to have maintained an optimistic outlook on life. Even amidst my darkest challenges, focusing on the silver lining has allowed me to see the abundance of joy and growth that exists. Hope can truly make a difference.

For those early in their journeys, cultivating these qualities can greatly enhance your personal and professional development. They also make your life easier! Embrace adaptability, nurture your curiosity, and foster optimism to open doors to new possibilities.

“A good smoker, like a good lover, always takes his time with a cigar. – Guillermo Cabrera Infante.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’d love to connect with:

*Anyone wanting to hire Cigars With Melissa for an Event!

*Fellow tobacconists, industry peeps, and leaders.

*Who Wants Me On Their Podcast? Let’s talk cigars, cigar culture, and what it’s like to be a woman in a male dominated industry.

*Anyone in the Wedding Industry that is curious about our services.

*Distilleries, Wineries, and Breweries. I’d love to collaborate and do pairing events!

*TORCEDORS WANTED. Please contact me if you have experience hand rolling cigars. There might be an opportunity here for us!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jeff Day Photography – jeffdayphotography.com Portland Oregon

CIGAR: Ferio Tego Elegancia 2023 – ( I WOULD LOVE THAT MENTIONED IF POSSIBLE )
https://www.feriotego.com/elegancia

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