Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Ramirez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Heather, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I am a natural person. I have been raised to appreciate authenticity. There is nothing like being oneself! In a world of “sheeple”, be the herder. There are so many paths in life. Always choose the least traveled. Always question authority and find a way, even if they say there isn’t one. I don’t believe in life giving lemons, rather we are given lemonade. That is to say, it starts with your frame of mind. If you think the glass is half full then you are still missing out! My cup runneth over. In the cigar business in Atlanta, there are a lot of cigar lounges. The only way to stay ahead, is really to keep my eyes on my path. Its good to see what your competition is doing and offer accolades when you can, but don’t go down the rabbit hole. In this day in our society, competition is so very real and it can hurt you and your brand if you try to be something that you are not. If you stay as authentic as you can, the road will open for exactly what you have to offer.
The reason we even have a cigar lounge in the first place, is because we believed in someone else’s dream. Along those same lines, we realized there was something that was not genuine. Its important to pay attention to clues and vibrations. At some point in your journey, if you trust yourself enough, the fake or imposters will reveal themselves. You must have a discerning spirit to be able to recognize this. Hopefully, sooner than later, for the sake of you and your brand.
When you have followers, just remember they are fans; they blow where the wind blows. What you want are long lasting relationships. The more sincere you are the better to attract the same. If everyone sees you and wants what you have today, find something that no one else will ever have because it is from you and your true essence should shine through. If they want to copy you, it will be just that; a copy. You are the original.
We coined the phrase “Cuban Seed” when we first opened as our niche. Prior to this, many were scared to make this reference, as it is giving homage to Cuba. Our cigars are mainly Cuban seed, because we choose to work with families that make their art the traditional Cuban way, even if they are not physically from Cuba, they have been traditionally taught and chose to follow the old customs. Since we coined this phrase, “Cuban Seed” is a highly sought after specimen and even some brands have created cigar lines with this actual name. This did not stop us from moving forward to create our own brand of Havana Cigars, that are Cuban seed cigars, from Esteli, Nicaragua. We will still move forward, no matter what the competition does. Our path is our precious path.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Havana Cigars is a worldwide brand. We started in November 2015 in a 400 square foot “living room” with only 2 cabinets. My husband and I had two things: cigar knowledge and the will to educate consumers. I have a real estate, property management and sales background, My husband Rafa never went to school for Cigars, but he was around tobacco all of his life. His family actually worked in the factories in Cuba. He spent his youth, assisting and literally smelling the differences between the various wondrous strains of tobacco that filled the hot air of the island of Cuba. I have been blessed with a positive outlook. I have also always been a problem solver. Therefore, when my husband said he didn’t want to work for anyone anymore and he wanted to start his own company, it was my duty as his partner to be the catalyst. That was just the beginning. We had no idea how far we could go. Even now, we are amazed at what life is bringing us!
Our first locations building was closed and all the businesses were displaced. Havana Cigars was the only company that found a space on the same street. We moved literally feet from where we were. It was very heart wrenching and we miss our neighbors. We have however, met new ones and enjoy being where we are at this point: 398 Auburn AVE. NE Atlanta GA 30312. We are directly across the street from the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial site!
While we were moving, we started our own Cigar line: Havana Cigars. We did this to keep ourselves relevant, since we noticed that every time we assisted smaller mom and pops brands in launching, all the other lounges would grab them up and we would no longer have our special niche of carrying boutique brands. So, we created our own. This is a very special line, that no one else has but us!
In addition, we have opened Villa Havana Negril, a Bed and Breakfast (Bud & Breakfast, for those interested) in Jamaica, where you can taste Blue Mountain Coffee, made Cuban style, and smoke a cigar with us, while vacationing on another beautiful island in the Caribbean. This idea came from the connections that we have made with our customers so much, that we love to be with them, beyond the shop. We have created long term friendships with like minds and enjoy good conversations, that surpass brick and mortar and venture into lifetime associations.
One can purchase Havana Cigars in five locations so far in Negril Jamaica. We have sights on another brick and mortar location when time permits. In the meantime, we are heavily involved with our community, both in Atlanta and Negril.
Next, we will open a shop in Detroit Michigan, my home town; where hustling is a way of life and hard, honest work is a sign of good character and true wealth.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Rafa says: Be Original, be authentic. It’s nice to be an inspiration to others. Yes, its true, if we did it so can you. But be yourself. Find your own niche. And then be loyal to that.
I say: Never give up. Even if you have to take a break, that is a crucial part of the journey. Never listen to negativity, as it is poison to your dreams. Don’t take no for an answer. When I worked at MCI, selling an intangible service, it took 10 nos to get a yes. If you see the negativity coming (and you know it is visible, as it is a vibe) close your ears and your eyes and turn away. Put your blinders on and envision the best outcome possible for you. Then marinate in that feeling for as long as it takes to get what you need.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
There are two books that are most essential in my thought process.
The Alchemist and the 7 Spiritual Laws of Success.
The Alchemist, because, he was just a shepherd that went looking for the treasure of life. In the end, he already had it. So, find yourself and you will find great treasure. Also, he never gave up!
The 7 Spiritual Laws of success: 3 laws in particular;
1. The law of least effort. It is the nature of the sun to rise. It is the nature of the flowers to bloom. They do not get up everyday and complain about being the best flower in the garden, they are just present for the experience, as is.
2. The law of Dharma. What is for you is yours and no one can take it from you. It is your destiny, the reason you are here.
3. The law of Detachment. You come into the world alone and 9 times out of 10 you will leave alone as well. Make the most out of it, without attaching any feelings to outcomes. As life, like the waves of the ocean, ebbs and flows. Let go and enjoy the ride.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HavanaCigarsATL.com
- Instagram: @havanacigarsATL @Villahavananegril
- Other: Contact via: havanacigarsATL@gmail.com villahavananegril@gmail.com
Image Credits
The mural in the background on the building is by: Derwin Palmer @REBELNO.Seventy.Three (instagram) 404.914.5542. The photos: Terrence Foster email: FosterTerrence98@gmail.com @vladphotographer_ (instagram) 4703578403
