The Beauty Women Bring to the Cigar Culture with LaTonya Robinson

Recently, I sat down with LaTonya Robinson, owner of Velvet Leaf Concierge, to explore the unique perspective women bring to cigar culture and to learn more about her distinctive concierge service that blends sophistication, community, and passion for the craft.Women are increasingly making their mark in the cigar world, reshaping what has long been considered a male-dominated culture. Trailblazing entrepreneurs like twin sisters Yvonne and Yvette Rodriguez, founders of Tres Lindas Cubanas—the first Black woman-owned American cigar brand—are leading the way. Other influential figures include Maya Selva (Flor de Selva), Ines Lorenzo-Gomez (co-founder of La Flor Dominicana), and Janny Garcia (My Father Cigars). Beyond brand ownership, women such as Shirley Mlennon, who runs Fire and Smoke Cigar Parlor, highlight the growing presence of female leadership across the industry.