Deep Cuts Live

Julio Cabrera - Cafe La Trova and Sacrificio Cigars | Deep Cuts Live w/ Antoine Reid | Episode 141

We're mixing things up a bit with this week's Deep Cuts Live! For Episode 141, the special guest is Julio Cabrera, the award-winning bartender behind Miami's Café La Trova and the new premium cigar brand Sacrificio Cigars.

Julio has a unique and engaging story that's sure to inspire everyone to take some action in their life. After studying to become an agricultural engineer, Julio realized something that many do at some point in their professional careers–his work wasn't fulfilling. He wanted to pursue something he was instead passionate about. He set off to study hospitality and bartending, a career move that excited him even though it had his family worried initially. Learn how he took control of his career and became an award-winning bartender and owner of one of Miami's hottest bars frequented by celebrities from Cam Newton to Alicia Keys.

Julio also talks about his latest business venture–the launch of Sacrificio Cigars, inspired by his relationship with his father and made with the help of one of Nicaragua's largest makers of premium cigars.

 

 

Mechelle Merkerson | Deep Cuts Live w/ Antoine Reid | Episode 140

Becoming a content creator is a popular professional track for many people, but what does it take to be a successful content creator? What does it take to put together a video or to build a dedicated audience? In episode 140 of Deep Cuts Live with host Antoine Reid, Mechelle Merkerson shares how her desire to teach and educate others about premium cigars led to her creating her own online show, "Cigars with 'M'."

Hear her unique approach to creating content, including scripting videos, handling social media, and tips for others considering getting into the creator economy. For anyone interested in becoming a content creator or getting into the business of user generator content (UGC), this will be a great interview for you to listen to.

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Watch Deep Cuts Live on YouTube.com/deepcutslive and catch up on what you've missed by visiting deepcutslive.com. 

Interview: Quesada Cigars’ Hector Becerra

Hector Becerra is the national sales manager for Quesada Cigars, a well-established cigar manufacturer based in the Dominican Republic. In this interview with Deep Cuts Live, Hector dives into what makes Quesada a brand that should have a regular place in your humidor and what it takes to be a successful salesman and marketer in today's cigar industry. For anyone in sales, learn why "being on" at all times is more of the norm and, at times, necessary to achieve success. 

PANDA YAN: MOVING FROM CHINA TO MAKING CIGARS IN NICARAGUA

Ready to unlock the blueprint to conquering uncharted territories? Tune in now and be inspired by Panda Yan's exceptional expedition, proving that with tenacity and the right opportunities, you, too, can turn your dreams into reality. 

Join us in this exclusive interview to uncover the untold story of how Panda Yan, armed with determination and curiosity, forged an extraordinary path. Dive into the riveting narrative of his journey from China to the cigar factory floor in Nicaragua, where he honed his skills and knowledge, ultimately giving birth to his brainchild, Y Panda—a premium cigar brand he crafted with the help of his mentor, Luciano Meirelles.  

Don't miss out on this must-watch video destined to reshape how you perceive entrepreneurship and innovation! Remember to subscribe to Deep Cuts Live on YouTube for additional content and exclusive interviews like this, and visit deepcutslive.com to catch up on what you've missed. 

THE KONSCIOUS AWAKENING THAT LED TO A CIGAR BRAND (feat. Kevin Brown, Konscious Cigars)

How does an epiphany sparked by women's hair product lead to a premium cigar brand? You'll learn how that happened with this week's Deep Cuts Live interview with Kevin Brown. Brown has long been into entrepreneurship and has launched several businesses. It was when he found himself faced with an inner conflict selling hair product to women that eventually launched him into the cigar industry. Learn how this UPS driver learned about the cigar culture by building a cigar lounge experience and eventually creating a premium cigar brand.

Be sure to subscribe to Deep Cuts Live for more interviews and content about the cigar culture and lifestyle.

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HOW TO MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOUR PRODUCTS (feat. Aric Bey, Black Star Line Cigars)

Aric Bey returns to Deep Cuts Live to talk about everything that's happened with his premium cigar brand, Black Star Line Cigars, since his first appearance in 2020. Since his first appearance, Aric has worked on and released several new cigars, most notably Mr. Fahrenheit and Rosewood 1923. Aric discusses working with new factories, such as Tabacalera La Isla and Fabrica Oveja Negra.

Hear how Aric has better defined his brand, what it stands for today, and how he's using it to make a statement. Make sure you tune in until the end, where Aric discusses some of the events happening in countries like Nicaragua that are presenting challenges for his company today.

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HOW YOUR SMALL BUSINESS CAN TAKE ON BIGGER BRANDS (feat. Mario Caraballo, Casa Caraballo)

There's a misconception that "boutique" cigars aren't as good as more well-known brands, and this week's guest hopes to put that myth to rest once and for all with his company and its products. Mario Caraballo talks about what led him to launch his own premium cigar brand, Casa Caraballo, and a few lessons he's learned as a small business owner. Learn what the boutique cigar industry is really about in 2023 and how AI is moving the premium cigar industry forward.

Suppose you're a new business owner competing with bigger brands with bigger marketing budgets. In that case, this episode is definitely for you! Mario shares some tips for brand owners to use with their retail partners to help a small brand grow and scale. Hear why being a small business can give you a major competitive edge in today's marketplace.

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INTERVIEW: ALLEN SANABRIA, FAMILY X LOYALTY CIGARS

If you're bored with the typical name-brand cigars, this podcast will inspire you to venture into the unknown and explore the world of boutique cigars! This week's Deep Cuts Live features special guest Allen Sanabria, co-owner of Family X Loyalty Cigars.

Over five years ago, Sanabria and his business partner launched a pipe accessory designed for use with premium cigars. After nine months, Allen set out to create his premium cigar brand. With the help of Blackbird Cigar Co.'s factory, they blended their cigar and launched their own company into the market. A trademark dispute led to a rebrand as Family x Loyalty, revitalizing their efforts.

Allen Sanabria and Deep Cuts Live host Antoine Reid talk about boutique cigars or non-mainstream cigars. Learn why considering these unique brands could help you find a brand and product you like.

C.L.E. Cigar’s Christian Eiroa: Planes, Train(ing)s, and Premium Cigars - An Exclusive Interview

Join us for an exclusive interview with Christian Eiroa, the renowned founder and president of C.L.E. Cigar Company. In this captivating discussion, Christian takes us on a journey through his upbringing in Honduras, where his father imparted invaluable knowledge of tobacco cultivation and cigar craftsmanship. Discover Christian's transformation from a hesitant outsider to a passionate force in the premium cigar industry as he shares his remarkable story. 

Christian Eiroa delves into the creation of C.L.E. Cigars, his brand that exemplifies his commitment to excellence and innovation. Gain insights into his creative process and how the Asylum line allows him to push the boundaries of cigar-making. Moreover, Christian sheds light on his advocacy efforts and collaborations with the Premium Cigar Association, unveiling the multifaceted nature of his dedication to the industry. 

Don't miss this captivating interview that delves deep into the life and experiences of Christian Eiroa, a true visionary in the world of premium cigars. 

Watch, comment, and subscribe to Deep Cuts Live. Listen to this and other engaging Deep Cuts Live interviews on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and more. Visit deepcutslive.com for a treasure trove of inspiring conversations.

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Crowned Heads’ Miguel M. Schoedel - From Baseball Fields to Tobacco Fields | Exclusive Interview

Dive into an exclusive interview with Miguel M. Schoedel, the accomplished national sales manager of Crowned Heads, as he takes us on a compelling journey from the baseball diamond to the world of premium cigars. Uncover Miguel's inspiring career transition and invaluable insights into sales.

Discover the fascinating story of Miguel's pursuit of his baseball dreams, his subsequent pivot into a sales career, and his rise to the position of national sales director at Crowned Heads, a prominent and rapidly growing premium cigar brand headquartered in Nashville, TN. Gain practical advice and strategies from Miguel as he shares tips for aspiring sales professionals, drawing from his experiences.

In this captivating interview, Miguel Schoedel also provides an exciting glimpse into what Crowned Heads and Ozgener Family Cigars have planned for the highly anticipated Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show in Las Vegas, offering a sneak peek into the future of the brand and the industry as a whole.

Don't miss this captivating conversation with Miguel M. Schoedel, where baseball, sales expertise, and premium cigars intersect. 

Watch, comment, and subscribe to Deep Cuts Live. Visit deepcutslive.com for more captivating interviews.