Cigar World WCW: Shanika Smith

For this WCW, we wanted to highlight a woman who you have all seen on your Instagram if you are a cigar enthusiast. Her name is Shanika Smith, but you probably know her as @lavellas_1 or simply as Diva. We ran into her at PCA, and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us. Read on!!

Jean: I am so glad I ran into you at PCA. We have been wanting to get you on WCW for a while now. Tell us a little bit about yourself, so we can get to know you a bit better.

Shanika: It was great meeting you and the Cigar World team at PCA. I am 43, a boy mom of 21 years who has an eclectic style, free spirit, loves fashion, traveling, boxing, live music, anything bourbon/ whiskey, and of course the love of the leaf/Cigars.

Jean: And you are also an Event Coordinator at Emerson's Cigars right? Tell us about that.

Shanika: Yes, for two years now. Mind you, I have been their customer for 17 years. I’ve had my own successful Event Planning business LaVella’s Parties prior to coming on board with Emerson’s Cigars. I’ve also attended their events, so it definitely helped joining, organizing, and bringing something new to their events. Our events have improved, and we love all the diverse participants that attend. What I do love the most, is that my team sees, hears, and supports me as a woman in this industry. I am grateful for Scott, Chris, and every Emerson’s Cigars staff.

Jean: So, how did you get into cigars?

Shanika: Funny story, so I used to talk to someone who didn’t smoke cigars. His friends, which are my cigar family now. They always came around and smoked cigars. I was intrigued by the smell and the sophistication of it all. I wanted to learn more and try them out. One of them started me off with a starter box of different types of cigars. A COHIBA red dot in the Aluminum Tube was the first cigar I tried. I went on vacation trying to be cute, and got sick. Mind you, they taught me nothing prior. So that day moving forward, I came back to Emerson’s Cigars and learned everything about cigars. How to light them, smoke them, control the smoke, taste, strengths, and learned my palate. I was the only female who smoked at the Chesapeake location, which is my home lounge, and my style never changed. But I love when I see ladies stay and smoke at the shop, have awesome conversations, and learn the craft.

Jean: What is your favorite cigar to smoke right now?

Shanika: My favorite go to cigar is the Montecristo Espada Churchill.

Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Criollo ‘98, Habano

Such a relaxing, creamy cigar. No need to rush smoking this beauty. I recommend this cigar to everyone.

Jean: What do you like to pair with your cigar for a drink and for music?

Shanika: It depends, I love to pair my cigars with bourbon whiskey or a good Cabernet Sauvignon. Most my friends know I’m picky and I love a good sidecar with Uncle Nearest 1884, shaken in a martini glass and half sugar on the rim.
As for music, I love live music, jazz especially a good saxophone player.

Jean: Your style is banging. I would be following you on IG even if you didn’t smoke cigars. Have you always been into fashion, or what got you interested in that world?

Shanika: Why thank you! I’ve always been into fashion. My icons growing up are still Audrey Hepburn, Josephine Baker, and Grace Jones. My dressing room is model around the movie “ Breakfast at Tiffany’s “ with my claw sofa tub with my signature colors (RED/WHITE/BLACK). I love murals and art. Growing up, my parents/ grandparents taught me that I don’t care what you’re going through, put yourself together before you step outside. Have pride in your appearance and own the room. You never know who you might meet; the first impression is everything. Fast forward, I brand everything I am and around me.

- I have my 2nd Limited Fedora Collection “LaVella’s Collection” Summer Edition on the way, I designed made by Fedora Designs
- I am Talley & Twine (watches) New Ambassador
- I am Kingmakers Cigars (New Ambassador)

Jean: Do you have a favorite clothing designer right now?

Shanika: No, growing up I didn’t have a favorite stylist/designer. I just loved my icons’ clothing and wanted to recreate it my way.
Today, I love supporting designers who stand out with an eclectic style like me. Currently in most of my style shoots and events I use my stylist/designer Salina Davis Owner of Urban Sophie. She’s amazing!

Jean: Do you have the ultimate fashion/accessory item that you are hunting for?

Shanika: Yes, Anything vintage! I love to mix it up with a modern look.

Shanika Smith of Emerson's Cigars

Jean: So what is next? Other than on the socials, where can we find you and what can we expect to see from you next?

Shanika: What’s next? What I love to say, you never know with me. I love to surprise others. Just know I’m always working. It’s event season, so you can definitely catch me at all Emerson’s Cigars Events.

Visit our site for all upcoming events:

Events Archive - Emerson's Cigars Online Cigar Lounge

emersonscigars.com

But when I’m not hosting cigar events, I manage and run a women’s shelter, Divine Inspiration Outreach, Inc., with my mother. Our house is a transitional house for homeless single women, and our mission is to get our ladies back on their feet and back to self-sufficiency.

Visit to learn more: @divineinsporeach

Divine Inspiration Outreach

divineio.org

Jean: Fantastic! Thank you so much for your time!

Shanika: No, Thank you for seeing me! It was a pleasure talking with you.

Shanika “DIVA” Smith #sheknowswhatshewants

#notyouraverageeventcoordinator

#fedoradiva

#lavellascollection

If you are not already following @lavellas_1 you need to head to IG right now and do it. Also, make sure you follow Cigar World on IG @cigarworld. Until our next WCW, we are signing off!