Mechelle Merkerson is redefining what cigar culture looks like through education, community, and representation. The Arlington, Virginia, resident is recognized as the first Black female cigar educator in the Washington, D.C., area and the first Black woman to own a company dedicated to premium cigar education.

Through her business,Cigars with “M,”Merkerson has helped beginners and experienced smokers better understand premium cigars. Her work has also created new opportunities for women and Black entrepreneurs in an industry where few have held similar roles.

Merkerson’s journey started with a simple conversation. On her 23rd birthday, she asked her father how people truly enjoy cigars. Although he initially refused, he later agreed to teach her. That lesson sparked a passion that changed her life.

As she learned more about cigars, she noticed a major gap. Many people enjoyed premium cigars but lacked reliable education about them. Instead of accepting that, shedecided to create a platformthat would make cigar knowledge more accessible.

“I started to explore in all areas of cigars and just immersing myself in the culture,” Merkerson said.

Merkerson first began bringing cigar lovers together in 2018 through educational cigar mixers. These events gave people a place to share experiences while learning more about premium cigars. The gatherings quickly grew as more people discovered her approach.

Then, in July 2022, she launchedCigars with “M.”The platform produces short-form educational content designed for curious consumers, cigar lounges, and industry professionals. It has also been used as a training tool across the cigar industry.

Beyond online content, Merkerson hosts immersive classes where participantslearn through guided sensory experiences. Guests often enjoy carefully selected cocktail and chocolate pairings that complement the cigars while deepening their understanding of flavor and craftsmanship.

After spending time in Richmond, Merkerson moved from Florida to the Washington, D.C., area in 2025. She settled in Arlington because she believed the region offered greater opportunities to grow her business.

The move proved worthwhile. She expanded her professional network, continued teaching cigar education classes, and even began offering international sessions.

Recently, Buddy’s DC named her its first-ever cigar education resident. The residency ran from February through June and allowed her to introduce even more people to premium cigars through structured educational experiences.

Reflecting on the milestone, Merkerson said:

“(I) had the ability to create a space for me to be the first Black woman to have a cigar education residency in the industry as a whole.”

Through years of research and conversations with longtime cigar professionals, Merkerson has not found another Black woman who founded a company focused entirely on premium cigar education beforeCigars with “M.”That achievement has placed her in a unique position within the industry.

However, she says her goal is not to remain the only one. Instead, she hopes more women, especially Black women, will enter the cigar education space and build businesses of their own.

“I’m grateful to be in this space. I welcome so many other people to join the cigar education realm.”

She added:

“It’s very encouraging to know that I am the first, but I don’t want to only be the person doing it. So I welcome folks.”

Before launching her cigar education career, Merkerson planned to build a future in corporate America. Today, she says following her passion has given her a career with greater purpose and fulfillment.

She believes premium cigars offer much more than relaxation. They also create opportunities for connection, conversation, and continuous learning.

“It’s motivating, it’s encouraging, it’s character-building. It is also me being able to stretch myself and just believe even more in what God can do in my life.”

Merkerson encourages newcomers to approach cigars with curiosity rather than intimidation.

“You should get into cigars if you’re wanting to be in spaces in which you probably may have not been had access to prior to… It is such a beautiful art form.”

Her journey shows that education can transform an industry. By making premium cigars more approachable, she has created a lasting impact while opening doors for future generations of Black women entrepreneurs.

Mechelle Merkerson is the first Black female cigar educator in the D.C. area and the first Black female owner of a cigar education company. Her goal is to educate the consumer through a sensory and guided experience. Learn more on our website or on the WTOP app. Link in bio. (🎥: WTOP/Tadi Abedje)