Conversation with Janine Perdomo:
Her Journey, accomplishments, and the reflection of a beautiful smile

Conversation with Janine of Janine Perdomo: Her Journey, accomplishments, and the reflection of a beautiful smile

Success is not an easy thing to achieve. It takes years of hard work, dedication, and a lot of perseverance. However, some women have managed to break through the glass ceiling and become successful in their respective fields. These women are an inspiration to many, and their stories are worth telling. And then we have Janine Perdomo. Who is Janine?

Janine Perdomo is a prominent figure in the cigar industry, serving as the Vice President of Branding and Advertising for Perdomo Cigars. Always standing side by side with Nick Perdomo, she has been instrumental in the success of the company, which has become one of the most respected and recognizable brands in the industry.

Janine has played a critical role in the success of the Tabacalera Perdomo. She has been involved in every aspect of the business, from product development to marketing and advertising. Her focus on creating a strong brand identity has been key to the company's success. Under both hers and Nick’s guidance, Perdomo Cigars has become synonymous with quality, consistency, and craftsmanship.
So, we are so very happy to sit and have a conversation with a woman like Ms. Janine Perdomo. A woman who we humbly call Janine…

SGM: Good morning our dear SOTL. We truly want to know more about your background. Take us to the beginning – what was your starting point, what made you decide to get into cigars?

Janine: (always with a smile) I was born in New Jersey from American parents who were of Irish and Italian descent. Nick and I met when I was just 18 years of age. We had big plans to have a beautiful life together and have children. Honestly at this time, cigars were not in the plans for us. But as fate would have it, that changed. Nick and I started our business out of our garage in 1992. Nick was an air traffic controller at the time, and I would waitress part-time in a local restaurant. Nick always had a passion for cigars. His father and grandfather were involved in the industry in Cuba, but when they arrived in the United States, they had to provide for their families quickly. Therefore, cigar making was not a practical way of making a living at the time. We really were eager to build our business and enjoyed every moment of the adventure. It was hard, but we were young and there was no limit in our mind as to what we could achieve. For us, we were both raised to believe that in America you could do anything you want if you work hard for it and the Lord knows that we did. Our beginnings were very meager, but we were extremely grateful for the opportunity to do something we both loved.

SGM: What were your biggest challenges?
Janine: Our first storefront was on Flagler Street in Miami, Florida. The biggest challenges were getting rollers and materials. Everything was in demand. It was the boom. And we could not keep up with the number of orders we were receiving versus what we were manufacturing.

SGM: How did you turn your challenges into success?

Janine: Our challenges turned into success when we moved to Nicaragua. We still had challenges, but we began the process of making huge strides in growing and improving our manufacturing output. And truly every obstacle we encountered was a lesson. We learned from each lesson and made our business better each and every time. This is how we keep evolving our business, making it better every single day.
SGM: We see inspiration in every step you and Nick take. What inspired you at the beginning of your journey?

Janine: My husband inspired me during the growth of our business. He has always been my inspiration, not only in our business, but in life. He had a clear vision of where he was and where he wanted to be. His passion is and was infectious. I love him and I love his passion for our family, our life together, and the cigars we make.

SGM: What advice would you give to other people who want to enter the cigar industry?

Janine: I would advise people wanting to enter the industry to work very hard and align yourself with good people. We have always worked very hard and did our best to work with the best of people. Not just the best people in their craft, but in their character. The people we have as employees are family to us. And with that kind of support, you’ll be on a better path towards success.

SGM: What advice would you give to couples that also share their time at their work environment as well?

Janine: I love working with my husband. We have always worked well together. We respect each other’s strengths and listen to each other’s ideas. We do not share an office. We do need a little space! I think when you do what you love, as we do, every aspect of work is enjoyable. We can talk about it any time. I do not say to him, “Let’s not talk about work,” when we are not at the office. For us, our business, Perdomo Cigars, is like a child we created. We love our business; we are thankful for it. And when you have this passion for what you do, working together is easy because you are both pulling in the same direction, not against each other.

SGM: Lets touch on our favorite subject… What are your thoughts on New World vs Cuban cigars?

Janine: I believe that “New World” cigars are taking the world by storm. And most notably, Nicaraguan cigars. I believe when entrepreneurs and families own their own brands, the passion and care they put into each cigar comes shining through when enjoying them, especially in the quality of the tobacco and construction. I believe that Nicaragua produces the finest tobacco in the world. We are blessed to have our business in such a wonderful country.

SGM: We can’t help but smile with the fact that you recently became a grandma again. Is your role as a grandma going to affect the way you see things in your profession?

Janine: Yes! Now I am a grandma of two beautiful girls – Stella Janine who is 16 months and Lucia Lauren who is 1 week old. I love being a grandma and currently I eat breakfast with Stella and I lunch with Lucia! As a grandma now, I feel even more inspired to work harder and be more successful for them. Nick and I have always been motivated by the love for our family. We want the best for them in every way.
SGM: As a woman and also a member of the SGM Advisory Board, what changes do you think that
SOTL Global Movement will bring to cigar industry in the near future?

Janine: I think SOTL Global Movement will bring global awareness to cigar culture that women as well as men love and enjoy cigars. I think SGM will educate socially and break down the stereotype’s society has created. There are many women in our industry who are highly experienced and informed about cigars and its process. This movement is not political in any way. We, as women, just want to enjoy cigars, either with other women or along side our Brothers of the Leaf. I believe that cigars unite and do not divide. And I see more and more women enjoying cigars in cigar shops across the world. It is inspiring that Anastasia and Lefty have spearheaded this movement. I am so honored to be a part of it.

SGM: Closing this conversation What is your wish for all the women and men that are involved in the cigar industry?

Janine: My wish for all the women and men involved in the cigar industry is to stand united. Our biggest enemy is anti-smoking laws and lobbying that goes on all around the world. Together as SOTL and BOTL we are stronger combatting this together. Our freedom to enjoy a cigar is being eroded daily. We must continue fighting and not get complacent. And lastly, I wish SGM much success in opening doors and building bridges for men and women to enjoy cigars together.


Janine is a true leader in the cigar industry. Always standing by Nick’s side, her commitment to quality, innovation, and advocacy has helped made Perdomo Cigars one of the most respected and recognizable brands in the world. She is an inspiration to other women in the industry and a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and dedication. Janine Perdomo…Thank you for being you!