Creating My Brand, Breaking the Silence: The First Call to the Masters - No:4

One of the most critical moments in a project is the first step, when plans go from paper to reality. After conducting intensive research over the past few days, today was the day to take that step. I officially launched this journey by reaching out to potential production partners in Nicaragua.

This was much more than a simple "hello" email. It was an attempt to clearly present a vision and a business model to the industry's best artisans, thousands of miles away. To ensure this first contact was successful, I based my message on three key strategies:

1. Identifying the Right Manufacturers: Based on my research, I've compiled a shortlist of manufacturers who prioritize craftsmanship and are more open to working with boutique, quality-focused brands like me, rather than industrial giants. My goal isn't to find a supplier, but rather a production partner who understands the brand's philosophy and will bring this vision to life alongside me.

2. Strategizing the Message: Cigar makers' time is valuable. Therefore, my message needed to be both respectful and direct. When drafting my emails, I focused on the following points:

Reference and Respect: I explained why I admired each maker's previous work and valued their craftsmanship. This demonstrated that I had done my homework and wasn't reaching out randomly.

Presenting a Clear Vision: I briefly outlined the philosophy of the brand I wanted to establish, why I chose Nicaraguan tobacco, and what quality standards I was aiming for.

Partnership-Focused Questions: Instead of simply asking about pricing, I asked them about their approach to private label production, their collaboration process with a new brand, and how they worked with the founder when developing a blend.

3. Pressing the "Send" Button: After all the preparation, pressing that button marked the irrevocable beginning of the journey. This means that the project no longer exists just in my mind, but also in Nicaragua, the heart of the cigar world.

What happens now? We'll wait. A response from Nicaragua will open the door to the next phase of this project.