How a Cigar Social Club Grows — Maisha Ford’s Leadership Playbook
AshBlogs · Innerviews
How a Cigar Social Club Grows — Maisha Ford’s Leadership Playbook
In Ash Hole’s cigar community, women are at the forefront of cigar culture, hospitality, and growth. In this Innerview, Maisha Ford — President of the Oklahoma Chapter and Midwest Regional President — shares how five years of consistency, cigar events, and service built a model cigar social club that welcomes newcomers and cigar aficionados alike.
Spotlight Gallery
“Quality Over Quantity” — Maisha’s Origin Story
“I was encouraged by a friend to start a chapter in Oklahoma. I hesitated. Then I said yes. I posted on Facebook, invited the cigar club crowd to meet, listened, and built. Interest poured in — 75 to 80 people at first — and we focused on consistency over clout. Five years later, we’re still here: stronger, kinder, and family-first.”
“We don’t chase patches; we build people. Quality over quantity — always.” — Maisha Ford
With a growing base in OKC and Tulsa, the chapter aligned around weekly community time, respectful cigar etiquette, and shared service. As the club matured, Maisha stepped into the Midwest Regional role and the chapter deepened its presence across cigar lounges and partner venues.
Five Years, Real Milestones
- Weekly Happy Hour: A standing Wednesday meetup at Elmer’s Bar & Grill — consistent community time.
- Service at the Core: Oklahoma Food Bank volunteer days; annual participation in the Susan G. Komen walk.
- Women Leading: Members who mentor, host, and set the tone for respectful cigar lounge culture.
- Regional Reach: Trips to Tulsa and Texas lounges strengthen cross-chapter bonds and cigar events.
“Cigars are peace and presence — we celebrate life together. Birthdays get a full week.”
Leadership Playbook: Culture > Clout
- Hospitality first: Greet, seat, introduce — nobody stands alone.
- Educate with grace: Humidor basics (cigar humidor RH 65–70%), proper cigar cutter and cigar lighter use.
- Pairings with intention: Coffee mornings, whiskey/rum nights, and wine explorations (cigar pairing).
- Amplify women’s voices: Invite spotlights, panels, and “Innerviews” to normalize leadership.
Looking for trusted opinions? Members share respectful cigar reviews and lounge notes to help new smokers discover their palate without pressure.
For New Members & Aficionadas
- Start simple: keep a notebook. Note strength, flavors, burn, and best pairings.
- Respect spaces: ask before lighting, mind airflow, tip staff, clean up — it’s shared culture.
- Build your kit: calibrated cigar humidor, reliable butane cigar lighter, sharp cigar cutter.
- Show up: community grows where you consistently invest your time.
“Be yourself. Bring good energy. The rest follows.”
Tags: cigar club cigar social club cigar community cigar culture cigar lounge cigar bar cigar events cigar aficionados cigar etiquette cigar pairing
Quick FAQ
How do I join?
Apply for Membership. After approval, you’ll receive private RSVP details for meetups and cigar events.
Where can I find a chapter?
Find a Chapter to connect with our cigar social club near you.
Is Ash Hole beginner friendly?
Yes. We mentor on storage, cigar cutter selection, butane cigar lighter use, pairing, and cigar etiquette.
