Today we’d like to introduce you to Nayeli/Jason Sharp.
Hi Nayeli/Jason, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Jason Sharp is originally from Chicago and moved to Kansas City in 2017. He is Puerto Rican, a Captain in the U.S. military, a published author, and a motivational speaker. During his military service and travels around the world, he always sought out cigar lounges as places to write, reflect, and connect. In 2020, he published his first book, Eyes Wide Open: Learning to Suffer, much of which was written inside cigar lounges, and continues to inspire others through his leadership and resilience.
Nayeli Sharp (Bustillos) was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and grew up in southwest Kansas before moving to Kansas City in 2017. She is a dedicated Nephrology Nurse Educator, entrepreneur, and real estate investor. In addition to co-founding Sherri’s Executive Lounge, she runs Kansas City Candle, a business specializing in premium soy candles. As a proud military wife, and mother of three energetic boys, Nayeli balances discipline, creativity, and passion for curating meaningful experiences — whether through hospitality, business, or family life.
Together, Jason and Nayeli call Kansas City home and see it as the perfect place to raise their family and grow their businesses.
Jason had his first cigar at 17 and immediately recognized there was something unique about the experience. Over the years, his passion grew — he loved the aroma, the flavor, and the relaxation that came with smoking a fine cigar. His travels often took him into lounges around the world, where he would spend time writing, networking, and reflecting. By 2020, while writing his first book in cigar lounges, he thought, “Why not create our own?” That idea became the foundation of Sherri’s Executive Lounge: a world-class space where anyone — whether business professional or life executive — can unwind and connect.
Nayeli’s introduction came in 2020 while on a mission trip in Cuba. As she was delivering baby formula, toys and hygiene products to rural families, she encountered the island’s tobacco farms. She fell in love with the family-centered culture around tobacco and even learned to hand-roll cigars. For her, the contrast between the quiet, generational farms and the bustling city life of Havana showed how cigars bridge heritage and luxury. That cultural richness inspired her to bring the tradition back home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all — but every challenge has been worth it. The biggest struggle has been finding balance between family life and entrepreneurship. We have four boys, three of whom are all under the age of four — a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old, and a 1-year-old — so life at home is always busy and full of energy. During the early stages of building Sherri’s Executive Lounge, Jason was deployed to the Middle East, and I (Nayeli) was home juggling full-time work as a nephrology nurse while managing construction and launching our new business.
On top of that, building brand awareness in a competitive Kansas City market came with its own learning curve. We had to find our niche, build community relationships, and earn trust one guest at a time.
But the journey has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve created our own cigar line — Liga de Mujeres — been nominated as one of the best cigar lounges in Kansas City by The Pitch, and built strong partnerships with local businesses. Most of all, the support and love from our community in such a short time have made all the long nights and sacrifices worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sherri’s Executive Lounge is a warm, elegant, and welcoming space designed for connection, culture, and celebration. We specialize in curating a luxury cigar and jazz experience — a place where sophistication meets comfort. Guests can expect a carefully selected collection of premium cigars, live music from local artists, and an atmosphere that invites you to relax, connect, and enjoy the moment.
We host live entertainment several nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday, featuring some of Kansas City’s most talented musicians. Fridays spotlight a dynamic mix of genres — from jazz, blues, and R&B to funk and folk — while Mondays bring the laid-back rhythms of “Marley Mondays,” our weekly reggae night. Each event is thoughtfully curated to offer something unique and engaging for our guests.
Beyond our nightly experiences, we offer exclusive memberships, including a VIP 24/7 membership that provides members with private access to the lounge at any time through their own secure entry code. During the day, the lounge serves as a serene work center — the perfect environment to enjoy a cigar, take meetings, or simply find a moment of quiet productivity in a refined setting.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to hospitality and community. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar aficionado or discovering cigars for the first time, our goal is to make you feel at home. We take pride in the details — from the ambiance and lighting to the personalized service and themed experiences that make every visit memorable.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of how quickly Sherri’s has become known as Kansas City’s premier destination for those who appreciate fine cigars, live music, and meaningful connection. It’s more than a lounge — it’s a place where stories are shared, friendships are built, and every evening feels like an occasion.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
In addition to our weekly live music, we’re proud to host poetry nights that give a platform to spoken word artists and creative expression. At Sherri’s, we believe in celebrating artistry in all its forms — from music and cigars to culture and community.
We also proudly organize the annual Kansas Cigar Festival and partner with the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation to create events that bring people together. Through these collaborations, we aim to bridge the gap across cultures and ethnicities, celebrating diversity and unity within our Kansas City community.
At Sherri’s, there’s always something happening to keep the energy alive and the vibes unforgettable.
We hope our story inspires others who are balancing family, careers, and big dreams. Building a business while raising a young family hasn’t been easy, but it’s proof that with faith, hard work, and community support, anything is possible. If you’re passionate about something — start. You’ll never have the perfect timing, but every step forward brings your vision closer to reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sherrislounge.com/
- Instagram: sherrislounge
- Facebook: Sherri’s Executive Lounge
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nayelibustillos and https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-sharp-859a8012b/
- Other: https://www.learntosuffer.com
