Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Knight.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Paula Knight, CCST — Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist — and I’m the Founder of The Midwest Cigar Lounge Crawl® (MCLC), a three‑day celebratory weekend held annually in Kansas City since 2022.
I’m Kansas City–based, a mother of three, a woman of faith, and also the proud owner of Fumèe Chic Cigar Concierge LLC, where I curate elevated cigar experiences including private events, pop‑up cigar bars, birthday celebrations, and more.
My journey into the cigar world began with a single cigar that sparked something in me — a sense of connection, culture, and community. From there, everything aligned: my entrepreneurial spirit, my love for creating experiences, and my desire to bring people together. What started as curiosity evolved into a calling, and today I’m honored to help shape and elevate cigar culture in the Midwest.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Surprisingly, it’s been an enlightening and genuinely enjoyable journey. The beauty of cigar culture is the people — individuals from every walk of life, each with their own story.
Living in the Midwest, I didn’t initially realize how many cigar experiences existed beyond my city until I began traveling in 2022. That opened my eyes to what was possible and inspired me to bring those elevated, community‑driven experiences back home to MCLC®. Every step has taught me something new and reaffirmed why I love this culture.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for inspiring others. After falling in love with cigars, I wanted people — especially women — to experience the same sense of relaxation, confidence, and community that I felt.
In many ways, my background in the beauty industry and my cigar journey merged naturally.
Both worlds revolve around creating environments where people feel good, seen, and celebrated. I’ve been curating cigar experiences since 2022, and each event reinforces why I do this work: to bring joy, connection, and culture to every space I touch.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I come from a large family of eleven, and as the youngest, I learned early how to be determined, resourceful, and self‑motivated. I’ve always had a creative, entrepreneurial spirit — the kind that doesn’t wait for opportunities but builds them.
At 21, I opened my first nail salon, and in 2009 it was honored as Best Nail Salon in the Country by the Steve Harvey Morning Show Hoodie Awards after being nominated five years in a row. I’ve spent over 35 years in the beauty industry, and that foundation shaped everything about who I am today: a creator, a connector, and a woman who believes in elevating every experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fumeechic.com
- Instagram: @fumee_chic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561079935995
