IPCPR 2012 Cigar Conversation: Tracie Southern of J & D Cigars
Channel: William Cooper
Date: 2012-08-26

In this cigar conversation from the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show, we sit down with Tracie Southern of J & D Cigars.

Tracie gives us some background on J & D Cigars - a true seed to store company that owns their own farms and factory.   J & D is still a new player in the cigar industry, and Tracie explains a little of the learning process the company has gone through. Tracie then takes us through the two lines of products - Temptation and Allure. 

Tracie is well-known in many circles in the cigar industry.  We then get into a little discussion on Tracie's background as she has worked with many of the industry's best people.   

Tracie then takes us through a very personal battle she has been enduring with Parkinson's Disease for the past few years.  She has gotten great support from the cigar industry.  She currently will be undergoing an experimental stem cell treatment.  A facebook page has been setup called "Puff 4 Parkinsons" ( http://www.facebook.com/Puff4Parkinsons ).  She talks specifically how cigars have become a mechanism to help slow down the rate of the disease.   For all of the grief the cigar industry takes, once again this effort is another example how the cigar industry comes together.

The conversation wraps up with a discussion on industry trends and women in the cigar industry.

Special thanks to Tracie and David Insignares of J & D for taking time at a busy show to sit down for this cigar conversation.