At Heaven’s Leaf, we believe cigars are more than a product — they’re a bridge. They bring people together, spark conversation, and create space for reflection. Our cigars are born out of faith, friendship, and a desire to slow down long enough to hear God’s whispers in the smoke. Heaven’s Leaf isn’t about luxury for luxury’s sake; it’s about craftsmanship with a purpose — cigars made by real people for real moments of connection.
When we created El Cuñado, we knew we were stepping into one of the most competitive industries out there. The cigar world is rich with heritage and filled with passionate creators. But we weren’t looking to compete for attention — we were looking to build something lasting. Something rooted in authenticity, not marketing trends. That’s why, instead of jumping straight into a full-scale release, we chose a soft launch.
For us, this wasn’t about being hesitant — it was about being intentional. A soft launch gives us a chance to learn, to listen, and to truly understand how people connect with El Cuñado. We wanted to get feedback from a broader audience beyond our circle of friends and family, to see what resonates with cigar lovers who’ve never heard of Heaven’s Leaf before.
My background in project management shaped this mindset. I’ve always approached things through the lens of a proof of concept: build something small, test it in the real world, refine it, and grow it from there. It’s not the fastest route, but it’s the one that ensures every decision is grounded in purpose. With El Cuñado, that means we can put cigars directly into people’s hands, gather their honest reactions, and make the product — and the experience — even better.
There’s also a practical side to this. Heaven’s Leaf is self-funded, which means every choice we make carries weight. Producing a smaller run is more expensive per cigar, but it allows us to manage cash flow responsibly while staying true to our standards. We’re not beholden to investors or mass production schedules. Every cigar we produce is a reflection of our values — quality, patience, and integrity.
But the most meaningful part of this soft launch is staying close to the people. When someone buys El Cuñado today, it’s not a faceless online transaction. I know who that person is. I can reach out directly, text them, or even shake their hand and ask what they thought. That kind of proximity is rare in today’s business world, and I don’t take it for granted. It allows us to build real relationships, not just customer lists.
The feedback we get from these early supporters helps shape everything — from the blend and construction to the packaging and experience. Every comment, every conversation matters. And that’s the point. This stage is about connection and refinement, not volume or speed.
By Christmas 2025, we plan to open Heaven’s Leaf to a broader audience with a full-scale release, alongside the launch of Cosecha Dorada — a cigar crafted to capture balance, warmth, and soul. But before we get there, we want to make sure the foundation is solid.
This soft launch is about more than testing a product. It’s about honoring a process. It’s about making sure that when Heaven’s Leaf grows, it grows the right way — rooted in authenticity, community, and faith. Because cigars, at their best, aren’t just smoked — they’re shared.