.Cigar Muse (CM) 1. What was the defining moment that led you to start Carolina Native Cigars, and what vision did you have for the brand in those earliest stages?

Josh Gibbs (JG) The defining moment came when I realized how much pride I have in North Carolina’s history, craftsmanship, and culture—whether it’s our distilleries, our local artisans, or our heritage of storytelling. I wanted to create a cigar brand that didn’t just sit on a shelf, but actually represented the identity of the Carolinas.

In these early stages, my vision was simple but bold: to build a boutique cigar brand with deep Carolina roots, one that honored local history, while offering premium, hand-crafted cigars that smokers could enjoy with the same pride I felt creating them.

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(CM) 2. How would you describe the philosophy that guides your blending decisions and overall approach to craftsmanship today?

(JG) My philosophy is grounded in balance, authenticity, and experience. Every blend starts with a

feeling I want the smoker to have—smooth, bold, adventurous, comforting—and then I work backward with the right tobaccos to deliver that experience without overpowering the palate.

I focus on:

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Clean, consistent profiles

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Natural sweetness or spice that doesn’t overwhelm

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High-quality, properly aged tobacco

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And a smooth finish that makes you want another

Craftsmanship to me is about respecting tradition, being patient with the process, and ensuring that every cigar reflects the same pride that the Carolina name stands for.

(CM) 3. Many boutique brands grow through close relationships with factories, farmers, and partners — what aspects of those relationships matter most to you when bringing a cigar from concept to market?

(JG) For me, it’s all about trust, communication, and shared standards.

I want partners who take as much pride in the craft as I do—people who care about leaf quality, consistency, and construction. Transparency is also huge for me. I want to know where the tobacco came from, how it was aged, and what the factory teams are seeing on their end. Relationships are everything in this industry, and the best cigars come from working with people who are as passionate about the craft as you are. When everyone is aligned, the final product always shows it.

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(CM) 4. What has been the most meaningful lesson you’ve learned since launching Carolina NativeCigars that continues to shape how you operate the brand?

(JG) The biggest lesson has been that authenticity wins every time.There are thousands of cigars on the market, but people gravitate toward brands with heart, story, and purpose. I’ve learned that staying true to my Carolina identity, embracing the local community, and keeping quality at the center of every decision builds deeper loyalty than any marketing campaign ever could.

It also taught me to be patient—building a premium brand takes time, consistency, and a willingness to do things the right way rather than the fast way.

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(CM) 5. When a smoker lights up a Carolina Native cigar for the first time, what do you most hope they take away from that experience?

(JG) I want them to feel two things: a sense of connection and a sense of pride. Connection to the story—our heritage, our craftsmanship, our Carolina roots. And pride in discovering a boutique cigar that delivers a smooth, rich, and memorable experience from start to finish. Whether they’re enjoying a Connecticut or a San Andrés Maduro, I want them to think, crafted with intention. This is something special. This is Ultimately, I hope their first experience makes them want to sit back, savor the moment, and become part of the Carolina Native Cigars story.