About Cigars with 'M'
Meet Mechelle
Mechelle Merkerson is an International Cigar Education Specialist, Certified Cigar Sommelier, and the first Black woman to own a cigar education company. She curates elevated cigar education experiences for private, corporate, wedding, and hospitality groups.
Through her company, Cigars with “M,” she creates immersive experiences that explore the craftsmanship, history, flavor profiles, and art of cigar appreciation. She also provides consulting services designed to strengthen audience engagement, brand positioning, and customer experiences for cigar brands, retailers, lounges, and hospitality organizations.
Active in the cigar industry since 2018, Mechelle launched her educational video series, Cigars with “M,” in July 2022. Since its inception, the platform has grown to more than 216 educational episodes, creating an extensive resource for both new and seasoned cigar enthusiasts.
In 2025, Mechelle hosted 25 VIP “Cigar Education with Mechelle” experiences, each highlighting a different cigar manufacturer and providing guests with an engaging, hands-on approach to cigar education and appreciation.
In June 2026, Mechelle reached another significant milestone, becoming the first Black woman to complete a cigar education residency in the industry, further establishing her as a trailblazer in cigar education and experiential programming.
Her work was most recently recognized by WTOP News, which featured Cigars with “M” and showcased Mechelle’s cigar education experience across its digital and global platforms. Through education, storytelling, and curated experiences, Mechelle continues to expand the reach of cigar culture while creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect with the craft, history, and community surrounding cigars.