Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Neal
Hi Nikki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey began over 20 years ago, with my husband (Jay Neal) and myself have deep passion for events and brand building. Having worked with various companies to enhance their brands, we recognized an opportunity to create a stronger program and product on our own. Amid the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, when events were largely on hold, we boldly launched Eleveight Cigar Events. Despite the hurdles, our commitment to providing premium, hand-rolled cigar experiences stood out. Larger brands quickly took notice, and soon, we were collaborating with renowned names like Dodge, the LA Chargers, the San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl, Concourse d’Elegance, Ferrari USA, MLB Winter Meetings, and NetJets to name a few. These partnerships gave us a platform to showcase our elevated experiences on a grander scale. As we grew, we expanded our offerings to include unique, off-brand experiences such as our OnesieCrew custom hat bar, our Coffee & Cocktails dining and pairing events, all complemented by the expertise of our master cigar rollers. This evolution has allowed us to provide not just events, but memorable, sophisticated experiences.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our journey has been anything but smooth. While our passion and vision have always driven us forward, we’ve faced numerous challenges along the way. The most significant hurdle came with the onset of the pandemic, when events were shut down globally. Launching a new event-based company during this time seemed almost impossible. We had to navigate constantly changing regulations, adapt to virtual event formats, and find innovative ways to connect with our audience. Additionally, building a brand from scratch required immense effort in networking, marketing, and securing trust from clients and larger brands. There were moments of doubt and financial strain, but our belief in the uniqueness and quality of our product kept us moving forward. Each struggle has taught us resilience and adaptability, shaping Eleveight Cigar Events into the distinguished company it is today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Eleveight Cigar Events, we specialize in creating unparalleled, premium cigar experiences. Our focus is on providing handmade, hand-rolled cigars crafted by master rollers, ensuring each event is sophisticated and memorable. We also didn’t want diminish the quality of a fine-made hand rolled cigar with lower quality tobaccos. It took time sourcing from different parts in the Caribbean South and Central America to create a blend all our own.
We’re truly a hands-on company, working with our clients from start to finish.
We are known for our attention to detail and commitment to quality, which has earned us collaborations with major brands like Dodge, the LA Chargers, the San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl Concourse d’Elegance, Ferrari USA, MLB Winter Meetings, and NetJets.
What sets us apart is our ability to innovate and offer unique experiences beyond traditional cigar events. Our OnesieCrew’s custom DIY hat bar, Coffee and Cocktails dining and pairing events, and a range of off-brand experiences highlight our versatility and creativity. We cater to all of our clients’ customizable needs with unique touches like specialty patches for our trucker hats, customized gifting options for a one-of-a-kind experience, and our new fedora section, which collaborates on a men’s line.
We are most proud of our resilience and growth, especially during challenging times. Our ability to adapt and thrive, while maintaining our core values of quality and excellence, has solidified our reputation in the industry. Our dedication to creating eleveight experiences ensures that every event we handle leaves a lasting impression, staying true to our vision and setting us apart from others in the field.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Our journey has been fueled by a combination of self-motivation and mastering the mind to navigate situations that are not for the faint of heart. Jay and I have both relied heavily on self-help books focused on business development and have invested time in educating ourselves about tobacco and event production through various seminars. One of the most significant challenges we face is aligning our strategies with the ever-changing market needs, given the ebb and flow of the events business. Despite being 20-year veterans in the industry, there is always something new to learn, especially in client relations.
Several resources have been instrumental in our growth. We have found value in apps like Trello for project management, Audible for accessing a wide range of motivational audiobooks, and podcasts such as “The Lion’s Den” by Sean Whalen for entrepreneurial inspiration. Additionally, Nikki wrote a book detailing how she manages her day-to-day tasks, her affirmations, and her motivations as a self-made businesswoman. Her book, “Daily SELF CARE Journal,” is available on Amazon and has been a valuable resource for maintaining focus and motivation. You can find it [here](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5D579X4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share).
These tools and resources, combined with our dedication and experience, have helped us continue to grow and succeed in the dynamic world of event production.
Pricing:
- Live Master Cigar Rolling experience, package prices start at 895 for a 3-hour event, through Southern California Las Vegas
- Coffee and Cocktail Pairing & specialty events bartenders, priced is based per person and starts around $2,500 for a 5-hour event in Southern California
- Custom DIY TRUCKER HAT Bar experience, packages are based on selection of patches charms and hats. Base price is 12:45 for a 5-hour event for 35 hats
- Speaking engagements by Nikki Neal, Southern California Las Vegas is priced at $5,000 for a 1 hour speaking motivational
- Masters cigar rolling class, up to 30 guests in 3 hours of rolling package price starts at 1795
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eleveightevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleveight.cigar.events?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==.
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/onesiecrew.hat.studio?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5D579X4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Image Credits
Eleveight Cigar Events
Jareese Neal
Paul Barnett photography
