Ashes the Cigar Lounge is looking to celebrate its soft opening May 11 with limited in-store retail capacity and curbside shopping service, owner Yonneque Zeno told Community Impact Newspaper. The African American- and female-owned business, located at 16009 FM 1325, Ste. 201, Austin, will sell cigars and accessories in a lounge atmosphere. Zeno said her store will specifically cater to female cigar hobbyists with cigar accessories marketed for women and a welcoming cigar lounge atmosphere.

"The cigar industry is a male dominated experience, although females are making treads and enjoying the experience as well. My hope is to soften the lounge decor and offer female cigar accessories that have been a challenge to find," Zeno said in an email to Community Impact Newspaper.

Once it is safe to do so, Zeno said Ashes the Cigar Lounge will hold special cigar events on a weekly basis, with happy hours, wine specials, ladies nights and social events on weekends.

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