When you light a cigarette, your life burns with it.
Yes, smoking is a glamorous habit practiced by many, and I was no exception. Although I had no intention to quit, I still attemptedand accidentally quit smoking. But after three days of vaping- I was completely satisfied, and haven’t smoked since December 2012.At that point I started thinking about opening up a Vape Store and wanted to learn more about the VAPE i.e Safe or unsafe, flavors, chemicals, tabacco or nicotine, e-cigarette, vaping devices, low-cost or costly.The huntfinally gave rise to Vapin the 619. I wanted everyone who entered my store to feel welcomed and comfortable.
To set-up a store was not going to be easy, and whenever I walked into the building thought of renting it.But was confident that this is the location that God wanted me to fulfil my dreams of standing behind the counter.
The journey was not easy and my first fight was at a Federal level, to keep my store out of the category of tobacco.After several trips to DC with my partner James Mitchell, we lost andthe Federal Government as well as the State of California deemed us tobacco by statutory definition in 2016. However, the efforts two years ago in Sacramento – California, ultimatelyhelped in stopping the flavor ban. Since then,the fights for vaper’s rights have become more localized in Cities and Counties.
Unfortunately, lost many battles but what encouraged and gave me strength to strive hard in my journey were the most amazing, joyful, humble, reliable, and trustworthy employees that I had been blessed with. The most capable, intelligent, compassionate, and creative young adults – 619 family.
My trust in God is the sole reason for all the success and positive changes and as a blessing met Mr. Arkan Somo – the President of the Neighborhood Market Association. He saw our passion along with our struggle and offered his help and expertise.He helped us to create Communities for Safer Vaping, of which I am the Chair and James is Co-Chair and also to be the first woman on the Board of the NMA.
Learning is a continues process, and I look forward to learn and grow with opportunities to serve our community.We will continue to provide exemplary service, quality products, education and a place to feel at home.
The 619 Crew and Our Community – are a United Front in fighting the devastation that the big tobacco has created in our world today. Let’s standout and switch to VAPES coz, – When you light a cigarette, your life burns with it.