When I was first elected to the PCA board of Directors, I had the goal to provide a space for women in the cigar and pipe industry to get together to network and share ideas. That was the first step in starting Women of PCA. Then I met Teresa Wessling of Georgetown Tobacco & Pipes in Washington D.C., which was truly a blessing. Not only did she come up with our name, she also set up the structure for Women of PCA. Teresa and I co-chair Women of PCA and within the group there are two committees, membership and events. Teresa oversees the membership committee.
I’d like share a conversation I had with Teresa about her experience in the industry and the role woman play in premium tobacco. I appreciate Teresa sharing her experiences, insights and highlights from her journey. And stay tuned as we continue to hear from the other women who have taken on leadership roles within Women of PCA.
What got you involved in the cigar industry?
I was waiting tables while in college during the cigar boom of the ’90s. I bought my first cigar at Georgetown Tobacco, and David Berkebile, the owner, was a regular at the restaurant I worked in. He and I established a great rapport and so when he offered me a job, I was excited to take it. I fell in love with the industry because of the rich heritage of tobacco and the passion our partners bring to what they create. I’m still fulfilled by the variety of customers we meet from all over the world and the new friends we make—no two days ever look alike.
Why did you want to co-chair Women of PCA?
Women get things done. The fight to protect our industry will never end, and I’m excited to engage with the women of our industry to help the PCA and our advocacy efforts. We all bring diverse perspectives, and this is a great opportunity to learn from one another.
What does cigar smoking mean to you?
This question could take a whole article to answer, as cigars have changed the course of my life—a few times! I first fell in love with cigars because despite the fact that we are all so busy (as true today as it was 30 years ago when I smoked my first cigar), the very acts of cutting and lighting a cigar force you to stop, even just for a minute, and be present in the moment. Enjoying cigars creates diverse community. Cigars are steeped in tradition and heritage and yet ever evolving. And with a cigar you always have a companion. (I stole that line from my boss, David Berkebile, but it is so true.)
How can the industry continue to support women in leadership roles?
Keep hiring, promoting and electing women! This applies to the thousands of women rolling cigars, the women behind the scenes as well as manufacturers’ reps and, of course, retailers! The PCA does so much important work with advocacy and creating new member benefits. The more women we have engaged in the industry, the stronger we become as an association. I’m proud to serve on the PCA board of directors with several successful women, all of whom I respect and admire.
How has Women of PCA been impactful to the industry so far?
It’s early yet, but the overwhelming response of excitement and gratitude from both men and women in the industry bodes great promise for what we can accomplish in the future. Our Washington, D.C. and Tampa trips were exceptional networking and learning opportunities for the attendees and we’ll build on that momentum with our online “HERf” series, which will enable more people to participate. We are here to serve the Women of PCA, so I’d encourage everyone to join and help us build what you’d like to see for the future.
What challenges, if any, do you think you’ve faced or women in general face being a female in the cigar world?
The only challenge I see today is the opportunity to introduce more women to the joys of cigar smoking. This isn’t the boys’ club anymore, and I really enjoy introducing women to this incredible pastime.
What is some advice you would give to other women coming into the industry?
It’s the same advice I’d give to any new staff member: Know your stuff. There’s so much to learn, and with books like The Tobacconist Handbook from Tobacconist University, conversations with the great manufacturer’s reps we meet, and the institutional knowledge from your colleagues and customers, you’ll be able to have the biggest impact on your customers (and your company’s revenue).
Why is it important to advocate for the cigar industry?
Threats are always looming—whether at the local, state or federal level. It’s like we’re always playing whack-a-mole. We win one fight only to be confronted with another. The only way to preserve our industry is to be engaged in the fight to protect it, and that’s where our PCA membership is so vital, and working with the Women of PCA can be so helpful.
What are some of the projects that the Women of PCA membership committee has been working on for the future?
As I mentioned earlier, we’re excited about our upcoming HERf, and look forward to expanding that series with great content. Amanda Micallef, Bianca Lopez and Mechelle Merkerson have been doing an exceptional job creating impactful content for our Facebook Group, and we’ve discussed future advocacy and philanthropy opportunities. We’ll create what is most meaningful to our members, so as we expand our membership I look forward to hearing what more women in the industry would like to see from us. Please keep taking those (very occasional) surveys!
If you would to get on our email list, please contact us at womenofpca@PremiumCigars.org.
– Image by David R. Ford / Teresa Wessling at Georgetown Tobacco. Article contributed by Kathleen Kelly, owner of Queensbury Cigar & Pipe, Queensbury, New York.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 1, 2025. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.