Lifestyle

Ms. Novelty’s steps to business success in the World of Cigars

Published

4 years ago

January 6, 2022

Have you ever thought why certain pleasures of life like casinos, cigars, wine, gambling, and wild parties are reserved for men only? After all, why should men have all the fun while women continue to stay subservient to men?

We are living in the 21^st century. If men and women don’t have equal access to these things in a well-developed country like ours, how can we call ourselves civilized?

That’s when Sandra Mayo, a Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer (CFO/COO) of one of North Carolina’s top health behavioral firm, comes in.

With plenty of knowledge, experience, and proficiency of business development and marketing, Sandra Mayo has now launched her own Cigar venture, Novelty Cigar Bar and Lounge in North Carolina. It’s not just a bar but a movement in the making.

“I am happy that my dream of launching a business with a social angle has finally come true. But it’s just the beginning; I have lots of well thought out plans regarding it. It was my dream to do something that can initiate a change and become immediately impactful. Novelty Cigar Bar and Lounge will be a step into that direction. As a Cigar enthusiast myself, I have always felt the need for a complete revamp in the Cigar industry. I wish for more and more women entrepreneurs and cigar enthusiasts to come forward and join this movement,” Sandra Mayo states.

Sandra Mayo also goes by Ms. Novelty among her friends and colleagues. She never shies away from trying something new or taking a bold new initiative, which is likely to redefine the gender scenario across the US and to be followed elsewhere in the world as well.

“The element of entrepreneurship was always inside me. I always wanted to experience the joy of being an entrepreneur and doing something big for the culture. Today, I feel Novelty Cigar Bar and Lounge is moving in the right direction. As a Cigar enthusiast and fellow sister of the leaf (sotl), I created this lounge—where all customers irrespective of their gender, religion and ethic culture and social economical background can come and partake in power of the leaf. I want to change this deep-rooted misconception in the minds of the people that cigars are reserved for men only. “How can you deprive an entire gender from enjoying what they enjoy—smoking a good stick?” Sandra Mayo exclaimed.

Smoking is fully legal in the US. But you don’t see many women going to a lounge or bar to smoke. Because women who go there are not perceived right in the American society, which is fully in favor of patriarchal convention and customs.

At Novelty Cigar Bar and Lounge, women can come, sit, and enjoy a wide variety of Cigars, as most of them will be created using the best tobacco leaves without any fear. A lot of things have changed in American society when it comes to women’s emancipation, but still a lot of things need to be settled.

Sandra Mayo is a successful entrepreneur and educator. She often infuses a fresh zeal of enthusiasm among people around her. She believes hard work, effort, and goals are the three ingredients that make a successful story! She is optimistic to the core and wants people to see the silver lining of everything instead of focusing on the negative elements.

In addition, Novelty Cigar Bar and Lounge has massive expansion plans ahead! Novelty wants to hire franchisees across all districts of North Carolina and other American states therefore people across the nation can know about this great initiative.

At the same time silently breaking the glass ceiling, which is rampant in the male-dominated cigar industry. Sandra wants more and more women to join her and support this initiative.

Lifestyle

Worrying About Your Tattoo Design? PRIC’D, The New Pre-Visualization Technology Got You Covered

Published

1 week ago

July 31, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of PRIC’D

By: Georgette Virgo

Sarah Mitchell stood nervously in front of the mirror contemplating the tattoo design she’d dreamed of wearing for years. Like many first-time tattoo clients, her excitement was tempered by uncertainty: would the design complement her shoulder as she imagined? Before she could further doubt, she decided to give PRIC’D a try, and to her surprise, this decision changed her uncertainty into confidence through the platform’s innovative pre-visualization technology.

Introducing a New Tattoo Experience

Many people find that getting a tattoo that doesn’t meet their expectations can be a devastating experience, both emotionally and financially. Many individuals spend months, sometimes years, planning their perfect design, only to be left with permanent artwork that fails to capture their vision. Clients often feel disappointed due to misaligned placement, poor consultation, or designs that don’t translate well from paper to skin.

Entrepreneur Kayhan Kiani saw this challenge and hopes to change this experience. Under his leadership, Kiani introduced PRIC’D, a platform streamlining the traditional tattoo consultation process by eliminating design uncertainty and lengthy waiting times through advanced technology.

Photo courtesy of PRIC’D

Clients can easily upload their tattoo designs, visualize them directly on a digital 3D model that matches their unique skin tone, and preview exactly how the artwork will appear on their body.

With this interactive 3D tattoo preview, clients have the flexibility to proceed, request specific adjustments, or explore entirely new design options. Once the final design is chosen, they receive an instant, accurate quote and can immediately book their appointment—all within the same seamless platform.

Photo courtesy of PRIC’D

“Many clients come to us with beautiful ideas but are hesitant about committing to permanent body art without seeing how it will look on their specific body type and placement,” explains Kiani. “PRIC’D’s pre-visualization technology eliminates this uncertainty, giving clients the confidence to proceed with their dream tattoos.”

Kiani believes that when the tattoo industry combines advanced technology with artistic excellence and unwavering professional standards, it creates an experience that transforms how people approach body art.

A Personalized Approach to Body Art

PRIC’D’s pre-visualization service is part of Kiani’s comprehensive consultation process under its premier tattoo company, INK’D London. The studio balances technological innovation with artistic proficiency. Its specialized artists, including experts in realism, portraits, blackwork, fine line work, and even Japanese Neo-Trad, use this technology to help clients refine their design choices and placement options.

When clients visit INK’D London, they work closely with dedicated consultants who guide them through the design process. With PRIC’D’s real-time size, placement, and orientation adjustments, clients can confirm that each tattoo suits the client’s body and vision. Because of this, high-profile clients have made INK’D London their home, and different artist collaborations have been featured there.

Kiani mentions, “Getting a tattoo should be a fun and seamless experience. We at INK’D, London, with our new platform, PRIC’D, eliminate all the what-ifs so our clients leave the shop satisfied with their new tattoos.”

Expanding the Best Tattoo Excellence Globally

This new pre-visualization tattoo technology represents Kiani’s commitment to establishing INK’D London as a global leader in body art. Allowing clients to preview their tattoo designs directly on their skin before any permanent ink is applied addresses a common concern among tattoo enthusiasts and first-timers. This technology enhances client confidence and showcases how INK’D London and PRIC’D merge unconventional solutions with traditional artistry.

Kiani mentions, “INK’D London with PRIC’D aim to redefine the perception of tattoos as part of self-expression and fashion globally by setting consistent quality standards in all of our procedures and introducing professional tattoo services to regions where they were previously unavailable.”

Please visit the PRIC’D website to learn more about the 3D tattoo preview.