Meet Carlos Wilson | Mobile Cigar Lounge Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
When the pandemic happened, it was a blessing in disguise for me! For the first time in my adult life, I had down time to think about my life and what direction I wanted it to go. My nephew and his father in law are both into cigars and I would smoke with them occasionally. My love of cigars grew during this time and while in Fredericksburg, Tx. at a cigar lounge. The owner and I were talking about his business and began to tell me about his friend who had a mobile lounge and how well it was doing. At that point the lightbulb went off in my head and I knew that this was something that I wanted to do! I called my nephew and pitched the idea and told him I wanted him as my partner and the rest is history!

What should our readers know about your business?
My brother Morris Wilson passed away years ago after a battle with cancer. He loved cigars and people. I always wanted to honor his legacy and do something that his name and image would be remembered forever! I am most excited that 1502 & Sterne delivers a product that brings people together! That is what my brother was about and made him special. He had the unique ability to make everyone he met to feel a connection to him! No matter your nationality, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, etc., cigars provide a common ground that we can all enjoy and appreciate together! When you are selling a product that you believe in and love, it is easy to connect to the consumer. They feel your authenticity and the rest is history! I want the world to know that my brand started with my ancestors working the tobacco fields as slaves to now owning a company that produces and sells the same thing they harvested for free! This is the American Dream at its finest!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If we are going out for food, I would definitely take them to local eateries such as The Breakfast Klub, Gumbo Mama, The Flying Fish, Ray’s BBQ and Cream Burger. As far as drinks are concerned, we would visit Vino Lounge, The Spot and The Bleu Le’on Sports Bar. We would definitely go hang out at some of my favorite cigar lounges in the city such as Top 10 Cigars, Bayou City Cigars, 4 Gents, Sweet Lips and C-DOT. All these establishments have great service and even greater people!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends have been very supportive and encouraging throughout this process! Ray Melton, my nephew’s father in law, has provided a wealth of knowledge for us and we have leaned on his expertise to guide our vision. Mel Tipler, owner of Ella Louise Cigars, has served as a mentor to us also. He has years of experience in the cigar industry and has allowed us to use his successes and failures as a compass on our journey! Bree Clarke, another ultra successful business owner (The Iman Project LLC), has offered valuable advice on marketing and other aspects of what it takes to run a successful business.

Website: https://www.1502andsternecigars.com/

Instagram: 1502andsternefinecigarco

Twitter: 1502andSterneCo

Facebook: @1502Sterne