Lily Wang has come a long way since launching Cigar Ambassador in 2005. Her passion for cigars and respect for the art of creating blends led to the release of Tobacco Queen in 2023. She talked with Cigar Life Guy about her best industry advice, China’s evolving cigar culture, and how cigar life fosters the “simple pleasures”.
First Premium Cigar Experience
Cigar Life Guy: Tell me about your first premium cigar experience.
Lily Wang: In 1994, I had the opportunity to visit Cuba and the Dominican Republic, where I first encountered cigars and the intricate art of hand-rolling. At the time, my interest was purely out of curiosity. However, my real first experience smoking a premium cigar came later during my career at a securities company. I shared a premium Partagás Cuban cigar with company executives. The creamy notes, intertwined with wood and earthy aromas left an unforgettable impression on me. I can still vividly remember the striking red band on that cigar, which symbolized its craftsmanship and elegance.
Cigar Life and Culture
Cigar Life Guy: What drew you to the cigar culture and what are your favorite aspects of the cigar community?
Lily Wang: What truly captivated me about cigar culture is its profound depth and richness. From cultivating tobacco, blending, and aging to hand-rolling, packaging design, and global distribution, every step reflects unparalleled artistry and craftsmanship. Cigars are not just about indulgence—they are a medium for connection and communication.
What I love most about the cigar community is its inclusivity. Regardless of age, language, background, or profession, people can find common ground in their shared passion for cigars. This culture fosters bonds, inspires camaraderie, and instills an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Cigar Ambassador and Launching Tobacco Queen
Cigar Life Guy: You have been in the cigar industry for a while. You have started magazines and lounges, and have now introduced a new line of cigars. Which aspect of the business do you like most and why?
Lily Wang: Our journey began in 2005 with the founding of Cigar Ambassador magazine. Over the last two decades, we expanded based on reader demand, launching Cigar Ambassador clubs and shops. By 2012, we organized the China Cigar Culture Festival to support Chinese cigar factories with blending, promotion, and sales. In 2014, we ventured into growing, processing, and trading tobacco internationally. By 2016, we began crafting our own blends, eventually creating Tobacco Queen, which officially launched in 2023.
What I enjoy most now is building and promoting brands, especially alongside my son, Ausman. Seeing a product grow from a concept to a recognized name in the market brings immense satisfaction. Launching Tobacco Queen has been particularly fulfilling—it is a culmination of premium tobacco, unique blends, meticulous aging, and the artistry of hand-rolling. Success for us is not just measured in sales but in how well we honor and pass on the cultural heritage of cigars.
Cigar Life Guy: What is it like working with your son Ausman? What is the most important advice you have imparted to him?
Lily Wang: Working with Ausman has been incredibly rewarding. Born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Shanghai, and educated in the United States, Ausman brings fresh perspectives, innovation, and a modern approach to our family business. In 2023, I was thrilled when he officially joined the company, following our shared passion for cigars.
The most important advice I gave him is: “Quality must always come first. Only with an unwavering commitment to quality can we build long-term trust and respect.”
I also reminded him that a deep love for cigars, combined with professional expertise and passion, is what drives success in this industry. Seeing him take Tobacco Queen to the international stage fills me with pride and excitement for the future
Cigar Branding and Women in the Cigar Industry
Cigar Life Guy: How do you want the cigar world to perceive your brand?
Lily Wang: Since founding Cigar Ambassador in 2005, I have learned several critical lessons about the cigar industry. One, a cigar factory’s strength lies in access to premium tobacco. Our CAC INT’L TOBACCO company has made this a priority. Two, time is the best investment for quality tobacco. Tobacco Queen cigars rolled in 2016, were patiently aged until the perfect moment to release them in 2023. Three, creating a great cigar is not difficult—maintaining consistent quality and blend stability is the real challenge. Fourth, no marketing effort compares to the power of word-of-mouth praise from cigar enthusiasts. Lastly, understanding the diverse preferences of consumers in different markets is essential.
If you look at the Tobacco Queen band, you will notice it reads Cigar Ambassador Presents, a mark of excellence under our global brand. We are also the exclusive distributor of Arturo Fuente Cigars in China, and our portfolio includes Tobacco Queen (Dominican Republic), Luz de Masalla (Nicaragua), and Leyenda de Copán (Honduras). Launching Tobacco Queen has been a deliberate process—timing and preparation are everything.
To me, the Cigar Ambassador name is sacred. I have our company logo tattooed on my arm—a daily reminder to cherish and protect what we have built.
Cigar Life Guy: Women in the cigar industry are often overlooked. What advice would you give to women entering the industry and women who smoke cigars?
Lily Wang: I am often asked what it’s like to be a woman leading a tobacco group. To me, it’s not unusual. Consider this: in many households, women do most of the cooking, yet professional chefs are often men. Similarly, many men dominate leadership roles in fashion and cosmetics.
My advice is: if cigars truly captivate you, follow your passion fearlessly. Master every detail of the industry, from tobacco cultivation to consumer preferences. Don’t imitate others—find your voice. Women bring sensitivity and precision that can add enormous value to the cigar world.
Cigar Culture in China
Cigar Life Guy: What is cigar culture like in China? How does it differ from other places in the world?
Lily Wang: China’s cigar culture is still developing but is growing rapidly. Unlike in Western markets, Chinese consumers often see cigars as symbols of success, luxury, and social status. However, many enthusiasts are beginning to explore cigars on a deeper level, appreciating their craftsmanship, aging potential, and complex flavors.
Another unique aspect is purchasing habits. Chinese consumers often buy cigars by the box, not by the stick. Many purchase multiple boxes—one to enjoy and another to age for 5-10 years, savoring the maturation process. This cultural emphasis on aging cigars is particularly distinctive.
Cigars and the Wonders of the Universe
Cigar Life Guy: What is one of your passions outside of cigars? What would people not know about you?
Lily Wang: Beyond cigars, I am passionate about gourmet food, travel, art (music, reading, and films), and gardening. I also enjoy exploring topics like the mysteries of our universe, human history, and extraterrestrial possibilities—I believe the universe is vast and full of untold wonders.
I share my life with two beloved cats: Akira, a Bengal, and Zhizhi, a British Shorthair. Although they live in China, I think of them often, no matter where I travel. At our factory, I also care for eight stray cats. Watching them sleep peacefully brings me a sense of comfort and healing.
At nearly 60 years old, I still feel youthful and full of life. I love to work, but I also love to enjoy life—good food, travel, and shopping are simple joys that bring me immense happiness.
I smoke about six cigars every day. While I started by simply enjoying the brands and sizes, I now find myself pondering the blends—which regions and tobacco varieties make up each cigar. This deeper understanding has brought a new level of appreciation to my cigar experience.
Follow Lily on Instagram and check out the Tobacco Queen here.
Photo credit: Lily Wang