Today we’d like to introduce you to Shameka Jones.
Hi Shameka, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey really began in 2018 when I traveled to Cuba with my cousin. During that trip, we toured cigar factories and participated in pairing experiences with coffee and rum. That was my first true introduction to cigar culture, craftsmanship, and the lifestyle surrounding it.
In 2024, my business partner and I opened Champagne Problems, a pairings and libations champagne bar in Morrow, Georgia. We created more than just a bar experience—we offered curated pairings with cigars, food, delicacies, and signature cocktails. Twice a month, we hosted boutique cigar brand events where guests could enjoy a luxe, elevated experience while learning about premium cigars.
In 2024, I faced a health challenge, which caused us to pivot the business model and go mobile. After my recovery, I stepped back out stronger and began offering curated experiences for organizations looking to elevate their events. My background as a certified Project Manager Professional (PMP), certified bartender and Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist, combined with my passion for cigars and luxury hospitality, positioned me to help clients create memorable upscale experiences.
That same season, I joined the Good Time Gang International Cigar Club, where I was given the name “Champagne Smoke,” a title that naturally aligned with my brand and personality.
Today, I provide luxe event curation for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, while also serving as a sales representative and brand ambassador for cigar and whiskey brands—bringing together education, hospitality, and unforgettable pairing experiences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape where I am today. One of my biggest obstacles was an unexpected health issue that required major surgery. That season forced me to pause, focus on recovery, and reevaluate both life and business. It taught me resilience, faith, and the importance of adapting when life changes unexpectedly.
Another major challenge was closing our physical bar location. Losing our own dedicated space meant we had to rethink how we hosted events and connected with customers. At first, that was difficult because we had built something special there. But in hindsight, it became a blessing. By transitioning to a mobile model, we significantly reduced overhead and created the freedom to curate luxe experiences in multiple venues and cities instead of being tied to one location.
So while the road has had challenges, those same challenges pushed me to become more flexible, innovative, and stronger as an entrepreneur.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Professionally, my background is in business management consulting and project management. In 2023, I was serving as a Senior Project Manager within an Enterprise Project Management Office when I made the decision to resign and take a deeper look at what truly fulfilled me and what I wanted to build for myself.
During that same season, I co-opened our champagne bar, and through that experience I discovered how much I enjoyed hospitality, creating experiences, and engaging directly with people. It gave me a new sense of purpose.
That’s when I began to intentionally pivot from IT and corporate business management into hospitality entrepreneurship. I realized that the same project management skills I used in the corporate world—strategy, planning, budgeting, operations, stakeholder management, and execution—could be applied to curating luxury events and building a brand centered around elevated experiences.
Today, I blend both worlds: professional business expertise with hospitality creativity, allowing me to create memorable events while continuing to grow as an entrepreneur.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I believe both project management and hospitality will continue to grow and evolve. I don’t see the service or hospitality industry going anywhere because it fulfills something people will always need—convenience, connection, entertainment, and experiences. Whether it’s lodging, dining, nightlife, or curated events, people will continue to invest in ways to enjoy life and create memories.
Now, the industry may experience shifts tied to the economy, where consumers become more selective about how they spend their money. That means businesses will need to be more creative, more intentional, and offer real value. The focus will likely move toward elevated experiences, personalization, and quality service rather than just basic offerings.
As for project management, that skillset is timeless. It’s a framework that can be applied across any industry—technology, healthcare, hospitality, construction, entrepreneurship, and more. That’s why I value it so much, because it gives professionals the ability to pivot, lead change, and remain relevant in multiple spaces.
So overall, I see growth in experience-driven hospitality and continued demand for professionals who know how to organize, execute, and lead successfully.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champagne_smoke_atl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShamekatheActivator
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sajones/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChampagneSmoke
Image Credits
Photos by Corey Reese Photography
Fashion Stylist: Evonya Easley of Love E Fashion
