Since 2018, we have participated in nearly every major public event.
Let’s talk about who “Leonor Abzaradel” is...
I was born and raised in Montevideo the capital city of Uruguay by parents of European descent. Uruguay is a small country in South America with a population not exceeding 4 million people. It is known in some circles as the birthplace of the "Tango”, vineyards that produce some the finest tannat wines, home of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and last but not least the "Yerba mate” a tea that is known as the national drink.
I was sent to study abroad during my high school years and upon finishing my studies I went to work for a prominent advertising company embarking on a career in marketing and advertising. Always looking to overcome new challenges in life and prosper to the best of my abilities I decided to pursue the “American Dream” and move to New York City.
Like many immigrants arriving in a new country, especially a place like New York City bought on many challenges, many more than I expected. But I was determined to succeed and not be a burden to the country that opened its doors for me. I decided to go in the hospitality business, I figured that with the experience i had acquired working for an advertising company along with me being fluent in various languages it would be beneficial in me succeeding.
I decided to take on a vast amount of jobs from mixologist, waitressing, promotions to managing different restaurants, always keeping my nose to the grindstone that one day I will find my niche In life. During this time period I applied for a position to work at “Club Macanudo” a prestigious cigar lounge owned by General Cigar in the heart of New York City. It was here in which my first love of the cigar industry started, always looking to strive for the better I worked my way up to the position of assistant manager of the establishment. After four years working at “Club Macanudo” I decided that the only way to acquire the knowledge needed to further my career in the cigar industry was to applied for a position as a retail salesperson at the prestigious “Nat Sherman Townhouse”. At this iconic establishment I was able to acquire the knowledge needed to strive in the world of the tobacco industry a world full of diversity, passion, family and above all history.
Approximately a year later an opportunity arose to manage two cigar lounges by “Casa de Montecristo” in New York City and I accepted the position as assistant manager giving me another point of view in managing the day to day operations. This in turn afforded me the opportunity to applied for a transfer to help manage a newly acquired location by “Casa de Montecristo “ in Boca Raton, Florida and I jumped at the opportunity.
The world of cigars has opened many doors for me and I’m proud of my many achievements. No one ever said it was going to be easy and for that I’m forever grateful.
In 2019, I became the CEO of Platinum Nova Cigar a premium boutique cigar company in which I’m determined to make sure we achieve our motto to #makenovabig!
I’ve always said you have to work hard and follow your dreams, you never know what life may bring.
Dream it.
A woman who like many decided to follow her dreams. You always hear people say “Its not for you”, “It won’t work” , “Don’t do it”. But remember that you have the last word and that is to always “Believe in yourself."
Build it.
My goal is to bring all aficionados of the leaf together over a great cigar along with some form of dialogue. But also to give you a little insight of my life’s journey through hard work and determination.
Grow it.
My mission is to have a positive impact in an industry that we too can lead. That all human beings deserved to be treated with equality and respect and in a world of prejudices we need to have a little solidarity with each other.