Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Owen.
Hi Karina, 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 path has been built on relationships, consistency, and a deep-rooted connection to the cigar industry that began when I was a little girl traveling alongside my father in a family business built on a man, his phone, and a dream. From the age of four, I was immersed in the culture, surrounded by vendors, retailers, and cigar blenders who I grew up knowing as uncles and aunts. Through his dedication, he helped grow the business to become number one in the industry, and I carry forward the teachings and principles he instilled in me. I’ve taken that foundation and built my own path, developing my network and growing my own business while working events and collaborating with local celebrities and athletes. From an early age, whenever the phone rang and family called to say someone was in town, I showed up, participated, and helped move product—hands-on experience that, combined with my academic achievements, graduating with honors and earning recognition with the NSL while raising three children under the age of 10, shaped my discipline, resilience, and ability to perform at a high level under pressure.Although I initially pursued a path in medicine, life redirected me after my family experienced meningitis in Arizona, leading me to earn a degree in Behavioral Health. Working with orphans, juveniles, and individuals in the prison system strengthened my ability to understand behavior, communicate effectively, and remain composed in complex and high-pressure situations. I ultimately merged that skill set with the business I was raised in, building a career representing premium cigar lines, managing relationships across the East Coast, and operating my consulting business with a focus on value, connection, and execution. Today, I continue to move with purpose and integrity, working with celebrities and professional athletes, and I’ve had the pleasure of facilitating the Philadelphia Eagles with celebratory cigars. Because of new opportunities, I’ve also stepped into a new creative lane, exploring acting, an extension of growth and expression that I approach with the same level of seriousness and commitment. At the core of everything I do is a commitment to excellence, authenticity, and follow-through. Whether I’m building partnerships, executing events, working with high-level clients, or stepping into new creative spaces, I operate with intention and a clear standard: deliver value, protect relationships, and show up prepared. My background has given me both the experience and perspective to navigate diverse environments with confidence, and I take pride in being someone who not only understands the business but understands people. Above all, I am grounded in my faith, loyal to my family and friends, and guided by the values that have shaped who I am today. Thank you .
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes, it has been a challenging road and I would describe myself as being in the middle of my journey. I haven’t reached the peak of success yet, and that’s the part people don’t always like to hear. But that’s also where the real growth happens. I’m currently in a stage where I’m building, refining, and pushing myself to the next level, both personally and professionally.The reason being is intentional, I don’t go by my maiden name, because I want to be known as Karina Owen for who I am and what I’ve built. I don’t rely on favors, shortcuts, or riding on anyone else’s name or position. I prefer to earn every opportunity through my own work ethic, consistency, and reputation. If people come to know me, it’s because they’ve seen my work, my presence, and the value I bring, not because of anything handed to me or attached to someone else. That independence matters to me, because it reflects integrity and self-respect in how I’ve chosen to build my path.
Life, like anybody’s, has its obstacles metaphorically speaking, rings of fire, but it’s how we choose to move through them that defines us. I don’t give up. I look at my family, I lean on my faith, and I hear the voices of my friends and support system encouraging me to keep going. At the end of the day, I know there is a finish line, and that everything I’ve been building since I started working at the age of 12 will pay off. Every challenge, every pivot, and every late night has been part of that process, and I remain committed to seeing it through.
We’ve been impressed with Consigliere Consulting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Consigliere Consulting is built on relationships, execution, and access. It is a broad, multifaceted consulting business that supports clients across several areas, from individuals looking to start their own cigar brands, to established companies seeking guidance on events, partnerships, and brand positioning, as well as assisting with opening retail stores. I work closely within the cigar industry while also extending into podcast collaborations, celebrity-driven opportunities, and curated networking events where the right people and brands can connect in meaningful ways.
At its core, the business is about creating environments where opportunities happen naturally. Whether it’s facilitating introductions, helping develop a cigar brand concept, supporting the launch and opening of a store, organizing or executing events, or working alongside celebrities and athletes, my role is to bring structure, access, and strategy to the table. I specialize in understanding both the product and the people, which allows me to bridge gaps between brands, talent, and audiences in a way that is authentic and effective. It’s also a collaborative mindset I work with you, not for you becoming a partner in the process rather than just a service provider.What sets Consigliere Consulting apart is the combination of hands-on experience, strong industry relationships, and a reputation built on consistency and trust.This is not a transactional model it’s relationship-driven and rooted in execution. I take pride in being someone who shows up, follows through, and delivers value without relying on shortcuts or borrowed credibility. What I want people to know is that Consigliere Consulting represents access, opportunity, and professionalism across multiple lanes, with a focus on building connections that lead to real, lasting impact.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network starts with showing up with intention, consistency, and value. For me, networking has never been about what I can get, it’s about how I can contribute. People are more open to connecting when they see authenticity, reliability, and someone who respects their time and space. I’ve always approached relationships by first understanding the person, the environment, and where I can genuinely align or add value, rather than leading with an ask. What has worked well for me is being present in the right rooms and staying consistent in those spaces over time. Relationships in my industry were built organically through events, shared experiences, and mutual respect. I’ve learned that mentorship doesn’t always begin with a formal conversation; it often develops naturally through repeated interactions, trust, and demonstrating that you’re serious about your growth. When people see your work ethic, how you carry yourself, and your willingness to learn, they’re more inclined to guide and support you.My advice is to lead with humility, stay prepared, and be clear on who you are and what you’re building. Don’t rush the process or force connections, focus on building real relationships, maintaining your reputation, and following through on what you say. Over time, the right mentors and opportunities will align with you naturally.
Pricing:
- Events: Starting at $5,000+ depending on scope, size, and level of coordination required
- Monthly Marketing Support: Starting at $500
- Consulting Services: Starting at $4,000, with final pricing determined by the depth and complexity of the engagement
- All services are customized based on client needs, goals, and deliverables, and may vary depending on the level of involvement and project requirements
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staynclassyowen?igsh=NXFyMzhhMGk1NjRt&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/staynclassyowen?igsh=NXFyMzhhMGk1NjRt&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: @ConsigliereConsulting
