Veteran-Owned Hand-Rolled Cigars: Jakim Morgan of Manna Cigars on Craftsmanship
By Lana Reid | November 2, 2022
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Jakim Morgan, veteran and owner of Manna Cigars, to discuss craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and building a veteran-owned cigar brand rooted in tradition. Jakim shares how his background, discipline, and upbringing in New York influence the custom, hand-rolled cigars produced by Manna Cigars. He reflects on the importance of patience, precision, and pride in skilled trade work.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Jakim Morgan offers an in-depth look at cigar craftsmanship and the intentional work behind building a legacy brand.
Jakim explains how hand-rolled cigars require more than materials — they demand technique, consistency, and respect for tradition. He discusses the importance of understanding tools, fermentation, blending, and rolling methods, emphasizing that craftsmanship is learned through practice, discipline, and attention to detail.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Jakim explore how military service shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. Jakim shares how structure, focus, and accountability influence his business decisions and work ethic. He highlights how these principles translate into the daily operations of Manna Cigars and the quality of the finished product.
The discussion also touches on cultural legacy and ownership. Jakim reflects on what it means to build a Black-owned, veteran-owned brand in a space often dominated by long-established traditions. He underscores the value of honoring history while carving out space for new voices and perspectives in skilled trades.
This episode offers insight into craftsmanship as both an art and a discipline, emphasizing pride in work, intentional entrepreneurship, and the value of mastering one’s craft.
About the Guest
Jakim Morgan is a veteran and the owner of Manna Cigars, a custom cigar company specializing in hand-rolled blends. His work centers craftsmanship, tradition, and disciplined entrepreneurship rooted in skilled trade knowledge.
For more information on Jakim Morgan:
https://www.mannacigarsllc.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mannacigarsllc/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUxIQH9NTMqTXrbs1VfXu1w/featured
https://open.spotify.com/show/3HokyKMYHWVXYo4vY3jLXr
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men who are veterans, entrepreneurs, and craftsmen building legacy-driven businesses through skill, discipline, and intention.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
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